I live on a small island here in Australia called Bribie Island that is 86% National Park. Only a short bridge separates us from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, but some days when I sit on the beach and look out to the ocean, I feel like I could be miles away from anywhere and anyone. Just me and the sea. If only the ocean could speak, what tales it would tell. There is something so calming yet energizing about the waves as they meet the sand, and I can’t help but ponder on all the mysteries our oceans holds.
Red Beach is one of my favorite spots on the island. I love how the trees meet the soft, white sand with nothing in-between, creating an abundance of white driftwood. As I watch the sea hawks land on and circle the baron trees, I am reminded of my ability to withstand the harshest of what life throws at me. It is so peaceful. I could very easily spend hours here with my eyes closed just listening to the sounds of nature.
On this island is where my path to a simple life began. Whether you are in the forest or near the ocean I feel like the first step to simplicity is to appreciate the abundance of beauty that you cannot buy and that is not man made. For hundreds of thousands of years people lived in harmony with nature with very little and they survived just fine, so I feel like it really is the best place to start. Sitting alone with nature you can then assess your life from a whole new perspective. You are able to stop, slow down and activate your five senses. You are able to look deep within, and then look out to see non materialistic things to be in awe of. I truly believe this is where the path to living a simple, happy life begins.
This special spot is well known for its mysterious stick huts that pop up at random along the stretch of sand. Each time I visit, there is a new one to ponder upon. The mystery man that builds these beach huts has since been uncovered, and an article was written recently about why he builds them. For me they allow my imagination and inner child to run wild. My son spends hours playing in them and I like to imagine how cool it would be if this island was deserted and we came across these little huts and used them to take shelter from the wild sea and storms, like explorers, or even lived in them like our indigenous people would have done long ago.
I have discovered so many unusual creatures on this beach that I have never seen before. I am always in awe by the gifts the ocean washes up from the off shore reefs. I read the other day that only 5% of our oceans have been explored. Isn’t that crazy! We have been on the moon and are exploring other planets yet 95% of our own home is still a mystery.
Sadly, we have no idea what lies within our deepest ocean and I can’t help but imagine what incredible ocean animals and sea life are out there or what we could learn about ourselves as humans and life as we know it. What I do know is that this great body of water that surrounds us is just like the body of water that is within us. We are connected in more ways than we may ever discover.
So, I will continue to gently explore my secret, paradise beach and feel the deepest gratitude for the island view, sea breeze and land I am so lucky to call home. I vow to help my ocean friend in any way I can, and although she can’t speak, I will always be happy to sit quietly with her, to feel her energy wash over me… and maybe, just maybe, one day she will share with me her secrets.
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