The ocean is simply magical. It also commands great respect. I have been on calm seas that have turned quickly into turbulent chaos, with waves crashing onto shore with such powerful force, and then only hours later it has returned to a gentler sea.

It is a perfect analogy for the storm of chaos that can pass through our lives, internally and externally. We can become so fixated and seized by the energy of it, believing this is the new state and something we need to escape. But what if instead we welcomed in the turbulence and moved toward the eye of chaos, viewing it as necessary energy to stir things up, bring us new lessons for learning and growth, to set us on a new path, knowing it is just passing through, and that the calm seas of our lives will return. As in nature, so it is with us, continuously cycling through the calm and chaos.

Diving in the kelp forest is a magical experience. With sunlight beaming from above, this underwater forest, home to a diversity of fish swimming in and around is stunning. At times though it can present challenges to the diver. The long stems (stipes) reaching to the surface can be like rubber bands catching and entrapping you and your diving gear. If you panic or get frustrated by this and try to fight your way out, it just gets worse.

A cardinal rule in diving is to stop, breathe, think, and then act to break the instinctive fight or flight response and thus be able to put into action a solution that ends in a positive outcome to a challenging situation. That has always stuck with me as a diver. I always found that if I stopped and connected with a center of calmness then I could free myself from the situation I faced, such as the kelp entanglement or low visibility.

It made me think how this was no different from other challenges in my life. So often I would go directly into panic and fear. But if I apply the same “stop, breathe, think and then act” logic, and connect with an inner stillness, then the challenge won’t be as insurmountable as it first seems and I can identify a solution much quicker in this state of calmness. So I ask myself, and you, where in life do we still struggle when challenges appear and invoke feelings of being trapped or entangled, panic and fear? Where can we stop and breathe into the moment, find and connect with that center of stillness and calmness, obtain more visibility into the situation, and then move forward with grace and confidence?

When the tide is out and the myriad of sea life is exposed in the intertidal zone, it is quite remarkable to see how all this intertidal life has adapted to the variable and sometimes very harsh conditions that occur during this low tide period: from increased vulnerability to predators, to the drying, scorching heat of the sun or cold, biting wind, rain or snow. Only those species with a specific degree of tolerance, or ability to cope with the changing conditions, will be found here in the intertidal zone.

It led me to question my own adaptability, ability to cope, tolerance levels, and vulnerabilities. I could see that my past experiences paired with my current thoughts, feelings and emotions all were factors in defining my range of adaptability and tolerance, which expands and contracts like the seasons; there is an ebb and flow to it like the tide. There is a healthy aspect of this, but sometimes there is the aspect of just plain slipping into default mode. Where am I contracting unconsciously? Getting irritated by trivial inconveniences? Becoming small because I don’t feel strong, powerful or courageous enough to take on a new challenge. Where am I expanding beyond healthy boundaries? Am I unconsciously saying “yes” to everything before checking in with myself to really know if it is something I want or need to do? Where am I willing to be vulnerable and push my edge or limits for beneficial growth?

I move into this day with an awakened awareness of my range of adaptability and tolerance, seeing how I can breathe new life into it, dancing at my edges for healthy, beneficial growth and expansion. Will you join me in this curious exploration? I’d love to hear what you discover.

The other day when I was at the ocean during high tide, the invisible nature of what was beneath the surface made an impression on me. Six hours later I returned when the tide had receded; there were all sorts of wonderful things to observe; beautiful stones, shells, hermit crabs, bright green eelgrass mixed with brilliant red algae and so much more. In another six hours, the tide would return and blanket all these gifts from the sea.

   

I asked myself “how often do I miss things or don’t believe something because I cannot see it?” It doesn’t mean it’s not there or not true. What gifts are literally before my eyes or seemingly invisible that I am missing? What gifts are right there, waiting to provide the inspiration or support I need in that very moment, if I just took notice?

Let’s walk through today together with awareness and appreciation of these invaluable gifts before us. I would love to hear what gifts you discovered.