Ever since I can remember, I have always been profoundly attracted to the ocean. My childhood best memories were by the beach. Fishing, swimming, exploring, digging, it was my playground.
As a young teenager, my relationship with the sea changed, it deepened, and it broadened. The sea became my refuge, my addiction, my reference, my source of happiness and inspiration. A place where I can contemplate, rest, dream, play, — but most importantly, a beautiful environment where I can learn from mother nature, humility.
The unique and strong smell of the seaweed on the rocks along the coast of the city where I grew up, the power and the energy of the ocean, the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. The spray and particles in the air, the texture of the sand, the tides, the currents, the calm, the rhythm.
Then surfing happened. It taught me patience, focus, curiosity, resilience, perseverance, appreciation, hope, and respect. I learned to fall and fail and get up again. Paddle back and try over and over. It gave me joy, a sense of purpose, and connection.
Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated and in a state of awe when in it presence. Few people can relate to these words. In fact, very few are aware that this type of bound can even exist. A fusion. A source.
What I am referring to has nothing to do with what you experience when you go to the beach recreationally during your summer vacation. When you lay on a towel, or when you get a beach-bed under a parasol and sip on your favorite cocktail. It’s not a trend, an interest, a passion, a hobby, or a lifestyle choice.
It’s a deep, genuine, and real long relationship — bigger and stronger than any other type of relationship.
Today the ocean gives me strength. It’s a part of who I am, my identity. Where I belong. Sometimes I ask myself if it’s a blessing to feel the way I feel, or the opposite. Having that need and urge. Feeling disconnected when I am not near it, and feeling great when I am in it.
I often think it’s a blessing to feel that way, loving the sea, but I also wonder if my life would have been so much easier if I didn’t know about it so I can fit in anywhere else.
What about you? What’s your relationship with the ocean?
Find-out here
