I think this is true for most of us. We lead very busy lives and it is difficult for us to take the time to find an inner peace, but inner peace is vital to our mental and physical well being.
I took these photos last fall when I visited the Outer Banks in North Carolina. There is something about being at the ocean that quiets my thinking. I am able to sit, breathe in the smells, and relax.
You may be thinking that the ocean isn't really quiet, but as I sit the sounds of the pounding waves and the cries of the sea birds recede. I am left with a sense of utter silence.
It feels like a cleansing and an awakening for me, and I have always wanted to carry that back home when I leave.
I have found that not only can I bring that silence and sense of peace to wherever I am, but that it is necessary that I do so.
For me I find my silent times in meditation. Each morning I sit quietly and clear my mind of all thoughts. The sounds of the traffic outside my home slip away and I am left with idle silence. It is these moments that inspire me and quiet my thinking for the rest of the day. Many of my most profound insights have come from these quiet times.
I hope that you are able to find time for the sounds of silence today. That you are able to set aside a time of quiet just for yourself.
I feel the same way about the ocean and I miss it terribly. Walking along the shore, listening to the waves and the sound of the surf, the smell of the air, the sound of gulls crying - all of it makes my shoulders drop and my thoughts stop racing. Very meditative.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
It is so very restful, Claudia. I wish it was much closer.
Deletei love quiet. and nature. :)
ReplyDeleteMe too :)
DeleteLaura, Swinging in a hammock on a summer day has always seemed so peaceful to me. I like looking at the clouds floating by. Wishing you a peaceful weekend, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful, Susie. Have a lovely weekend.
DeleteLaura, beautiful words and images! I love the ocean, too; there's something magical about it, and just the sound of it can carry me away.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean. The sea is very magical.
DeleteThe beach and ocean waves do the same for me. The rhythmic waves are very calming and all our vacations are to the beaches. Focusing on nature can bring us into the present moment and bring quiet.
ReplyDeleteYes, Sandy nature has such a calming effect.
DeleteIt is difficult to explain but the sounds of birds or tress rustling is fulfilling and profound in a way. Blessings, Catherine
ReplyDeleteI love that too, Catherine.
DeleteOcean can also help me clear my head... But yoga has also helped recently, I guess it works a little like meditation.
ReplyDeleteHi Magali. I would love to do yoga, but with my knee replacements I'm not sure if I can. I think I will research it some. :)
DeleteI was on the coast of NC a week ago and the photos brought back the sense of security that I find by the ocean. We were in a nicely restored older oceanfront home where we enjoyed quiet talks on a screened in porch with the most comfortable old wicker ever!! All I want when I get home is to go back. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSami Pat, that sounds wonderful. Nothing like a screened in porch by the ocean. I would want to be back there, too. :)
DeleteI have only been to the ocean a few times. I always wanted to have a cabin near the water somewhere. But don't think that is going to happen. So I have two sound machines. One in the living room and one in the bedroom. The sound of rain I hear 24/7. If I forget to turn it on, the quiet is too loud.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Brenda, the quiet is too deafening for some people. White noise can definitely help to calm you.
DeleteBeing in nature always does this for me. Even if it is only to take a walk outside wherever I am, The seaside is an extra special treat! These are lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jacqueline.
DeleteI do love the ocean, but long walks also help me.
ReplyDeleteI love long walks in the country. I miss my aunt and uncle's farm where I could walk across the fields.
DeleteI love just sitting and watching the clouds and the birds!
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect to me, Ann.
DeleteIt is the only place where I can "Be Still" completely. As I've said before, it's my happy place. God speaks to me there like no other place but it's there that I am quiet enough to listen. This is a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Isn't that an amazing feeling.
DeleteLaura, I so agree with yo. And what gorgeous photos. The ocean will always have my heart, always....
ReplyDeleteJen
Thank you, Jen. It has my heart too.
DeleteYou spoke a lot of truth here today, Laura. Your photos are gorgeous, too. I have to say that when I am by the ocean I feel "centered" and I feel connected to God there. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteIt is an amazing connection. I don't think I appreciated the ocean enough when I was living so close to it.
DeleteLaura, your photographs are breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. We all need silence in our lives and don't get enough of it.
I love the quote, "Be still and know that I am God." Susan
Thank you, Susan. I love that quote.
DeleteYou are very wise and I so appreciate you passing on your philosophy. I feel so settled and can turn off the noise in my head when I'm connected with nature. Gorgeous pictures you took!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Thanks, Jane. Every season is beautiful, but I love this time of year when I feel like I can really reconnect with nature.
DeleteFabulous photos! I love the ocean and hearing the waves crash, the sound of the gulls as they wheel over the water and the wind or even the gentle breeze on a hot summer day. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteFeel like I'm right there. :)
DeleteI've done my best thinking on the beach. I'm first trying to master meditation, but I haven't quite gotten it down yet -- I keep thinking about what to eat for lunch!
ReplyDeletemaybe after lunch would be a better plan :)
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