Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...

Treasures…

One of my favourite books gifted by a dear West Coast friend many years ago Is small, a real treasure and one I could never get myself to give away, place into the box deemed for the second hand book store or the little free library around the corner. Instead, it made its way across our vast country not long ago and it keeps “jumping” off the shelf into my hands regularly.

Pantheon Books, New York, 1955, 1975. ISBN 0-679-40683-2

“Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh fits perfectly into my beach bag to bring along and get lost in for the afternoon. I would like to share one of my favourite passages with you here today:

“…some morning … the mind wakes, comes to life again. Not in a city sense -no- but beach-wise It begins to drift, to play, to turn over in gentle careless rolls like those lazy waves on the beach. One never knows what chance treasures these easy unconscious rollers may toss up, on the smooth white sand of the conscious mind, what perfectly rounded stone, what rare shell from the ocean floor. Perhaps a Channeled Whelk, a moon shell or even an Argonaut.
But it must not be sought for or -heaven forbid- dug for. No, no dredging of the sea bottom here. That would defeat one’s purpose. The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shown not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choice-less as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.”

Anne Morrow Lindbergh‘s small book contains countless wonderful passages like the one I shared above. It is the perfect companion for a day I just want to spend time in one place near the water’s edge. Each time I let it fall open and let myself be pulled into the metaphors that serve as a starting point for my own contemplations.

May today offer new starting points for a week full of creativity and reflection.
Best wishes, Anna

Limitless Inspiration: Kelp…

Inspired by the Poet Wallace Stevens and his poem “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” I dive deep into a study of kelp… Stevens’ poem is instructive in two ways: it teaches us how to see AND how to try. This way of gathering understanding applies to everything, including the many ways to listen and love.

I never imagined myself so fascinated by the low-tide offerings, especially kelp. When I first ventured out with my friend I tossed the idea of photographing kelp aside, not expecting to get so pulled in by the lush green of recently pulled-from-the-ocean-depths, supple lengths of kelp. These days I delight in discovering kelp: all stages, from green, still immersed in shallow pools of salt water, to cream coloured, almost translucent sheets, with droplets of water clinging to the underside evoking images of silky wedding gown folds to rich brown, butterscotch-like creations aided by wind, waves and rain.

I have found more than 13 ways of looking… when I get down on my knees to capture the light on the folds just so, I stop thinking, I listen to that innermost voice. My intuition guides me.

Do you experience such moments? Perhaps a newly opened blossom in your garden… the first carrot of the season pulled from the rich soil,with tiny hair roots extending and desperately holding on to the last crumbs of nourishing earth… maybe it is the joyful chirp of a bird in the tree or simply the buzz of a bee as it busily gathers pollen to carry back to the hive that transports you to the purest form of listening with your whole being. These are moments to add to our memory bank to help us get through the darker days.

If you can, find yourself a quiet spot today and ignore the work that is calling you. Close your eyes, even just for ten seconds, and take in the sounds of nature.

Add these impressions and experiences to your memory vault and visit them often to brighten your days! Enjoy your Sunday, Anna

Seeking Oneness with the World…

“It is amazing to consider how as infants we are one with everything. In time, of course, we learn how to distinguish between ourselves and others, between the world we carry inside and the world we move through. But ironically, the sages of all paths are those who, after lifetimes of experience, try to return to this primary state of Oneness. “
from “The Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo

A sunny day, a need to escape every day life and the tide “on my side”, or so I thought… It was my intention to return to Clarke Head. The thought of having to sign into the Glooscap Campground office for just passing through to the beach did not appeal, so I put my foot back on the pedal and, while accelerating my speed, made a split second decision to carry on. Wasson’s Bluff was calling louder!

A catchy tune on the radio I nearly breezed past the small pull-out and parking area for cars. It was the first time there was nobody else taking up space and I was relieved. I was hopeful it would also mean that there were no large black dogs roaming the beach off-leash. No matter how friendly they are labelled by their owners, I like a dog on a leash!

On the rough downhill path leading to the beach I encountered this rusted shovel illuminated by the morning sun. I paused, pulled out my camera to capture this contemplative “sabi moment” and turned to be presented with this vista.

I exhaled and let go of the ordinary world, opening my senses to what might be on offer today. I was not disappointed. Low tide presents like these always make me forget worldly distractions.

Walking the 300 meters to the edge of the water was exhilarating, the wind building in strength as soon as I stepped away from the shelter of the cliffs. I had a quick awakening: as I stood by the water’s edge to compose the next image in my view finder, a task no more than two seconds long, I found myself surrounded by water quickly seeping into my runners.

I had miscalculated my timing but instead of leaving the beach I headed back to the rocky shore line. I was determined to walk in the direction of Clarke Head. There is no way to get across the water but the shore offers wonderful sandy sections, often littered with crystals, referred to as Mermaids Tears by the locals. They glisten magically in the sun.

With one eye on the incoming tide I quickly realized that my original plan and destination called for a quick change. I turned around and made it back to my starting point near the leaning tree. The tide was rolling in fast and I breathed a sigh of relief when I safely leaned against a large boulder. But, I was not ready for the drive home. I surveyed the beach looking east toward Two Islands with Five Islands in the distance. I had not ventured in that direction before, and checking for more recent tide level lines I decided to explore the beach up-shore…

…and I am so happy I followed my intuition. The beach was wide enough for the waves to stay a safe distance away. The colour of the cliffs calling me for up close and personal exploration. I realized that I was present and ready to listen, not just to the sounds of nature all around but also to my sense of adventure. I rarely venture out alone to explore a new destination. This time I did and was richly rewarded. My senses bursting with new impressions and experiences!

Our surroundings are filled with awe inspiring and magical gifts ready to be discovered… on the way back drift wood and a well-positioned example of beach trash vs treasure conjured a smile or two. With a calm heart and mind I traced my steps back up the rocky terrain toward the car and turned the wheels toward home.

Embrace each day with an open mind and heart. It has become my mantra!

Thanks for stopping by and following along with my discoveries, Anna

To Be Receptive…

” …the sea is a great teacher of receiving. Always rising and falling like the clear blood of the earth, the formless water receives everything that enters it. It rejects nothing.” from “Seven Thousand Ways to Listen” by Mark Nepo

This quote entered my consciousness as I became fully present at Fox Point Beach several days ago. The purpose to explore the beach was photography but I quickly changed my focus. Yes, I was able to make a few images that are meaningful to me and perhaps to you as well. The brief slide show presents my favourites of that day.

Why did my focus change so suddenly? Perhaps it was the fact that the friend I ventured out with was completely absorbed in his own image search and we soon split apart. I found myself in this particular spot, between huge seaweed covered boulders near the water’s edge that only recently had emerged from the receding tide and open water. The light was quickly changing to embrace the beautiful qualities the “Golden Hour” presents. Such light makes wet rocks and calm water sparkle brightly, it softens harsh lines and bathes everything in a warm glow.

It was as if I had stopped thinking… my breathing slowed and my mind settled on the gifts of the sea. Without much effort or changing my position I observed lush seaweed dripping with moisture, tiny dulse plants promising a rich summer harvest, snails taking shelter in rock crevices and under plants. The bounty of the sea was all around me. The sound of constant waves, their foaming tongues rushing toward the sandy areas interrupted by smooth rocks, called for a pause.

My thoughts receded into the background. I was part of the environment, receiving and releasing the gifts the sea was ready to present and share. I was fully immersed, enveloped by this visceral experience yearning for the lasting for eternity. I would not trade these moments for anything. This is a place for healing, for restoring my senses and physical well-being.

All I had to do was respond to the moment, open myself up to active receiving. The strength presented through engaging with the elemental forces brings peace. My gift to the sea is a calmer self, someone whose senses have been restored.

Perhaps today’s contemplation will bring peace to you as well. Thanks for stopping by.

Warm wishes, Anna

How long should it be…?

Please click on individual images to appreciate them fully. Enjoy!

During a recent solitary beach walk I remembered my early days of freelance reporting for a small town newspaper in Saskatchewan. One particular memory came to mind and I had to smile as I was recollecting the experience.

I had received my first assignment covering an arts and culture event and I was wondering about the length of the article I was expected to turn in for the next day deadline. I had less than 12 hours to put pen to paper and create something informative and meaningful. The answer from the editor was swift: “Keep it to 400 words… that’s about all the bum can take.”

Once I picked up my jaw after it hit the proverbial ground I quickly realized that this little side gig I had secured for myself to hone my skills and gain experience was not going to provide me with an opportunity to put much soul into the reports I was to turn in. However, it was a time filled with valuable lessons. Every so often I was able to stretch a submission to 600 words without any of them landing in the trash. Mostly they asked for photographs. That was easy as I love to capture situations and special events. I lasted three years with the weekly paper and I am happy I did. It taught me flexibility, working to a tight deadline, meeting the editors’ expectations, connecting with community members, and I had ample opportunities to practice patience and humility. I continue to draw from these lessons every day. And now, that I am recommitting to my writing through this blog, I keep the lessons close by with the sincere intent to build on them.

Back to my original query: How long should my blog entries be? How much time do you have and how interested are you in a specific topic? I added more photographs to today’s post as some readers will enjoy the photos more than the written word. And I am perfectly fine with that… do take a minute today and please weigh in with a comment. Do you prefer photographs? Do you enjoy the contemplative writing? Or, do you come for a combination of both? I care and I will respond to every comment personally, I promise.

The need to express myself through artistic endeavors is strong. Some days I am satisfied with posting just one image and an accompanying haiku, other days I feel compelled to let my contemplative thoughts get transported to the page, like today. What ignites my passion?

Much like a magpie or crow I look for “sparkles”. Sometimes they are literally shiny bits and other times a quick thought might enter my mind and I am off running with an idea that keeps morphing into an involved project that spans over weeks. I am grateful for this site. Designating it to be a paid for blog is a psychological crutch for me. When I pay for something I commit fully. Free blogs are just too easy to abandon and delete.They are also often littered with inappropriate advertisements that not always reflect my interests or the organizations I support.

This is only day three of blogging on my new site. So far, so good as they say… I am drawing much of my inspiration from my surroundings. So many of us in Nova Scotia refer to the province as paradise and Canada’s Ocean Playground. We had a major hick-up in April with a big spike in Covid cases. Our little town had its first confirmed case in early May since the pandemic took hold in Canada. I continue to feel so very fortunate to live here. Neighbours quickly adjusted to tightening of the rules, our small bubble of four pulled together and helped each other out by shopping for another and connecting on a smaller scale. We continued to embark on beach walks close to home to feed the senses and clear the mind. It signified a return to being more introspective and at the same time sparked my ambition to pick up my fountain pen on a daily basis, and eventually moving from the physical to the virtual page. I hope you join me regularly. Sign up for notifications regarding new posts! And don’t forget to weigh in with your thoughts.

Many thanks for stopping by today.
Best wishes, Anna

Tuning in…

“Spirituality is the tuning of the inner person with the great mysteries and secrets that are around us. “ U Thant (UN Secretary General 1961-1971)

This quote came to me as I was making my way across rocky terrain to reach the soft sandy shore bathed in sunlight. And, if the calming nature sounds of the receding tide were not sufficient, the discovery of several live sand dollars brought a a genuine feeling of joy to me. It was the moment where my breath and heart-beat slowed, that precise moment where I felt connected with my environment.

The usual thoughts racing through my mind… stopped. I listened inward and there was a great feeling of peace, a calm that I have seldom experienced in the past. The quiet only disrupted by the gentle waves creating ripples in the sand. The colour surreal… like a Mediterranean beach scene without the sun bathers. I soaked it all in, held on to the visual and emotional impressions, recharging my body and mind!

By creating the image I realized that I was the connecting element bringing the experience and well timed observation together forever. One moment in time, on this sandy beach with its pink sand, perfect for sand dollars to find protection between the tides – my contemplative experience. May it bring you a feeling of joy and an opportunity to begin your day with gentleness.

Anna

The Portal… A Turning Point

My new home continues to present me with exciting destinations and discoveries, each more awe-inspiring than the last, at least this is how I experience them. A few weeks ago I embarked on a solitary beach walk. It was on my to-do-soon list for some time. The weather was glorious, the tide on the way out and the beach without another soul as far as my eye could see.

Clarke Head was the destination. Along the vast beach, some rocky areas, some passages easier to navigate, I made countless discoveries. I moved between surveying the high cliffs for variations in the geological compositions and the beach for glass and other treasures. The water was calm with fishing boats in the distance.

I walked between gigantic rock formations on my right and the towering cliffs on my left feeling like a tiny ant and yet, at the same time I realized that as a human my actions have tremendous significance. My thoughts kept me propelled forward. The ground suddenly more rocky again… and there is was, my destination. I could clearly make out a natural arch in the distance with an opening so wide a team of horses with carriage could easily pass through. Up close it became clear that actual passage would be impossible with huge boulders barring the entrance at beach level. My senses were heightened and the thought that no man-made structure has evoked this much emotion in me before manifested itself. I stood for some time appreciating the high arch, wondering how long it has evoked such reverence of anyone coming upon it.

I became very still, my thoughts moving into the background while I listened to the world around me. The ocean was gently lapping at the shore nearby, the occasional wave reaching higher and swooping over the kelp covered rocks no more than 20 steps from where I stood. The early springtime sun illuminating this magical place, warming my shoulders. Grateful for my discovery that day I turned, promising myself that despite not being able to pass through the opening it would surely serve as a metaphor for a new path. The idea for a new communication vehicle, this blog, was born…

All I needed was an appropriate name. I began to write down possible names and tag lines and “Fundy Contemplations” repeatedly moved to the foreground. Nearly two months after that first spark of an idea I welcome you, my reader, to my new place of expression. It serves as a continuation of the Miksang blog I kept for the past 4 1/2 years. A cross country move in late 2020, a new home and a significantly changed landscape at my door step I saw the opportunity to elevate my contemplative photography and writing. There will be haiku writing in the future, but this site is geared to serve more as a journal allowing a safe space for my contemplative, creative writing practice. I welcome you to comment anytime. Insights and feedback serve as inspiration and it will confirm interest. Better yet, please sign up to receive a notification each time a post goes live.

Welcome once more, and may creativity guide our path!
Anna