
<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">There is an art to entering the ocean when it’s choppy. After many failed attempts, I&#8217;ve figured out how to get into the water on my own terms: standing up straight, walking till my waist is under water, and then throwing my arms wide and diving in as if to say, &#8220;Make room for me, ocean!” Glorious! When entering wavy waters in this manner, like a schoolgirl waiting her turn to skip rope, I must time my plunge precisely. This requires patience and a watchful eye. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">To begin, my feet are safely submerged in the damp sand at the shoreline where the waves break and disperse. I look out to see where the swell begins, and I keep watch on the wind as it scoops up water and spreads it to shore like frosting on a cake. The waves seem to be saying to me, &#8220;Enter at your own risk,&#8221; as they rise and fall. ;</p>


<a class="wp-block-read-more" href="https://thesoulwhispersblog.com/2024/04/16/ocean/" target="_self">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">: Ocean</span></a>


<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">I know all too well the unforgiving strength of Mother Nature… ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph"><em>The break sweep kicks my shins sending me face first into the ocean. And like a hero in a western film, she rushes in instantly, lassoing me. She drags me underwater, drawing me deeper and spinning me forward. I do not give up easily. I kick and paddle with all my strength. I struggle to rise above the water and gasp for air, but she is unrelenting. Bound by the laws of nature, I surrender. My body goes limp and, in my submission, I let her dictate my direction. Her rage lightens. I feel less like an outlaw and more like a child in a playful wrestle. She understands her strength but will not harm me. I resurface, crawl to the shore and spread my body like a starfish in relief. I have learned my lesson. The ocean does not bend for me. I adhere to her laws. ;</em></p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">If I want to enjoy the pleasures of an ocean swim, I must attentively study her rhythm. I have to time my entrance and exit. I must understand my position: not too near to the swell or the break. And if I find myself in her grip, I will surrender and allow her to jostle me to shore, where I can walk around freely once more. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">The way I approach an ocean swim is similar to my journey with health. Only after losing control and being shook to my core was I able to understand life, and my reactions to it are not always in my control. When waves prevent me from a peaceful swim, I have learned to be patient. I closely observe the ‘energy in motion’ (also known as emotions) and adjust my agenda to move with their flow. I let the energy inside surge as needed, knowing that the storm will subside, and when it does I will emerge wiser than before. Whether it be torrent or gentle, I allow what <em><strong>is</strong></em> to be just as it is. I trust that my body is wise. </p>

Ocean
