Beach Combing

It's a beautiful, warm, sunny day, and the ocean is beckoning. Pack up what you need, and let's go to the beach.

As you arrive at the shore, there's a gentle breeze against your face. From here you can already hear the rush of the waves, the roar of the surf, and seagulls calling to each other.

Take off your shoes. Feel the sand under your feet - it is the perfect temperature, and you feel comfortable. Stand there for a moment and notice how your feet sink into the in the dry, warm sand. Now look down at your feet and wiggle your toes and watch the sand slide off the tops of your feet and in between your toes. Do that a couple more times, digging your toes into the sand, and then lifting them up and watching the sand slide off of them. Ahhhhh, it feels like a mini foot massage.

Look up and towards the water. See where the water meets the sand? Notice how the waves come up the beach towards you, and how smooth the sand's surface is when the water recedes. Watch the waves for a few moments, as they move in and out.....and listen. What do you hear? The ocean has it's own rhythm. Listen closely to the sounds of the waves. It might be a gentle lapping, wooshing sound or more of a roar. What ever it is, just notice it. Take a deep breath and now there's a hint of salt in the air.

As you continue to breath, you find yourself slowly walking towards the water. You walk until you've reach the point where the waves meet the sand. Stop here and notice how different the texture of the sand is now. It's firm and wet, and when you look down you notice that your feet leave an impression. Turn right and begin walking along the tidal line of the beach. Take another deep breath. There's moisture in the air, and the sound of the surf is a little louder. What else to you hear now? More sea birds perhaps? Are there other people enjoying the surf today?

Continue walking and beach combing. You discover an interesting sea-shell or stone, or even sea-glass on the sand, out in front of you. Bend down and pick it up – hold it in your hand and take a look at it. Brush the sand away – you might even want to wash the sand off in the surf. It's glistening now, and the colors seem so vibrant and rich. Notice any other details about it. The shape, the texture, the weight of it in your hand. Turn it over in your palm and look at it from this other side. What do you discover?

Place the treasure in your pocket, or keep holding it in your hand as you continue on your walk. Walk for as long as you'd like.

Notice how good you feel and how relaxed you are after taking a few moments to enjoy the simple pleasure of walking along the beach on such a glorious day.