Ocean Poem

Gavin and us in Charleston SC

The ocean is and always has been one of my favorite places since setting foot on it for the first time I can remember back in my early 20's.  I wrote this one day on a beach trip, post yoga therapy training. 

At the first crest of light, the coast awakening, the sea is calm, quiet, serene. The edge of the water tenderly kisses the shore. In the distance as far as the eye can see there is stillness. The sea at this time of day is equivalent to a mind deep in meditation. The sea is at peace despite the activity beneath its surface and the humanity beginning to stir on shore. Life continues in and around the sea, but the sea is not interacting, simply breathing and being.

Much later I observe the waves begin to crest and quake at the surface, the noise increases in and around the sea. The sea no longer calm and quiet, is now interacting with day, tides, planetary movement, life. Now, like our mind outside of meditation the sea is tumultuous. Thoughts, like waves, in and out, chaotic and loud, one thought crashing into another. Fear, doubt, anger, regret, longing, envy, anxiety, over stimulation... pulled in all directions at once it is fierce, reckless, restless.

Meditation is a process of working toward serenity, toward peace amidst chaos. It is a hopeful and dedicated practice of simply being and breathing without reacting and responding to the repetitive thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It is acknowledgment and stillness again and again. It is returning. It is coming home.