Back on the Beach

Yesterday we arrived at our “winter home”.  Back on Naval Station Mayport, complete with beach.

This morning, I put on my running clothes and headed for the beach.  Within a few minutes of being on the beach, I ran into my “beach angel” from last year.  Now I am pretty sure (or at least 50% sure) that he is human…as was the case that previous 2 times we met, he had a message for me that spoke to my soul.

“Welcome to your promised land.  Enjoy the peace, tranquility and joy here. This is my promised land too. Live your life to the fullest and enjoy every moment now.  No one else can or will do that for you.  Only you can do this.”  “Where you are – where you find peace – that is your promised land”.

No seashells this time.  Words – words that resonate and challenge.  I really do find peace and tranquility on the beach in this place.  Being with the water, the sand, and the breezes – all the elements and beauty – fills my heart with joy.  His words challenge me to consider that I could find the same sense of peace wherever I am.  I find that I struggle with guilt about not feeling as joy-filled in other places as I do here.  I know a different joy when I am in Michigan with my family, and an exciting sense of adventure when we travel to other places.  The feeling here, though, is different.  It’s almost like finding a missing piece that you didn’t know was missing until you found it.

I did find my own seashell lesson.  I came upon these two shells, they were nestled together.  What a wonderful visual reminder to remain open to growth and possibility – at the same time sheltering someone else and encouraging them to do the same – and/or allow yourself to be sheltered by someone that can remain open and encourage you in your journey.

Finally, a beautiful experience that brought to mind these lines from Max Ehrmann’s writing, The Desiderata.  “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.  As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.  Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.”  This large flock of seagulls and other shore birds congregated on the beach, and as I started walking toward the flock, I expected them to take flight as they usually do.  Instead, though, they simply moved and allowed me to walk among them on my way.  It is rare to be able to be so close to them.  They are beautiful birds, and were gracious in sharing their space with me.