It felt as though I was gazing at the Pacific Ocean for the first time and not the 50th time. Few things preserve the true likeness to that first time experience as well as greeting the Pacific ocean.
I had walked in the chill of Southern California morning air with clear intent to photograph the ocean, only to fall to my knees and stare in a stupor at the glorious view upon arrival. Calm and quiet waters, slow and steady waves, I felt as though I could meditate forever simply by looking at this vastness that is before me. How splendid the feeling that everything stops to matter in the grand scheme of things, if only for a few delicious minutes. I was feeling light and heavy, free and chained, loved and lost. Time was slowing down and disappearing into the magnificent morning light, into the breeze and into the crashing waves.
I was at the mercy of this overwhelming feeling and I loved it.
I had no business feeling so much when I was on such a tight schedule. This was a busy day with all my minutes and hours planned well in advance. I had not come here to lose all my senses and to be drawn deeper and deeper into the spell of this magic. I had come here with one purpose – to capture the morning light on the waves and then be on my way – but a different plan emerged, uninvited, unsolicited, and unsought.
My schedule and agenda fell by the way side and my whole body and mind fell into a reverie.
This is why I don’t live near the ocean, I told myself, because I would get nothing done. Nothing useful and worthwhile would ever be accomplished. There! It is my greatest consolation and my best excuse. Yet it is this very act of doing things that loses all perspective and meaning when you are in the vicinity of the ocean. The ocean wins every time and like every other soul on the planet, I dream of a day that I can commune daily with the ocean.
There are not words adequate enough and eternity long enough for even the greatest author on earth to completely articulate the power and the magic of the ocean on the human mind and body. There are not writers skilled enough to explain the inexplicable majesty and glory of the ocean. There is not intelligence high enough on the human scale to comprehend the full capacity and potential of the ocean.
How does the ocean represent so much contrast and yet exist in such unity?
The ocean, with all its greed and self-indulgence, calls our names and captivates our souls without so much as permission. It mesmerizes without prejudice upon greeting and leaves us wanting more – oh so much more – upon leaving. The ocean is selfish and generous, dangerous and calm, hostile and peaceful. It holds special powers and affects all of us humans from every walk of life and at every stage of life. No one walks away untouched from its allure and aura. No one is immune to its lust. No one is impervious to the enchantment of the ocean.
With all the powers that it holds in the palms of its magnificent hands, can we not let the ocean show us the way once in a while?
Can we not let it solve our problems, shift our perspective, engage us with our higher self, and remove us from the self-destructive one? Can we not learn from the ocean? Can we not emulate its aura and allure in our own life? Can we not recreate its vastness in our mind? Can we not begin to imagine being more like the ocean, filling life with breath of possibilities rather than sighs of struggle and regrets?
The ocean accommodates the entire spectrum of human emotions. For every emotion, the ocean has an answer, a remedy, a therapy, a way of reaching into our hearts and making us feel wholesome and complete again.
- When you feel hurt after a quarrel with your partner, the ocean makes it all insignificant in the right perspective.
- When you feel angry, the ocean acknowledges your anger with its chaotic waves and yet calms you down with its return to quietude and steadiness.
- When you feel lost, the ocean proves to you that you will find your way home just as every wave finds its way to the shore.
- When you feel lonely, the ocean whispers a thousand whispers in your ears and keeps you company for a while.
- When you feel stress and anxiety, the ocean sound gives you the ultimate therapy.
- When you feel big and larger than life, the ocean will try hard not to laugh at you.
- When you feel invincible, the ocean will bring you humility.
- When you feel discouraged, the ocean reminds you about how a crashing wave chips away at a hard rock over time so take heart, for anything is possible.
- When you grieve the loss of someone, the ocean grounds and reminds you that life is finite and we all return to earth at some point.
- And when you feel happy and full of life, the ocean echoes your sentiments and sends your amazing energy into its incredible ebbs and flows.
Have you let the ocean whisper to you lately?
Kaizen Vision put it so beautifully during our brief encounter in California:
“The ocean gives us an incredible sense of peace. Looking out at the ocean, we see endlessness, complete totality of possibilities. All of life opens up to us and our vision of what is, and what can be, expands. Nothing appears to be impossible and the vastness of life embraces us. It’s where mind and spirit soar and cleanse our limited thinking – everything opens up. Time stops, our minds open, a deep sense of release happens – in that massive openness of the ocean.”
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{ 102 brilliant comments, Care to add another? }
Having moved to Vancouver almost 20 years ago, I am fortunate to see the Pacific Ocean daily. The lure of it has never worn off. The calm, the storminess, the waves, the sound…all appeal to some part of my soul.
It’s as you said Farnoosh, the ocean has helped solve so many issues over the years. As much as I love travelling and discovering new places and cultures, my heart belongs to the ocean.
Perhaps I was a sailor or a mermaid in another life?
A beautiful mermaid, Sandi, I can see it. Oh the Pacific view from Vancouver must be heavenly. I am so happy that we have a kindred spirit when it comes to the ocean, even though I am hardly near it long enough or often enough. Thank you for lighting up the comments with these words, dear Sandi!
Hi Farnoosh,
“This is why I don’t live near the ocean, I told myself, because I would get nothing done. Nothing useful and worthwhile would ever be accomplished.” Gotta love your pragmatism. You’re a Taurus if I remember correctly.
I think it’s a matter of balance. You can still get things done and admire beauty. Focusing on work all the time is the way to a quick burnout. For now, visits to the oceans once in awhile will have to suffice.
Reading your description of the ocean makes me want to click “like” on its facebook page. I am sure the Pacific Ocean will be very happy for the glowing review you have given it.
Incidently, I did write an article once that is related to learning from the ocean. Many chinese philosophers believed that if we could be like water to solve our problems, we would overcome many things. This has become one of the guiding principles of my life and it has made a great difference.
Thank you for sharing your lovely experience with us!
Irving the Vizier
I am and always will be a Taurus, Irving. You are right, I can probably discipline myself but it would be pure torture at first between giving in to the serenity and giving in to work and obligations. And look at your Facebook talk, only a few months ago, I don’t think you were even on Facebook. Very cute. Thank you for the Chinese philosophy bit, Irving, and for your lovely thoughts in return.
PS: What an incredible post you shared, thank you Irving. Sharing it on Twitter now!
Thanks a lot Farnoosh!
Man, that sounds really nice. I can’t say I have any real experience with the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, but I do have experience living on the shore of Lake Ontario, and for our purposes it was and still is as magical as the oceans are for others. It’s known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, and like you, I’d spend hours staring at it and listening to it.
Hello Mitch and welcome to prolific living. Are you saying you have never seen either ocean? Well, Atlantic, you are not missing *much* but the Pacific must be seen. Lake Ontario is very famous, I’d love to come and see it sometime. Oh I have no doubt you get a magnificent view. Thanks *so much* for sharing all of this. And hope to see you here again.
I’ve seen both oceans, but not all that much; big country, and if you’re land-locked, you look for your water in other places. I saw the Pacific Ocean only as a child flying over it, and I’ve seen the Atlantic Ocean from NYC and once in Florida.
And you are right in finding water in the middle of the country. Yes a very big country indeed. Enjoy your body of water, wherever you find it, Mitch.
I am so very glad and heart warmed that the Pacific spoke to you. I have lived within half an hour of it my entire life and I never tire of all the secrets and wisdom that particular body of water has to share. It is magic to exhale and watch your cares be taken out on the waves and to feel the power and love that comes from inhaling as waves crash on rocks. You wrote so beautifully about a place I call home and I am loving remembering how I love to be on the coast. Thank you for sharing with such passion and wisdom.
Emma, so envious and now I see why you are the person you are. The ocean has sprinkled its magic on you and made you into the angel that you are. I am definitely *MOVING* soon!
Home indeed, it feels so intoxicating to be in the vicinity of the Pacific, it has so much character, so much draw. I am so happy we both love the ocean and that you can now run off and go say hello from both of us anytime you want. You made my day with this comment, Emma. Thank you.
Farnoosh, I love this poetic tribute to the Pacific Ocean. How wonderful that you were able to connect with the ocean this way during your visit.
It really is majestic.
Aileen, it was so wonderful to talk about the ocean and two hundred other things together during my visit. I think about your meditation routine on the beach now when I meditate. Enjoy the ocean for however long you get to be near it. Missing you *and* the ocean already.
This article made me miss my home country, the Philippines. I grew up near the sea and I love collecting shiny shells. Oh to be transported back to where my soul truly belongs.
Dear Anne, I have not yet made it to the Philippines but I do hope to return someday. Oh growing up is even a more precious time in our life. I am so happy this transported you back home. It’s lovely to see you here in the comments, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I don’t even know why Magellan named it the Pacific Ocean. In the Philippines, provinces overlooking this ocean always get typhoons and storms. But nevertheless, the Pacific Ocean doesn’t just give typhoons. It also provide a living for the fishermen and of course a respite for the troubled soul.
Dear Anne, who knows. I don’t believe the California coast gets a lot of typhoons and yes I know about some of the catastrophic waves that the oceans bring to some parts of Asia. I am happy that you ended on a positive note though. Here’s to always finding respite for the troubled soul.
Dear Farnoosh, I once tried to compare the ocean with the mountain when it comes to strength, security and stability. Although it gives us peace, food, enjoyment and etc, the ocean could also be a monster. For this reason, I came to conclude that the mountain is a better friend because it provides refuge from the raging ocean.
Anne, I would *LOVE* to see what you wrote in that write-up. The question people always ask, at least a classic question, is whether you prefer ocean to mountains….I never know why. Why not a forest, a jungle, or desert….but I love the reasons you give to love a mountain. So raw and so beautiful. Well-said!
Oh, I lost that piece of draft but nevertheless the concept has remained in my memory. I have actually forgotten about it and was reminded only while exchanging an intelligent conversation with you. Might want to write about it now and I will share it with you, for sure.
Perhaps it will come back to you… until then, I must tell you that I am loving our dialogues here, Anne!
With the recent tragedy in Japan, it’s all coming back. I guess you have an idea now why I prefer mountains. Will write about it soon. Me too. I really like interaction in writing. See you in the next post. Cheers!
Hey Farnoosh,
Unfortunately I do not have an ocean near me, but that’s why I love to take lots of daytrips out with my wife and kids, or go on lots of holidays.
I remember as a boy I used to love sitting on the beach looking out to the sea, I used to watch the birds and wish I could fly ha ha.
Lovely post, who would have thought that the ocean has so many hidden depths.
Alex
Hello Alex, welcome to prolific living! Oh sigh, I don’t live near the ocean either but I do go on holiday as you said. I am sure that little boy enjoyed the ocean immensely, probably even more than you can now remember. I used to go to the Caspian sea with my family. Maybe someday, I will return. Thanks so much for stopping by. Come back anytime.
Hi Sweetie,
So many memories with beaches, I think I might as well have had a love affair with the beach 
I am completely with you on the magical effect and powers of the ocean!
I was brought up in Muscat and Muscat is knows for its gorgeous mountains and heavenly beaches. I remember going to the beach on all my weekends, all my teenage gatherings(trying what not!), and just sitting there for hours on end. It was my go to place-when I was sad, when I was happy, when I was ecstatic and even when I was on a date
But all you say here makes perfect sense to me….its magnanimous glory just makes you feel so much, sometimes its hard to put into words. I especially love the beach under the night sky, with those twinkling stars and the moons reflection…ahh the bliss. You took me back to muscat with this
I miss the beach here in the Eastern parts of India. When I visit mum in Mumbai(west) there are amazing beaches there..and its a must go for me and my little girl. Now with her sand castles, buckets, spades and sea shells
Loved this post!
So Much love,
Z~
p.s. thank you for the link luv darling
that last sentence was supposed to be “Now with her…. ” can you please rectify it…sorry! typing too fast …
Zeenat my darling, I have been looking at the Wikipedia photos of Muscat, your hometown. It is no wonder you miss it. Link love is for me to thank you for writing the stuff that I *want* to link and recommend and have everyone else read.
Thank you for sharing so much of your life. I feel even closer to you. In Iran, we were a few hours from “North” as we called it where we would go to the Caspian Sea and forever I have wanted to return and see it again. Maybe someday. And now you are recreating a life near the water when you visit your Mom and with your little girl. The cycle continues. And boy do I feel thrilled that you shared with me your love of the ocean. The *best* love affair yet, no doubt, is the one we have with Mother Nature.
Hi Farnoosh,
This post is a tribute to great Pacific Ocean.
Yes, Oceans have very much resemblance with human nature and sentiments.
Dear Nazim, thanks for your thoughts and yes, indeed, oceans resemble us and our sentiments a great deal.
I can relate to this post as the Caribbean island where my family and I lived for a year, gave me a whole new understanding of the significance of water, movement and energy. I now live 7 miles from Laguna Beach, CA and every weekend seek the ocean for an hour, to soak up its energy.
Dear Sonia, how nice to see you here. Do you know I spent the entire day Sunday on Laguna beach with my friends….well, not on the beach but all around it, and mesmerized by everything….(well, except the volleyball players and that particular youth crowd
)! Oh Laguna is very close to Hawaii which to me is the ultimate paradise. So glad to hear of your routine. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, Shaw’s Cove is my favorite beach to have a cup of Peet’s coffee with my husband and just talk and watch the ocean. it’s just north of Main Beach, which it sounds like you were at. Thanks for your reply. Sonia.
Exactly, we were at Main Beach….with all the shops and the small market where I bought my beautiful hand-made mug..I *LOVE* pottery. And who knows, maybe next time we will cross paths, Sonia. Enjoy California for me.
I am fortunate to live near the Pacific, an hour’s drive away. It’s easy to go there for the day and watch the waves. An hour the other direction is the mountain, with my forest cabin and the creek.
I remember waiting to go to China to adopt my daughter. I went to the ocean and stood there, thinking she was on the other side. We were connected by this vast expanse of water. All I had to do was cross over it and I would be with her.
I love your use of the ocean to put things in perspective. I have been overwhelmed with family stuff lately. If I can’t get to the ocean today, I am at least going to reread your post several times and regain my balance.
Thank you!
Dear Galen, you *are* fortunate and I am so so happy for you and I’d love to hear you write about your forest cabin – complete with photos. Oh and how lovely to hear your adoption story. And I sincerely hope you found peace and quiet since you wrote this comment for me. Thank you for sharing so much so willingly. I am happy to get to know you better. Thanks Galen!
Hi Farnoosh, You write so beautifully and I soooo understand how you felt as the ocean kidnapped your soul and told you that it has a divine plan…much greater than the sum of all our petty little schedules. I grew up in a house so close to the sea that rogue waves often broke into the garden during a storm. Every night it broke into my dreams and at the time of the full moon I would walk on the beach at night and get high on the vision of its shimmering reflection on the sea.When I lived in London I used to leave my bedroom window open at night, so that I could pretend that the swishing sounds of cars as they sped by on the nearby motorway were the whispers of my ocean. I sometimes think that I have seawater running through my veins! Yes Farnoosh my friend…the ocean whispers to me…all the time.
Dear Rosemary, I adore your description of the ocean encounters in your life. And more than ever, I want to come visit Ireland. For some reason, your description reminds me of one of my favorite books, Emile Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” and while it was all about the moors – I know – somehow, the raw beauty of the untamed moors matches the rogue waves you describe here. And I am so happy that the ocean whispers to you too, my dear sweet Rosemary. Thank you *so much* for sharing these delightful thoughts. They add so much to the original post….
Unfortunately, it’s quite a trek for me to see the ocean. Although, this March break I’ll be seeing it when I visit my parents in Florida. I totally understand how you got caught up in its splendor. I have many memories of camping at Cape Hatteras – the smells and sounds I remember the most. Thanks, Farnoosh.
Dear Marnie, same for me. I hear your sighs, believe me. Cape Hatteras is not very far from where we live, well a few hours but not much more and I am so happy to be that channel to bring it back if only for a few minutes. Thanks for stopping by, Marnie.
Farnoosh,
I was raised in Virginia Beach and understand, first hand, the power and beauty of the ocean.
Thank you for capturing the ocean’s spirit so well.
Alex
Alex, Virginia Beach – I was there years ago. I was certain you’d relate. Thank you for sharing your love of ocean with us.
Quite an astute and funny observation. Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu beach are so beautiful. It is hard to get things done, you are so right! I lived minutes away and was there every other day for almost 20 years. It is a blessing and a curse. And I did spend too much time there. Even now 45 minutes away, I am drawn there for no reason. It takes everything I have to not go there. If not for the BAD LA traffic I would still be there every day. I must have salt water in my veins.
Hi Brian. Thank you and welcome to prolific living. Oh the traffic was horrendous in LA and I must admit I was not crazy about the Venice beach mood last time I visited (June’10) but I loved Laguna and Huntington beaches. Please do take all of my love back to the ocean when you go visit and I hope you escape the traffic and hear wonderful whispers from the pacific on each of your visits. Thank you for sharing, Brian.
Hi,
I live in the UK but the sea is as raw and beautiful even without the sun. Last October my father and two boys went to a long stretch of beach near Brighton which is on the South coast. I just recall that all the problems I had been thinking of vanished like so much ether….
It humbles you I guess and like any big open vista, brings back home every time that we are pretty small….and for me when I realise how much of a spec I am in all this, it just makes my problems seem even smaller to the point they just disappear. Dramatic ha ha….
I nearly went into a ramble there. Saved by my son who is standing beside me now with a sausage on a fork, just below by nose. Bye!
Kevan, I have yet to see the UK coast, I haven’t gone outside of London yet. The gloomy days at the coast bring another realm of possibilities and emotions altogether. The perspective, above all, is what I find most humbling and I see you do too with your view on everyday problems. Well, I do hope you come back, and this was hardly a ramble at all.
Thanks so much!
The UK coast is so varied before you consider the seas moods or the skies ever changing character.
I love the Essex estuaries with their brown green grey waters. At times it can be a black and white photograph there is almost no colour, no sound. On other days its best to find shelter and lay on your back and just stare at the clouds in a blue sky. It does happen although the last few days cloud, boring flat grey cloud has covered the sky.
Then there are the long beaches along the Northumberland coast with its vast skies and often blue waters.
The Scottish east coast in late June when the light can make things seem unreal. Or the Northern coast where I sat on rocks with a cloudless bright blue sky above and a sea that was crystal clear and to realise that in this place there was nothing between me and the Artic ice.
I think I had better stop before travelling down the West coast of Scotland where it can be magical …just thinking about it has stopped me writting..remembering the sunsets..the way you can be frozen baked drowned and biten to death and thats just five minutes worth of weather.
(oh dear scotlands calling again two weeks holiday the weather will be horrible for most of the time but I cant resist another glimpse of paradise if only for an hour) .
I did think of trying to recommend the best place to go for the sea round the UK but realised it depends on the day the time of year so just take a chance if possible take the backroads but dont expect to get anywhere fast and always have something else to see as an alternative. Also and this is especially true of Scotland weather can be very localised, and not as forecast.
Dear Doug, this is the most amazing account of man’s experience with varied sea sides on my blog. And what do you know, I may just go to Scotland later this year…. might
! October it looks like. I want to see the hills and the castles and bask in the magic of what I imagine to be Scotland. Thank you for describing a sea that without a doubt has a deep and wild character. I will use this information as reference. Really and truly, thank you *so much*! I am stoked about the idea of traveling to Scotland if only to commune with that sky and sea!
How beautiful!
For a while there I felt myself looking into the eyes of a woman – How does the ocean represent so much contrast and yet exist in such unity
If we look out on the world with all its landscapes, forests and of course oceans – it is such a beautiful place.
Tom, that’s hilarious and perhaps even accurate. I admit. Ocean resembles a woman then or vice versa. And now I am loving your sense of humor. Thank you so much for dropping by and sharing your prose.
What an exuberant praise and celebration of the Pacific! I have a daily afternoon ritual of sitting on a lava rock gazing into the ocean. My mind finds quiet, my heart, finds peace, my whole being is nourished. I’ve seen whales playing near the ocean’s surface and emerging for a peek several times this week. Whales and dolphins always make my heart sing. Every word you’ve written rings true!
Sandra, first, I hope you know that I am heading to Hawaii in March – Maui mainly. Second, of course I knew you’d relate to this post with all your heart because you belong with Mother Nature and with ocean. Still, hearing your beautiful poetic prose makes my day. I am *mad* about the whales and the dolphins are very sweet too. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful version of Hawaii….oh I cannot wait to return to that paradise for a few more days.
I’ve always enjoyed, ok loved, living by the ocean. Right now I don’t, but I used to, and the memories I have of those times are some of the best I have. I’ve always been a fish out of water, and I used to go body surfing every weekend.
Perhaps trite, but to me, the ocean itself represents life and the unknown. It’s always been a place to unwind, to reflect and to find some inner harmony. I can’t find the true words I would use to express the power it has on me.
Of all the oceans I’ve seen, the Caribbean is by far the most beautiful. The warmest and deepest of blues I have ever seen.
I enjoyed reading this Farnoosh! I think you’ve expressed those words that I’m missing really well.
Wayne, I love seeing you again and again and getting to know you more. I trust you are still waking up early?
!
Oh I am so envious of your growing up adventures, I have lived in the cities and suburbs but I travel a lot. Going back to Hawaii for the 6th time – may not seem that many but I only started going there a few years ago and I went to the Caribbean a long time ago. How interesting that you find it more beautiful? I found it to be extremely salty – that and we found $$ at the bottom, something like $20 and $50. Odd but good memories of our cruise down there. “The ocean itself represents life and the unknown.” < beautifully put. Thank you dear Wayne. So nice of you to stop here and share your thoughts.
I’d call that treasure! Arrrrg!
I have yet to visit Hawaii, but it’s on the list. I think our next cruise will take us there. When I go, I’ll be sure to taste the water and give you a comparison, hahaha
Love the articles, you can tell there is so much heart put into these posts, and that makes them special and stand out above others. Looking at the number of commentators here, I think I’m not alone thinking that.
Cheers!
The money? It was hilarious. My brother and husband and I were just swimming around when one of them decides to dive down after a fish, and comes back up with a $20 – so then, highly motivated, they both go down and find a $50 bill! I can’t tell you how much more they searched after that…I went back to the shore just to watch them. Oh good times
!
Thanks Wayne!
I am so very happy that you are enjoying the posts and Hawaii will put the entire world in perspective by showing you that it is indeed at the very top. You are bound to be stunned. We’ll compare notes when you get there.
Your oceanic depiction made me realize one key thing: the need to move to the coast; this man is way too far inland! thanks for taking me back to days of yore when annual weeks spent at Ocean City, MD beaches were mesmerizing, soothing, and healing to my young soul. Great imagery and provoking thoughtfulness weaved in and out of your marvelous prose. Thank you Farnoosh. You helped to make my day.
Dear Paul, welcome to prolific living. How nice to hear your thoughts about the ocean. Talk about prose, I love your words and I do sincerely hope you find your way back to the right coast and the right beach and that it fills you up again even at this stage in your life. I think the ocean is there for us no matter how young or how old we are and I am thrilled to have made your day, Paul. Come back anytime! Thanks for your words here.
Farnoosh,
You’re giving me uber-homesickness (saudade). So lyrical and poignant–reminiscent of K Chopin (“The sound of the sea is seductive”).
Here’s a guest post on my hometown, Encinitas, CA. 5000 miles and -6:00 hours away: Encinitas
Thank you for reminding me La Pacifica is there.
Cheers,
Mark
Mark, I am myself “homesick” for California and I don’t even live near the ocean and never have. So sorry but thank you for teaching me a new word. And for sharing the words of Chopin. I checked your post and in fact I have a cousin who lives in Encinitas. Time to go visit her, I think
!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Mark, I hope you can get back home here soon.
It is nice and sunny today.
I am off work today, so I plan on going to Torrey Pines to try and get a good photo from the coast of the snow covered mountains 60 miles to the east.
Peace Brother…
Oh Rand & Farnoosh. The saudade grows…whispers can be deafening!
So glad you found the sea again Farnoosh… and decided to write about it here. I live on the other side of the Pacific but the shoreline looks just the same. I love the ocean for its peacefulness… and its majesty! A great place to sit and meditate… or just walk with no purpose at all. Just lovely.
Hi dear Jean, first I must say that your last post really moved me. I hope you got my comment on there for you. It seems maybe you are taking a bit of time off and I do hope you are back to your wonderful self very soon. Oh you live on a wonderful side of the pacific and I am so happy to hear of your heavenly spot for meditation. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Farnoosh
Yes I read your comment thank you. So lovely. Just like you! You are everywhere and all at once… ever there for people. Friendship truly can and does extend beyond the vastness of the ocean to where people of like minds meet. Thanks so much for that friendship Farnoosh! 
My dear Jean, but it still doesn’t show up on your site – that’s why I was asking. I just checked. Oh well, no worry. I love your words on friendship and I am so happy you consider that relationship blossoming between us – and I really hope you are back to normal and feeling great again.
Now you’ve got me wondering Farnoosh! I didn’t realise you couldn’t see your comment and that’s why you were asking. Oh dear. I hope there isn’t a glitch. Here’s the link to the comments as I see them [sorry to put it here and hope you don't mind]
http://jeanburman.com/2011/02/18/living-on-purpose/#comments
Please reply back if you can’t view this page? Thanks so much.
I don’t mind and I do see it now – I think I was going to the wrong post. I am sorry – too little sleep
! I am so glad you found it encouraging. So so happy. You are very welcome. All is well. Your site is fine. It’s your friend that needs a good night’s rest. Big hug across the Pacific just for you, dear wonderful Jean.
Oh phew… that’s a relief! No not that you’re sleepy but that the website is okay LOL Now you go get some lovely sleep okay? [Know the feeling well] just go do it! Big hugs back Farnoosh
I was raised in Hawaii and while I always preferred my Ko’olau’s (they were practically in the backyard) I love the look-though maybe not the smell-of the ocean. I asked a question back in high school of my friends that I was asked-whether being on a beach and staring out at the ocean as far as the horizon was more or less claustrophobic than staring out at a great expanse of land. Almost all my local friends said land was more claustrophobic and the mainlanders said the ocean was. Now I’m in Japan and have only gone to a beach twice and the first beach was rather disgusting but the second one was beautiful. But I can’t decide on my favorite-green mountains or blue oceans….
Dear Brandie, welcome to prolific living. And so you were raised in what I consider paradise on earth. You know, interesting you mention the smell. I am not crazy about the fish smell but I hardly notice it alongside the shores of Hawaii, no matter which island. Sometimes around lakes, I notice a smell but I hardly frequent lakes. You know, a friend of mine says that “mainlanders” are just weird…and if you are not in the water enough, something is just not rihgt… Japan: Another favorite place. I hope that you find your perfect spot, be it in the mountains or the oceans. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
There is something remarkable about the ocean. I grew up in Utah — and live there now — but spent four years living by the Pacific and a decade by the Atlantic. Interesting how different they are. But always magical.
Nice post!
Alison, hi. I just finished reading your latest post….and left you my thoughts. It is so nice to see you here and to hear your thoughts. Pacific and Atlantic are worlds apart really. So happy you agree that in the end, the oceans are magical. Now to find my way back to the Pacific…..
!
How true! “The ocean accommodates the entire spectrum of human emotions. For every emotion, the ocean has an answer, a remedy, a therapy, a way of reaching into our hearts and making us feel wholesome and complete again.”
I loved the way your expressed your love for the ocean in this beautiful post Farnoosh. This style of your writing has a life of its own, which never fails to leave an impression on me.
My dear Abubakar, nice to see you here and I am so happy you enjoyed the quote. Are you saying this is a new writing voice? It’s coming from a different place? Hmmm. I wrote it while waiting for our flights home very late, around 11pm, in California….and finished it at home. Nothing unusual about it strikes me but I like to hear your perception since you know my writing voice rather well. Thanks for your comment, Abubakar.
It’s not about the voice. It’s about the place inside you, from where these thoughts flow, and pass on their energy through words to us.
You know what I mean. Some thoughts, some topics, some places bring out the best in a writer.
That’s much better
!
Farnoosh, excellent as always my friend. I grew up on the beach of Panama City, Florida, and as I grew into my teens and young adulthood, I would often drive out to the beach and walk up and down in times of stress. It was a far cry from the Ocean, but the Gulf of Mexico was far less polluted in those days and the peace that came from those waves was intoxicating. Years later when I moved to Oregon and felt the breeze coming from the Pacific Northwest coast, I experienced this in a whole new way. Thanks for your gentle reminder of the way things should be.
Dear Bryan, my dear friend, welcome back. Florida is nice. I don’t go nearly enough. No matter, I am sure there are amazing beaches. And now you are in Oregon? The Northwest coast is entirely different. It is more raw, more wild, and more untamed. I just love it. And I cannot wait to greet Oregon for the first time in June. Thank you so much for your very lovely thoughts here.
Farnoosh, I actually moved to the Midwest last year, but I loved my time in Oregon. You will love it, I’m sure. I don’t know if you’re a coffee drinker but they have some of the best in the world in Portland.
Midwest, ok! I used to be a coffee drinker, Bryan and now and again, I make exceptions, like in Seattle, Rome or New Zealand. I bet Oregon will be on that list. Great to know more about your whereabouts.
Indeed, there is nothing like the power and peace of the ocean to inspire deep reflection. The most powerful experience I have had by the ocean is simply listening. It is a profound experience to simply sit and listen unattached and let thoughts come and go.
Dear rob, how nice to see you here. Oh knowing how much you love mother nature none of this surprises me. Listening….I think it’s best put. I was mesmerized so I think I was listening while staring. Profound is the best word for it. Thank you so much for dropping by, Rob.
Farnoosh you have such a way of taking us away with your words. Quite a gift. I have to say I’m the opposite of your feeling you would get nothing done if you lived near the ocean. I am energized when I’m near it. We are fortunate to live an hour from the ocean, and we have a summer home there. I am so much more creative at the beach house than any other place. There’s a palpable energy there that just infuses my soul. To sit on the porch at night and listen to the crashing waves is magical. The salt air and lilt of the ocean give me deeper sleep than anyplace else.
It is 70 degrees today here in Philadelphia and I’m thinking about putting the top down on my car and driving to the beach to charge my battery!
Thanks for another great post.
Barbara, as you sit by the beach and charge your battery, I am writing to tell you that you have made my day and if my words can have that power on a single person, I am more than satisfied to write indefinitely.
So interesting to hear your thoughts. I think I have had periods of energy and motivation but more than anything, I am like a new person to the scene. I gawk, I stare, I sigh and I whisper to the ocean and everything else falls by the wayside, but I do walk away super inspired. I am going to Hawaii soon and I plan to take some work. I will see how I feel. Keep you posted, dear friend. Enjoy the spring weather!
Where the vastness of water and earth come together, perspective abounds.
We are indeed fortunate to know such places.
Thanks Farnoosh.
Dear Jim, beautiful and well-said. Thank you for adding so much poetry to our ocean conversation.
What a beautiful, thoughtful post Farnoosh. Once again, inspiring.
I live on the edge of the Pacific in Australia, and the supreme pull of the ocean is made clear every time i’m out jogging. Suddenly i’m surrounded by froth and waves, immersed. I can’t help but throw myself in!
Perhaps you are right that this tendency to give yourself up to its allure & charm is not conducive to productivity…but time spent meditating by the sea is well spent in my books, and it’s completely invigorating.
Enjoy your time by the Pacific! I always gain so much from reading your blog
Dear Katey, Bonne Sante is a great name, great spirit and your blog is lovely. I hope to come back and dig in soon. And you are so welcome here to prolific living and I am so happy to see you here. Australia is one of my favorite spots on the planet and I am returning there in November so thrilled to bits. Well, I am home now from the pacific but returning to another spot of heaven, Hawaii, soon, and your words here bring their own allure and lust. Thank you for sharing them here with us.
Hi there Farnoosh. Although you’ve said, “There are not writers skilled enough to explain the inexplicable majesty and glory of the ocean,” I’d say you came as close as is humanly possible. What a beautifully written tribute to the sheer awesomeness of the ocean!
Nea, you are so sweet and kind but I think the ocean might disagree
!
Thank you for reading and for visiting and for appreciating the ocean. So nice of you to share your thoughts.
Another whisper moment….on the other side of the Pacific…
Two of my children and I kayaked from the mainland, across the Pumicestone Passage, to Bribie Island yesterday.
We got wet, used muscles in our arms and legs that we hadn’t used in a while. We paddled against the wind and the current, and even chased a stingray who suddenly disappeared, as if by magic, in the sandy bottom.
We disembarked, once we reached the island, and then walked barefoot to the other side where we splashed in the ocean waves as they crashed onto the shore. We marveled at a sea eagle as it floated effortlessly through the air. We picked up a stray piece of driftwood and drew in the sand and we sunk in the soft sand up to our knees.
On returning to our kayaks we then paddled towards a flock of seagulls and a group of pelicans. Hopping out of our vessels we ran straight towards them with waving hands and raised voices before being enthralled by the sea of white that was now soaring above our heads.
….A simple day in a simple life filled with simple joys shared with my family. How satisfying and how precious are these moments that become embedded as memories in the walls of our joyful hearts.
Peter, thank you so much for sharing a most beautiful day in the most simple way with nature. Knowing that you live down in Australia, I can only imagine the raw beauty of mother nature, especially where water is concerned! I am sure your description, apt and great as it was, will still even pale in comparison to the reality of what you experienced. Thanks again for sharing these, Peter.
Hi Farnoosh,
What a lovely article you have made about the Pacific Ocean! I envy those who live nearby oceans because they get to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature each day. I like oceans, they seem to give me some peace and calming feeling whenever I get the chance to visit one with my family.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi dear Felicia, thank you for being here and for sharing your lovely words. Glad you have a chance to visit the lovely oceans in your life too.
Your description of the pacific ocean is just beautiful! For me, I feel a sense of calmness whenever I’m on shore. There’s just something with the way you hear the sound of the waves. And I love putting shells against my ear, I love the calming sound I hear from those shells! They truly have captured the sound of the ocean.
Andrew, how nice to see you. All of that happens to me too – and most likely, to countless others. What is it about the waves – and oh yes, the shells? Although I must say I hardly see shells on the sand beaches in California or even in Hawaii. Nonetheless, they are lovely when I have heard them before… so nice of you to drop in!
This is a beautiful post; captivating really. I feel similar feelings when I stargaze but the ocean has sound and movement without equal. It’s amazing how powerful the waters are. Most of us can sit for a moment with eyes closed and think back to a day on the shore and actually “hear” the crashing of the waves and “see” the ebb and flow of the water.
We’re humbled by its power; calmed by its tranquility. How versatile.
Dear Jon, lovely to see you here again. Oh the ocean, I am glad you know what it means. You know, speaking of stargazing, Hawaii is the place to do it. Have you done the stargazing at the beach at night though? Can you imagine the powers of this very simple human act? Lovely words to remember….thank you for sharing: “We’re humbled by its power; calmed by its tranquility. How versatile.”
Dear Farnoosh,
I don’t know how you do it, but you raise the bar on your writing with every post! Just as you were captivated by the ocean, I was completely swept away by your words, and returned to the beautiful times in my life when I too was struck to my knees is awe of nature. There are few things in life better than losing yourself in such a way, whether it be by the white frothing waves of the ocean or the deep espresso eyes of your husband.
Excellent job describing the indescribable.
Dear Adrienne, you are so kind, and yourself, such a stunning and constantly growing writer (believe me, I don’t give out these compliments lightly
) and it’s ever so satisfying for me to just hear that the writing affects you so positively. Oh and to compare the love of ocean to the love you have for your husband was priceless. I adore mine too. We are so lucky. Thank you my dear Adrienne for sharing your heart in your words.
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