Are you a mountain person or a beach one?That is one of the questions that appears on those personality quizzes often found in magazines. If you prefer to head to the mountains, apparently you are an introspective person who prefers a quiet night-in versus a night out clubbing. You are self sufficient, independent, introspective and likely enjoy quiet activities such as painting and writing. Those of us who are beach-lovers are said to be extroverts who are energetic, active, and upbeat. We enjoy meeting new people and turning small talk into lengthy conversations. You won’t find us laying on a blanket on the sand because apparently we will be too busy hosting a beach party, swimming in the water and playing beach volleyball.
You may have figured out by now, that given a choice, I will always pick the ocean over a mountain.Whether you are a land-lover or a fan of the deep blue sea, we can probably all agree that we can learn a great deal about life from the ocean.
Until recently, the closest that I had gotten to any waves was the CD that plays on loop in my acupuncturist’s office. The relaxing sounds of the crashing waves immediately put me to sleep every time I am in her office. A 45-minute appointment leaves you feeling as if you have just awoken from a deep night’s sleep. I was first convinced of the powerful effects of this natural white noise when we took our oldest son to the Jersey Shore when he was just three months old. Up until that point, 4 hours was the longest stretch he had slept at one time. Needless to say, my husband and I were running on empty. We slept that first night on vacation with our hotel room’s balcony door slightly ajar. It didn’t take long for us to fall asleep that night, thanks to the lull of the ocean waves. We slept very well and realized when we woke up that, for the first time, we had not been awoken in the middle of the night by our crying baby. The ocean turned out to be quite the lullaby for our first-born…he slept 12 hours that night and every night thereafter of our trip.
I talk a lot about nature in my line of work. The movements of the ancient Chinese practice of Qi Gong intentionally mimic nature, particularly the fluidity of water. The gentle exercises encourage our bodies to move in a natural and flowing way, with effortless power. The movements are as relaxing as they are energizing. As I teach my classes, my mind is often thinking of the ocean waves and the many invaluable life lessons they have taught me.
Lesson # 1 - Wait for the Peace to come -
There will be high tides and low tides, raging waters and crashing waves. If we are patient enough to wait, the peaceful and calm waters will soon come to the shore.
Lesson # 2 - Catch the Light -
Sunrises and sunsets are equally spectacular over the ocean. The water also perfectly reflects the moonlight. We need to allow the light to radiate over us - day and night - capturing the sunlight and shimmering under the moon.
Lesson # 3 - Find your Purpose
Even the smallest pebble on the floor of the ocean has a purpose. We need to find ours.
Lesson # 4 - Play Well with Others
The ocean is filled with creatures large and small and they somehow find a way to coexist. The ocean reminds us that we are all different and unique, yet connected for a reason.
Lesson # 5 - Every Wave Reaches the Shore
We are often in a rush to “grow up” and figure out what we want to do with our lives. It takes some of us longer than others. There is no reason to hurry or panic…every wave eventually reaches the shore.
Lesson # 6 - Go With the Flow
Water can be both powerful and relaxing when it needs to be. It is strong and relentless and finds a way to get through dams, it is also flowing and calm and has a rhythm all its own. We too can be strong, yet calm, forceful yet yielding, powerful but also beautiful.
Lesson # 7 - We are part of something much bigger than us
We can easily get caught up in everything we have going on in our own lives. The ocean reminds us that we are part of something incredibly vast and large which will help keep our daily worries in perspective.
Lesson # 8 - Every Drop Matters
When you feel as if your contribution to the world is just a mere “drop in the ocean”, remember the beautiful and wise words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”
Is your heart tugging you to get to the beach or go climb a mountain? Whichever it is for you, may you find your life lessons along the way.