Being At The Beach
It was 'another day in paradise' as they say in Encinitas, California, just north of San Diego. The beach called me with its blue sky and warm sunshine. New to Southern California at the time, I envied the surfers, those with boards, as well as those who used only their body to navigate the waves. I wished I could be like them…
As I played in the shallow surf I noticed a woman floating in the distance, beyond the 4-5 foot waves. She was by herself, far deeper than the line of surfing dudes who idle in perpetual wait for the next wave to ride.
Bobbing on the surface like a human leaf, she looked peaceful and serene. Allowing the ocean to cradle her, she looked like the ultimate depiction of composure and tranquility.
On A Mission
Since I was a little girl, floating was a favorite pastime of mine. I decided to head her way. Negotiating the waves on my way, I was swirled up by a giant one, and sank down on its back, not interested in catching it, only in going through. The surfers probably thought I was crazy, but I didn't care. Not in the least bit envious anymore, I was on a mission.
She seemed oblivious to being my destination.
As I managed to pass through the last of the waves' barrier, she noticed me and smiled. I was surprised to discover a middle-aged woman, with short hair, her skin loved by the sun. She wasn't particularly athletic, nor was she the Olympic champion type. She certainly wasn't a super woman who conquered the waves… only a content being, happy to be exactly where she was, one with the ocean.
I had arrived! The depth in the middle of nowhere felt like home… Her eyes smiled while I explained that I saw her from the shore and was determined to make my way to her, since she seemed so happy in her floating…
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," I questioned, and she reassured me: "I love the company! No one ever comes here, beyond the waves…"
We talked about our love of the ocean, and the ultimate embrace embodied in floating on the surface. Not holding on to anything, not aiming anywhere, drifting, yet held, with no destination and no goal…
"Yes" she replied to my question, "I do come here often, it's so very quiet… didn't you notice how crowded it is on the surf line? Besides," she added, "I don't really surf…"
"Neither do I," I admitted, "and up until now I was embarrassed about it…" We both burst into laughter.
Floating
Time stands still when you float. Your ears immersed in water, the silence is profound. It's only you and the motion. One with the ocean, lulled, rocked and swayed - you are in the realm of water.
Representing the path of least resistance, water is associated with the heart. Water gets stagnant if it is kept still for too long, as does the heart. Both need fluidity, movement and flexibility in order to keep fresh…
United By A Song
As I was gently held by the waves, a watery circle song surfaced in my mind: The River is flowing/ Flowing and growing/ The river is flowing/ Down to the sea.../ Mother carry me/ A child I will always be/ Mother carry me/ Down to the sea… I started humming it to myself, and my floating companion soon recognized the tune and joined me. We smiled to each other in recognition as we glided on water, side by side, not knowing each other's names, or life stories. United by a song, we shared a dance with the waves, moment by moment, for what seemed like a million moments in one.
We both felt it simultaneously - it was time to head back… Between the shore and us was an ever-changing, tall wall of waves, making the beach almost invisible. I had no doubt my companion knew exactly what to do. She's been doing this daily, after all.
I looked at her questioningly. She acknowledged the waves were real BIG. "Sometimes it's easier to follow the wave line from behind," she said. "Almost like taking a diagonal detour… you end up much farther down the shore from where you started, but that's OK, isn't it?"
"Sure," I said, relived she had a plan, and we headed north, swimming behind the waves, aiming diagonally towards the beach. I felt full trust in her.
No Fear
We didn't talk much as she followed behind me… Sometimes we swam side-by-side, at others we organically switched lead positions. Knowing I would be terrified if I was by myself I almost laughed out loud. Being with her was easy, even when she was behind me, since I had no doubt I was in good hands. I felt calm and focused.
The shore was approaching without me even realizing it, our swim together being so effortless. When our feet could touch the ground, she sighed deeply.
"I don't think I could have done it without you" she gasped, and I was dumbfounded.
"What do you mean?" I exclaimed, "I only made it because of YOU! I fully trusted you, every moment of the way!"
"Oh?" she smiled, "I was really scared…. I never had waves this big, and I wasn't sure if I could make it… Your presence gave me courage…"
For more information about Deanna L'am visit http://www.deannalam.com