Hi! This is Theresa and I want to welcome you to day three of Beach Week. As we noted earlier this week, an important part of finding balance is to celebrate the things that bring you pleasure. This is the whole purpose of Beach Week. So today’s post is what brings me pleasure!
My favorite thing to do is to go to the beach in the mid-to-late afternoon to sit on the beach and relax. I enjoy this time of the day when the crowds are less and when the intensity of the sun is not as strong (because I burn quite easily!).
I thought I would try to bring you along with me for my day at the beach by using pictures, descriptions and a video to give a little more visual and some sound. I hope that if you are not in a position to enjoy a little relaxation time at the beach, this will help you to take that time in your mind. So, gather a towel, chair and that book you have been meaning to site down and read and let’s head on out…….
Welcome to 59th & 60th Streets in Ocean City, NJ. This is my favorite beach. This is the southern most beach on the island.
The anticipation builds as we approach the path that will lead us to the vast beach and ocean. The smell of the salt air is refreshing and peaks the senses. The sense of calm washes over us as the warm sand starts to sink into our flip flops. We look to for a spot to rest our souls and find the perfect place near the water’s edge on the sandy beach.
We set up our chairs, towel, turn the cell to vibrate and rest our beach bag close by for easy access. While slipping off our flip flops we hear the seagulls bellowing as they fly overhead. Finally, we sit down in our chairs and sink our feet into the warm white sand while it runs between our toes.
With the sunlight glittering on every grain, we scoop a handful of sand to let it also run through our fingers.
We sink into our chairs while the breeze runs through our hair. The sun shines and the sky is blue. The ocean waves are crashing as seagulls joyfully fly in the air. There is a sense of calm and peacefulness that washes over us. The feeling of pure joy knowing we have finally arrived and can sit here for hours, staring at the ocean, as if nothing else matters but being present and enjoying the moment.
The water is mesmerizing as the waves crash and beat upon the sand. The waves rolling in and then out. Out of the corner of our eye, we see a person kayaking in the ocean. Further down the beach we hear the sounds of jet ski’s skimming and bobbing over the ocean waves. Waves that bring the water closer to us as the tides starts to roll in.
On the beach, shells have washed onto shore by the rippling of the water. We relish the beauty and wonderment of the various types of shells lining through the sand and wonder how far they have traveled before landing on our shore.
Having settled in and having had time for contemplation, we notice the occasional walker and runner enjoying the fresh air on their journey. Now we get out our the long awaited book or novel that we have been looking forward to. As we engross ourselves into the world presented page after page, the sounds of the sea lulls us into a state of relaxation that allows us to drift off for a period of time. We wake at the distant sound of a dog playing on the beach with his family, having the time of his life and a father teaching his anxious son how to fly a kite. We are amazed at how much time has flown by.
Now that the sun is starting to fade into sunset, we start to gather our things. It was a perfect time. As we start heading inland, we see teens with their boards enjoying summers warm sea.
As we walk back up the path, with wind swept hair and sandy feet, we feel rested and refreshed. We savor these last few moments. There is a joy knowing that ocean breezes and the salt air that entranced our bodies today will ensure a great nights sleep as we dream of our return.
I hope you got a chance to take a little time for yourself and enjoyed our visit to the beach. I know I did! Join us tomorrow for Day #4 – Sandcastles and Seashells.
Enjoy!
Theresa
