Splendor
October 14, 2013 § 8 Comments
The sea is nearly flat this evening, rhythmic undulations moving slowly to shore, small waves peeling across in a soft roar. I take the ocean kayak out, paddling to the horizon. Along the way, a massive sea turtle pops it head up to see the intruder. A bird dives into the sea ahead of me, emerging with its glistening dinner.
When it feels right, I stop paddling. Allowing myself to receive what is all around. I dip my hand into the cold, clear water. Hear the muffled roar of the break now far away.
As the kayak drifts, my vistas evolve. The endless sea stretching to the horizon becomes the shore and the final brilliant display of the setting sun.
Isolated and connected, alone but in harmony with all. The bone deep sense of wonder and peace sets in.
After a time, I paddle in, pausing at the break, not wanting it to end right then. When it’s time, I push into the small but perfectly formed wave and ride to shore. I imagine that my kayak especially likes this part.
Splendor. From standing on the shore preparing to launch to standing in the same spot preparing to leave, and each moment in between.
I want to exist like this, in each moment, in every place, for all of my life.
So beautifully written, the imagery comes alive in your words. Last night I reveled in the sky as the sun was setting, that perfect time of day when the lighting is magical. How often has that been shown to me and I haven’t noticed? Thank you for the reminder to see the beauty that surrounds us every moment of the day.
I loved the imagery and could feel the water beneath me as the kayak slid through the water. I think all things especially humans desire that, to be in the now. It is not an easy task but oh the rewards.
Lovely… reading your words I am there.
such serenity…i hope you do exist like that, in each moment, in every place, for all your life.
Thank you, Thomas. Like you said, the pause between out-breath and the next in-breath – fullness of all that is and isn’t. Beautiful.
“The bone deep sense of wonder and peace sets in.” Absolutely lovely, Tom, and so happy for you that you had this experience. Thank you for sharing…
I’d like to do that. It’s hard not to be spiritual near the sea.
A thought comes to mind:
If we are to live like that, “want” must vanish…