The sand blowing along the beach reminded me of the verse that says: “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” In this case we could see it, too.

Also, looking out at the turbulent sea and the crashing waves made me think of the message that “even the winds and the sea obey him”.

Photos and reflection by Kay P.

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The grey cold day, and strong wind made walking almost impossible. The same conditions made me turn inward to think about many things. I treasured sharing time in the car with warm tea and good friends.

Photos and reflection by Nancy B.

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Winter Storm Jonas was on its way to bury the Northeast over the weekend, while  Pawleys Island was starting the day with strong cold winds and rain showers. A gray, blustery and cold predawn… my intention for today’s walk was focused on inner peace — as the upcoming months would be a period of significant transition for a close family member. As I approached the beach there was one word that immediately shouted out to me — turbulence, turbulence, turbulence… Certainly not the message of peace I had hoped for.

The ocean roared and churned and foamed — the windblown sand rapidly glided across the beach heading south. My sunrise walk quickly became a standing meditation on the edge of the beach, protected from the wind a bit by the dunes. And, oh, the ocean, wind and beach were magnificent — absolutely magnificent in their energy and power. The energy surrounded me and I felt warm. I had found an inner peace amongst the turbulence.

A flock of pelicans flew by with the winds behind them — was almost effortless for them as they rode the currents. And then a lone pelican flew close to the ocean waves against the wind– it took much effort for her to make progress… but indeed she did make progress. With the wind, against the wind, or just quietly observing and letting it be– I had managed to find some inner peace.

As we were driving across the causeway to exit Huntington, we were astounded and overjoyed by the bird life on the tidal pond. A flock of white pelicans swam and fished– all in unison as they dipped their heads to fish — like a choreographed dance. And joining them on the pond were herons, a swan, egrets, and several species of ducks. What a wonderful gift we had been given!

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.