March 14, 2010

Time: At Peace with it's Flow

Time, always more in control of me than the reverse. 

There are periods when I am at peace with time's flow. I think of them as ocean days; some filled with blustering salted winds, others with calm shore lapping waves. Each providing the version of energy necessary to meet the days needs. Then there are other periods where no manner of internal perspective shift gives them balance. Being a soul whose hands dampen at the thought of heights, those days feel like my imagined version of standing on the glass floored platform that juts from the rim of the Grand Canyon; headed for a long fast fall...no parachute, no jet pack. 

The older I become, the more ocean days I'm gifted. That is the first grace of age I think. Being gifted what we need when we need it most. Deeper wells of patience. Patience and presence of mind. Enough to find a handhold during an unplanned free fall, or at least take in the view on the way down. The second grace? Understanding those free falls build energy as well. 

The trick it seems is not trying to control time. But you knew that didn't you?

Below is a website page from a couple of years ago, 
found this morning in my archives. 
If you click on it, a larger version is available for reading.

11 comments:

Kittie Howard said...

The trick it seems is not trying to control time. But you knew that didn't you?

Yes, somehow one learns that. Don't exactly know when or how. Indirectly, Jackie Kennedy helped when she said that age was just a number. That made sense to me. Chris, I loved how you described the ocean and the positive energy and how it keeps us from falling into life's little problems that can blow up. You're very sensitive and precient. Thank you!

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Thanks so much Kittie.
I had forgotten Jackie Kennedy said that. Makes sense to me too. It feels as if that control lesson seeps in bit by bit through the years. Then one day, the ah hah moment. I appreciate your thoughts. And your stories. Looking forward to visiting and reading more of them soon.
Chris

Teresa Evangeline said...

"Ocean days," is a wonderful way to describe it. I'm learning to go with the flow better and better all the time. And, the flow also includes some ebbs. It's no mistake that I will be spending the next few weeks at the ocean... A thoughtful post. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I do like the ocean days description. I am afraid of heights. Not always, but last few years. Very descriptive, Chris, about grace of age. I find some days with my age, I am fearful of what is to come--. But, I think about what's right in front of me: your writing, the ocean, the horses, and I don't want to waste time thinking ahead that far. I'll miss the fun now, the things here in front of me. The time issue, controlling me, you, is lessened when I read your posts and think of the ocean, Sea Mist and Sunsets. To see the mist and ocean sunsets has been rare for me and I want to see them again. Very deep post. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Read the insert about Carmel. Really good. Your photographs tell a lot.

Giggybaskets said...

Beautifully written and expressed! I'm glad you are having more ocean days...I am too. It sure beats the tsunami years spent in deep conversations in a car with steam filled windows on way too many late nights in front of the newspaper office! May the waves treat you kindly, my friend!

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Teresa,
Ah, the ocean for a few weeks...heaven. So restorative. "Going with the flow" does take time. At least, I think, for most of us. We have an old friend, born in a calm stream, who I have never seen struggle with the current. Always soft and wise. At peace. A maker of magical meals. When you leave his company, you are a better person than when you or he arrived.
Safe journey Teresa. Chris

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

Jack, we have shared both of those fears; heights and what's to come. So many more things to be seen from up high, and do here and now. The well intended, get your paperwork in order speech was given to me fifteen or more years ago, falling on the heels of another illness requiring the same message. That day, after laughing at the irony of the dual messages, I chose what you have chosen. To live a life enjoying the beauty of what is in front of me, the simple and the complex. Not missing today worrying about what comes after. Harder some days than others but the intention never wanes. Humor and acceptance are great friends. The healers are those sea mists and sunsets that I hope you will see soon. They must work, I'm still here! Thank you for your touching post. Chris

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

BG,
I have catching up to do with you and yours. So glad ocean days are finding you. Rick and I laughed with your description of the "steamed windows" from talking each other off the ledge time and time again.
Tsunami years, the perfect descriptor. Hoping you are surrounded with bulbs of all colors this day! Hugs, Chris

Anonymous said...

I looked again at the Carmel photo and saw the heart you mentioned. She may not marry the old boy, but she'll never forget the seaweed and beach.

Sea Mist and Sunsets said...

So true.

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