❤︎The series of entries from the beginning of November thru December will be short essays on parts of my life that I may have taken for granted, but have come to realize are simple, true gifts that nurture my soul. My conscious, daily gratitude has opened my eyes and heart to the small wonders, and everyday tasks that are simple gifts. During this season of thanksgiving, I hope to awaken the simple gifts you already have within.
It’s a chilly but clear November afternoon on Cape Cod. Thermometer registered at 42 degrees but maybe a tad warmer in the sun. Our family just arrived for the night and while they’re settling in at the house, I head to the beach. My kids cringed when I asked if they wanted to join because it will no doubt be windy and cold. I probably would have responded the same 30 years ago, but how perception changes as one matures.
There aren’t many places in the world where I feel more at peace than when I’m on a beach. Church, yes, but in a different way. Here, the breeze rustles my hair, salt air fills my lungs, sand weighs down my feet as I trudge to the water’s edge. As I look out into the vast openness of the ocean (it’s really Nantucket Sound), I feel calm, content. I hear the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore and take deep breaths. I squint with the glare coming off the water, keeping my distance from the incoming waves, not daring to get my sneakers wet. I find a soft patch of sand and start walking. Not a soul in sight even on a glorious day such as this. But I secretly am glad no one else is here–my special time. I honestly am not thinking, not planning, not organizing in my head…simply being in the moment. I guess the beach does that to me. Grants me a state of mediation in a way. It’s rejuvenating, mind-clearing, and helps center myself. Oh how I wish I could live at the beach year round. One day, I will but for now, I take my beach walks back home through shells, driftwood and photographs. And if I close my eyes and try really, really hard, I capture this moment in time to savor within and bring peace when daily life back home just happens.
My gift to you…what’s a place that fulfills you will peace and contentment? If you can’t go there right now, picture it in your mind-how do you feel? Share your special place with us…
the Essentialist Family 