Marine Moments

The Beach Today

I saw two razor shells partially submerged in the sand this morning, and I just wanted to hunker down beside them. I didn’t realise I felt that way until I saw them, lying flat, hoping life could pass them by for a while; to catch a breath before the next tide comes in. Because the next tide does always come in. That’s life. And we wouldn’t want it any other way if you think about it. However, sometimes, well, we just want to be two razor shells lying half covered in sand hoping no one will notice them, don’t we?

Did you know?

Razor shells (Ensis magnus) are long thin shells commonly found on our beaches around the UK. Their name comes from the fact that they look like the razors used prior to electric ones, when a barber would wield a long knife to a throat with relish! They usually life under the sand, buried below the tide where they filter the sea water for plankton.

Lying in the sand like this they remind me of toe nails with rings of growth.

Interesting fact; In Scotland, they are called spoots – named after the jet of water they shoot out when burrowing at low tide.

Spoots having a ‘duvet day’ in the sand.

Reflective Moment

Recognising that we wish for a ‘duvet day’ helps us to check in on ourselves; are we giving ourselves enough time, and space to revive and be able to keep going?

Be still.

Just for a moment.

Take a breath. Let your shoulders fall away from your ears.

Let the incoming tide pick you up, wash you afresh and give you the energy to start again.

Take your cue from the sea.

I saw the half buried shells, but did not actually lie beside them and curl into the sand to let life wash over me. I kept walking. I take my cue from the sea. It’s ceaseless and forever movement; rolling waves and seething energy. Energy begets energy and if you too are feeling like a dormouse looking for somewhere cosy to hibernate, look seawards. We will be of no use as a dormouse or a half submerged shell, nor will be recover from underneath a duvet. Embrace the sea. Let it guide you. Move.

Try doing the opposite of what you feel like doing!

It is a strange thing that the very thing you least feel like doing is the best thing to do. When you feel submerged, exhausted, over burdened – get out, move, walk, pace or jump up and down! Imagine the waves. See yourself bathing in the endless energy of the sea and let it provide you with the umph to get out. Just as if you are diving into a cold wave, take a deep breath and go outside, whether it is cold, raining, windy or not. Get outside, walk fast, think of the sea and let the steady movement wash over you, calm you and energise you.

Sound of the Sea Today

Listen and watch as the waves roll in to hiss, snarl and rattle over the rocks. They are relentless, an endless body of energy. I invite you today to siphon off some for yourself. Imagine dipping in a toe or hand, letting the energy ignite you.

Watch and listen. Then go outside for a fast paced walk. Keep the visual impression of the sea in your mind as you beat the drum of the waves with your feet on pavement. Tap into the natural energy around you to get through your day and feel more able to deal with what is on your plate.

If your energy levels flag, turn your gaze seawards.