‘We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.’
– John F Kennedy (1917–1963). He was the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. This quote from him reflects our intrinsic connection to the ocean. The rhythmic sound of waves soothes our senses, grounding us in nature. This sensory experience reminds us of our origins, bringing a sense of peace and clarity, and nurturing our wellbeing in an otherwise chaotic world.
In a world that often feels relentless and chaotic, where the demands of modern life press down on us like a heavy fog, the pursuit of peace becomes paramount.
Peace — that tranquil state of being free from mental disturbance — is not merely a luxury, it is a necessity for a fulfilling life.
Peace, at its core, represents a state of tranquillity and freedom from stress, depressed state and anxiety.
In our worldly life, it can be challenged by numerous stressors: work obligations, personal relationships, and societal expectations.
This constant barrage can foster feelings of overwhelm, leaving us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the world around us.
Often, we find ourselves longing for a sense of calm, a place where worries fade into the background, allowing us to reconnect with our core selves.
Peace is becoming essential in this reality; it nurtures our emotional well-being and fosters resilience against life’s inevitable challenges.
When we cultivate peace graced by God, we enhance our ability to face adversity, improving our relationships and enriching our experience of life.
Staying in peace is often an intentional journey, and it can take many forms—prayer, meditation, mindfulness, nature walks in the park, exercise or creative expression like intuitive painting.
As for me, one of the most preferred ways to discover tranquillity is by immersing ourselves in the natural world, particularly the ocean.
As I discovered, the vastness of the sea can serve as a reminder of both our smallness and the greater beauty of life.
I advocate for finding peace in the ocean because it offers a unique symphony of sounds, sights, and sensations that can wash away the noise of daily life.
The rhythmic cadence of waves lapping gently against the shore creates a soothing melody that beckons us to slow down, breathe, and be present in the moment.
I love the ocean, the blue sea, because the ocean has an innate ability to calm our minds. As I stand at the water’s edge, enveloped by the salty breeze, it encourages me to let go of my burdens.
The sight of an endless horizon reminds me of life’s infinite possibilities, and the scent of saltwater triggers memories of joy and freedom.
There is something incredibly grounding about the ocean; it connects me to both the Earth and the Sea and I find perspective in its vastness.
Dear readers, join me in imagining standing at the edge of an infinite blue, where the land surrenders to the ocean’s vastness.
Close your eyes and let the symphony of waves wash over you — each ripple, a tender caress; each crash, a protective arm. The sound of the ocean is no mere noise; it’s a soulful melody that speaks to the deepest parts of our spirit.
It’s an invitation to find peace, a tranquil embrace that feels almost divine, like a hug from God. The ocean’s rhythmic whispers are reminiscent of a parent’s lullaby, soothing and assuring.
These waves don’t just touch the shore; they touch our hearts, dissolving our worries and fears.
The ocean’s gentle yet powerful embrace is a reminder of unconditional love, be it maternal or paternal, warm, nurturing, and ever-constant.
Knowing every time a wave kisses the shore, it is the universe that is reaching out to comfort and hold us, just as a loving parent would. This eternal dance of water and land creates a sanctuary, a sacred space where one can find solace and clarity.
It is here, amidst the ocean’s grandeur, that we can truly feel the presence of a higher power, a reminder that we are cherished and never alone. The ocean’s embrace is a call to peace, a refuge for our weary souls.
It’s a divine reminder that in the vast expanse of life, there exists a boundless love ready to envelop us, providing the comfort and security we seek. Dive into this embrace and let it transform you.
I recall a time when I felt particularly overwhelmed by the challenges of the thinking process. As I took a long prayerful walk along the beach facing the South China Sea at Sampadi, Lundu, the sound of the waves became my soundtrack.
Each crash seemed to echo my worries—washing them away, reminding me that just as the tides ebb and flow, so too do our challenges in life.
By the time I left the shore, I felt renewed, as if the ocean had enveloped me in a warm embrace, soothing my worries away through the ocean’s loving HUG as, for me, OCEAN means:-
Observe: Stay present to observe the ocean. Watch the waves roll in and out, listen to their rhythm, and allow myself to be fully present in the moment. Observing without judgment helps me to anchor my mind.
Connect – Connect with nature. Feel the sand beneath my feet, the breeze against my skin, and the warmth of the sun or the cool of the night. I felt the connection with the godly nature, that fosters a sense of belonging and oneness with the universe.
Embrace – Embrace my feelings, be it joy, sadness, or worries. I accept them without resistance. The ocean teaches me that all feelings, just like tides, are transient.
Acknowledge – Acknowledge my inner thoughts, but do not allow them to dominate my mental space. Like clouds passing in the sky, thoughts come and go. Recognizing this helps me maintain clarity.
Nourish – Finally, nourish my mind, body, and soul. Engaging in activities that feed my spirit—whether it’s swimming in the ocean, meditating by the shore, or simply enjoying the breathtaking sunset.
Dear readers, OCEAN impacts our emotional and physical well-being in more ways than we realise. From what I have learned, studies have shown that being near bodies of water reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and boosts overall well-being.
Each time I return to the ocean, I am reminded of the cycle of life—peaks and valleys, storms and calms. This connection to nature helps me grasp the essence of peace.
Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him”. The ocean serves as a beautiful metaphor for faith—a lesson on surrender, on letting go of control and trusting the flow of life.
Dear readers, finding peace is not merely an act, it is a conscious CHOICE that we can make in our lives. Whether through the sound of waves from the ocean, the gentle embrace of the sea breeze, or the spectacular sunsets illuminating the horizon, the ocean calls us, urging us to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate.
By connecting ourselves to the sound of the wave through the OCEAN, lets us navigate our life with a sense of freedom and tranquillity, empowering us to rise above life’s waves, one gentle crest at a time.
As the final notes of the ocean’s symphony resonate within us, may we carry this serene wisdom with us, embracing each ebb and flow with grace.
Let us meet again next week on our life senses journey. We shall delve into “The Emotional Landscape of Life Senses: Nurturing Well-Being” where we will explore how our senses shape our emotional health and overall well-being.
Until then, dear readers, may your days be filled with the soothing whispers of the waves and the promise of inner peace.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
