Sea of Inspiration.

One of my favorite things about my first year living on the beach is experiencing each season and its treasures. The vastness I feel from the universe as I gaze out from the edge of land. The deep, poetic thoughts impressed by my senses.

I moved in mid-August, sand levels were high and tides far out. As the months went on, the sun set closer to the front of my house, perfection each night as it sank below the horizon. Directly into the Pacific Ocean, no obstructions besides nature’s chosen patterns. Fall is my favorite time of year in LA. Sunny, but cooler days, followed by cloudy, masterpieces for sunsets. Fiery skies collecting color through each formation. Unique and powerful. Vibrant and calming.

Once the sand levels lowered, I discovered my staircase was longer than I even knew! As the tides broke over, new steps revealed themselves. A metaphor for the depth drowning brings. The levels climbed to shore after the storm washes over don’t just disappear. To pull myself out of those deeper times, my ladder must extend. Stretching my dimensions. Fully immersed in the human experience. My reach broadens. My capability always expanding. It isn’t until I climb back up that I can see the silver lining. How far I’ve come and how much I’ve gained in the process.

The waves crashing under my house were another exhilarating surprise. Now living on the ocean, not just the beach. I have had this reoccurring dream since I was a child. It’s my world as I know it, but instead of roads, cars, ground, everything is water. I swim wherever I want to go. While swimming isn’t a prominent thing in my life, those dreams have always been, to me, as satisfying as flying. While some people find freedom and relaxation in their flying dreams, I find total peace in these dreams navigated through water. Flowing so easily, elegantly. At my own pace, unbothered by the paths of others. Once again, my dream has became my reality. My comfort has become my home.

As the sun starts to move behind the mountains, I’ve been curious what new perks would be discovered. This time the beach revealed physical treasures. Taken by the sea, returned as precious gifts. Garbage worn and frosted into beautiful gems. Sea glass! Just another transformation through rough waters. Who knew a broken bottle could form into such a jewel? Never underestimate the potential a turbulent journey enlightens. It’s the salt, the scratches, the tumbling through the sea that revealed the value of those sharp, broken pieces.

As I delve into these days of collection, my thoughts slow down. My intentions become clearer. If I only look for the big pieces that stick out from where I’m standing, I’ll miss out on the endless beauty that surrounds. Unique and colorful finds mixed into the sand. Some take digging, most just an open mind. Of course I could wait to see those bigger pieces before I crouch down and rummage through. When things look good, there’s probably more good to be found. But what if I’m missing the good that takes more careful observation? Letting my mind focus only on the obvious big and shiny attractions, when it’s those tiny, harder to find pieces that bring more reward.

With the arrival of this sea glass season, I am grounded, literally. I have a goal, my walks have tangible purpose. I come back with physical reward. A jar full of my successes. Souvenirs of my commitment. Appreciation for individuality, the beauty in authenticity. Battled and bruised, these colors find new form. Just like all the other precious moments I’ve experienced here at the beach, metaphors of a full life. Accepting bumpy times and uplifted because of them. Dreams don’t come true without a little fight. Beauty is pain, understood and nurtured pain.