Relaxation & Empowerment Through Imagery: Running of the Grunion

by Nita Davis

photo compliments of morguefile.com

 On this warm summer night, the full moon is high in the sky as we stroll along a Southern California beach. The ocean breeze has cooled the night air after the hot day. We slowly walk along the shoreline silently enjoying the slightly salty taste of the fresh sea breeze in our face. The gentle swoosh, swoosh of the waves as they roll toward the sand caressing it with such tenderness eases our tattered nerves. We can feel the tension in our bodies begin to relax.  Looking to the horizon beyond the waves a sense of awe overcomes us as we gaze at the night sky scattered with millions of stars glittering down on the dark ocean. At this very moment there are no worries in life, no struggles to be fought only beauty to permeate our souls. The hour is late and the tide is high, sweeping in with it a brilliant display as each wave begins it's curl. We are mesmerized by the phosphorescent glow that begins to form in the curl of the wave turning it a bright silver. We are graced by the beauty and strength we witness as the wave deposits thousands of small silver fish known as Grunion at our feet bound for their annual spawning ritual. As we watch the females work their way into the sand to lay their eggs while the males dance around them in a curved motion for only moments until the wave sweeps the males back into the ocean. The females are left behind as they make their way out of the sand to return to the ocean on the next wave. Watching the struggles of the females as they return only to be replaced by more Grunion both male and female to take their turn in the spawning ritual we are reminded that every creature whether big or small faces obstacles to survival. Fully relaxed we return to our car knowing that if such a small fish can battle the mighty ocean every year to lay their eggs in the sand along the shore surely we can survive the challenges before us.
I hope you have enjoyed my imagery. If you have never had the opportunity to observe the running of the Grunion and are in or visiting California during the full moon from about April through August I strongly encourage doing so. Click here or here to learn more about this amazing example of resilience.

Red X

By Nita Davis

 Wandering the halls of an amazing art gallery I am drawn to an area where at first I think a painting has been removed.Yet as I get closer I realize that there is a canvas hanging on the wall before me. I am drawn to the canvas with it's stark whiteness. The amazing purity of the white is so astonishing it almost takes my breath away.  Gazing intently at the painting I notice a small red X in the upper corner of the canvas. A need to touch this small spot of color upon the stark whiteness overcomes me. Reaching out I gently caress the red x with the tip of one finger. How strange, It is as if all has gone silent, no hum of the lighting, no hushed whispers by other visitors, not even the click click of shoes upon the polished oak floor. An odd feeling comes over me as I no longer feel the solid floor beneath my feet, I am floating in a colorless sea. Cradled within this sea I am completely cushioned in the brilliant white softness. The purity surrounds me, wrapping me in its folds, comforting me from all the color that is reality! My hand drops to my side, and once again i am standing in the gallery with its vivid colors and muffled sounds. Walking away from the painting i understand that i have been given a gift, the knowledge that purity comes from within and that if we can focus on that purity we can find serenity.

Come Walk With Me

Image courtesy of www.morguefile.com

As we leave the path that has taken us past the long grass and reeds of the dunes to the shoreline, we slowly step upon the golden sand. With each step the warm sand gently massages our tired feet, delivering them from the ache brought on by unforgiving shoes. Breathing deeply of the fresh clean air, our spirit is refreshed. The ocean mist lightly touches our skin, bathing us in its salty glory. Walking along the shore the warmth from the mid morning sun wraps itself around us, as if cradling us in its arms protecting us from harsh reality. We continue along not speaking just absorbing all the beauty that nature is offering. Off in the distance we can hear the faint cry of gulls as they glide along the crisp blue skies. We sense the harmony of nature as it pulls us into its fold. Nearing the waters edge the sand begins to cool, soothing our feet even more as the gentle rolling tide of the ocean dampens the ground before us. Soon we are mesmerized by the gentle swoosh, swoosh of the tide as we make our way to my favorite resting spot. Spreading a soft blanket upon the warm sand just beyond the reach of the surf we sit to relax in the mid morning warmth quietly watching the aqua blue waves build upon the ocean, gloriously sprouting white frothy tips on their crest. Lying back upon the blanket we gaze up at the bright blue sky just in time to see a fluffy white cloud slowly drift by, taking with it all our worries. A strong feeling of peace washes over us as we listen to the steady rhythm of the surf. Ever so gently we are lulled into a state of tranquility. Consciousness begins to drift as if upon the current of the sea, gently rocking until we drift into a peaceful rest.
By: Nita Davis
 
I hope you have enjoyed our walk.