Stillness

Yesterday, I had the most amazing experience.

I have always loved the ocean. Since I was a young child, it has been one of my happy places–a place where I feel free and joyous.

Yesterday, my love for the ocean grew. I got to experience something that has always been on my bucket list, but that, until now, I haven’t had the opportunity to do.

I kayaked to a remote beach, put on a mask, and swam to a rocky part of the ocean. Having never used a snorkel before, I was slightly nervous about the whole process, but so very amazed within the instant I stuck my head under the water.

The first thing that stuck out to me was the quiet. The utter stillness.

I am really quite terrible at accepting stillness. My mind is busy–always going, worrying, and overthinking.

In this moment, though, my brain slowed. I concentrated on the rhythmic noise of my own breathing. On the feeling of weightlessness that came from floating in the salty water.

I gently paddled my way over to a calm area and absolutely marveled at the busy, beautiful world under the sea. Fish of every color. Shells, crabs, sea urchins, and star fish.

An utterly beautiful, colorful world, all enjoyed within the peaceful quietness of this very moment.

…I could have done it for hours and hours. 💜

This trip has been a trip of great contrasts–it has been gorgeous and full of amazing experiences. There have also been parts that have been ugly, and sad to see. I am missing my family more than I knew was possible–and I am missing my friends a ton, too.

But, I will never forget this experience–or the others. It has been so worth it.

Seeing the world? It is totally worth it.