I have always enjoyed the beaches along Lake Michigan. There is something serene about the sound that waves make as they crash into shore. The sound of endless repetition transports you from the worries of your life to a different realm allowing your mind and spirit to reflect and renew itself. .
My life is a constant whirlwind of responsibilities and deadlines. Demands for my time come from my career, school work, children, and extended family. From the time my feet hit the floor in the morning until it is time to sleep, I"m running a race with the clock to accomplish as much as possible with the time that is given for that day. .
Regular exercise enables me to physically cope with the stress that comes with these demands. Continuing my education keeps my mind from becoming stagnant as well as the tools I need to enhance my career. Daily prayer and communication with God allows me the spiritual center that I need to stay balanced and keep in-tune with what is important in my life. However, these tools are not enough. There comes a time when my internal battery has run out of power, and needs to be completely recharged. The place for me to accomplish this is at the beach. .
From the moment that I walk over the sand dune, I am transported into a different realm both spiritually and mentally. It is a realm without ringing telephones or demands for my time. The only things that exist for me are the feel of warm sand on my feet, the sounds of sea gulls and children playing, and the continuous sound of water lapping at the sand. .
I search for just the right spot to sit that will enable me to soak up the warmth from the sun and still capture the view of sail boats as they make their way across the horizon. The beach blanket is spread, my book is at my side, and I close my eyes allowing the heat from the sun to relax my physical body. The sound of the waves crashing into shore erases all the worries from my mind.