Just Relax

I just went snorkeling in Maui, Hawaii. The waves are powerful and can feel a bit daunting if you aren’t prepared. I felt a little scared for a minute out there alone in the deep water far from shore.

I remembered... The only way to have a great snorkeling experience is to relax. Just relax - don’t struggle. I let go in this moment and welcomed a new experience. The correlations between this experience and my life experience poured through my mind.

This is true for all of life. When we struggle, no matter what we are (or are not) dealing with, things are always more painful and difficult. Yet even with this knowledge it’s hard to give up the struggle sometimes.

My mind was filled with metaphors for life as I was navigating my way through the reef and witnessing the life of the tropical fish, urchins and coral. There were times when the reef was just under my belly, a little too close for comfort, and other times when I ventured off that the water was very deep, a little to deep.

The fish are absolutely stunning - neon blue, purple and yellow features that can only be appreciated in this personal encounter. Some very large and some very small - all amazing just as they are. I wished I had an underwater camera to capture every sighting but I know from experience a photo does no justice. The fish swam right next to me and all around me as I floated in complete relaxation with only the sound of my breathing and the quiet crackling of the sea around me.

It struck me - I am part of this. I am right in the middle of it all. My life situations, in fact my whole life, is like a single ripple in the ocean yet each experience can feel huge and overwhelming when I’m standing in the center of it struggling for what I feel I need to feel safe, secure and loved.

I floated there letting the waves gently rock me as I took in the amazing gifts before my eyes, listening to my breath and feeling serene. My body felt light and healthy - there was no struggle.

I brought myself here in an act of courage to care for and nourish myself in spite of my current state of seeming constant fear and an aching heart. This acknowledgement made me feel proud and strong for a moment and I smiled. I turned this snorkeling experience into something magnificent with awareness and relaxation. Oh, how I long for this prompt awareness in all my struggles! ha ha

Today's experience in the ocean made me think.... it is probable I’m one of the beautiful, colorful creatures being witnessed in this life experience too. All of us are. Witnessed primarily by ourselves if we are open to receiving. Then another thought occurred to me- It would be a gift to more naturally view our human existence with the same appreciation and fascination we have for the rest of creation. Surely this would open up possibilities for new, more expansive experiences.

I’m happy I ventured out into the sea...