Shifting to Presence

All of us have disconnected moments.  So it's probably helpful get aware of what takes you away, and brings you back to being present.  I have noticed that, for me, living in a little space can sometime shoot me quickly out of clarity.  I feel that this is a gift.  In such contracted surroundings, with so few possessions it has become clearer what brings joy, what doesn't and what needs to be worked on.

I love to connect with the natural world.  To watch birds dive and tumble.  To listen to the waves break.  And best of all, to feel the elements - wind, sun, rain, anything - touch my cheek.

Last week I had the thrill of going to John MacArthur State Park in West Palm Beach.  I adore that park.  And the visit did not disappoint.  Still the same estuary teeming with animal life.  Still the sand dunes covered in healthy vegetation.  And still the wild wind and water with no development on the long beach. No matter where my head is when I arrive in such a place, within minutes I am transported.

The last time we were there the beach was really really cold.  And the children were not feeling to hang out with each other.  But within minutes we were standing on the edge of sand 'cliffs' making them collapse, wrestling in the sand and just having a lovely time.  All topped off by a fun breakfast made in the parking lot on our return to the RV.

I have also been getting into the habit of taking long long walks on Miami Beach whenever we stay here.  I leave from the RV in the dark morning and just am in bliss walking in the sand, paddling in the waves, sitting with the birds.

Unfortunately my camera is doing a dance on me so I'll have to post the pictures later.  But maybe you can just close your eyes for a minute and imagine the two beaches.  The wild undulating sand of the State Park beach with animal foot prints, portuguese man-o-war tangled in the seaweed on the beach, sharks and stingrays hanging out in the reef just off shore, and tons of cormorants, hawks and Pelicans circling the beach and the estuary.  Or you can picture South Beach with its recently raked sand, clear still aqua water, gently breaking waves on the shallow waterfront, and the lights of cruiseships parked on the horizon.  The contrast is large but the beauty crosses over.

I am so blessed.