The art of ‘beachcombing' finds room for our heart and soul to breathe
You know, the art and practice of wandering somewhat slowly and aimlessly along an ocean shoreline? Going out no matter the weather, perhaps on a wide stretch of sand while dodging incoming waves or on a rocky shoreline while pausing and peering into tide pools large and small (always with an eye to the surf status!).
Who knows what will catch your eye while 'combing' the beach? That's part of the intrigue—not knowing what you will see, or finding the unexpected.
It used to be that colored glass balls from fishing nets, ranging in size from baseballs to basketballs, were the prize sought by beachcombers. But those seem to have gone the way of dial-up phones and other things now absent … except for plastics, found on beaches in increasingly distressing amounts. And while ocean pollution is a huge serious problem with significant evidence; it's the simple experience of wandering in a fashion meandering that I'm presently pondering.
Beachcombing may provide the setting and means for musing, for pondering or thinking deeply. The slower pace and lack of purpose-driven intensity ('gotta get there!') allows your mind, heart, and soul room to breathe, to consider and wonder.
With few rigid deadlines or demanding agendas, any outdoor space, wherever it is found during a casual stroll, encourages and facilitates priceless inner space where respite, renewal, and creativity can flourish.
You are correct if surmising that 'beachcombing' can happen far from the ocean: alongside a river, in a park, or on a mountain meadow or trail. Even city sidewalks or country lanes can provide the setting for this relaxing, de-stressing endeavor.
It's the combination of intention and attention that creates the right conditions for proper beachcombing. Intention to just stroll about (the journey more than the destination) coupled with attention to surroundings near and far (looking more closely at that interesting little thing and/or stepping back to appreciate the amazing big picture).
Flotsam and jetsam washed up on the sand, sea anemones and sea stars clinging firmly to tidal pool rocks, birds soaring above with seals bobbing in the surf or lounging on shore, grasses and branches waving in the breeze, whales teasing avid spout-spotters—all this is available at the Coast (or the Sea or the Shore, depending on your oceanic context). So remember, beachcombing as an art and practice is not just for saltwater settings, it is available to you nearly anywhere a pleasant, observant perambulation is taken for a while.
There will always be responsibilities, expectations, and demands on your time, energy, and attention—these important and deserving outlays are well and good (usually), and exhausting. To recharge, sufficient sleep is essential as are other forms of rest including holy days and holidays, vacations, and sabbaticals. And … amidst all this urgent activity are those blessed opportunities for you to disengage for a while, to unplug and go off-line, to allow a different rhythm to pace yourself, to even discover something new.
Today, go beachcombing!
'O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both great and small.' Psalm 104:24-25 (NLT)
Timothy J. Ledbetter, DMin, BCC is a retired American Baptist-endorsed professional chaplain and member of Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.
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