These are from Ali’s 31 More Things class. More context here.
So here’s my day thirty-one – water.
(journaling below)
Journaling:
Water.
I’ve lived near water my whole life. I grew up in Istanbul, a peninsula. Spent the summers on an island, Burgaz. I then moved to Pittsburgh which has some mighty rivers. Then, to another island, Manhattan. Spent time on two more islands: England and Japan. Moved right by the ocean in beautiful San Diego. And, finally, I am now living in another peninsula, the Bay Area. Even though I’ve never had the luxury of having a home walking distance to water, I’ve always lived a short drive away.
There’s nothing that can give me the sense of peace that water can. My mom often mentions how she’s used to looking out to the sea and seeing land. In Turkey, when we look out to the sea, we will see other parts of the country or parts of Greece. We are surrounded by Seas but not huge ones. Whereas in the West Coast, what you see is the infinite blue of the ocean. She prefers being able to see bits of land in the distance. I like that, too. But I also like the infinite waters.
When I am in the presence of endless blue, it reminds me of the immensity of the universe. I get the same feeling when I am by those huge redwood trees. They are big and mighty. And I feel so small when I am in their presence. Not it a bad way. In a way that makes my problems seem small. In a way that helps me acknowledge the power of the universe and how I am just a part of everything. It gives me perspective. It makes me feel connected. It calms me.
One of my lifelong dreams is to live by water. To be able to walk out of my house and dip my toes in the water. To look out of my window and see the endless sea. I know that it is unlikely to happen. I’m practical. I know living near water means mold. It means constantly keeping up with things rotting. It means living in the middle of nowhere or being really, really wealthy. It’s not likely to be a reality but I am okay with that.
I am grateful to get to live so close to water. I am grateful to be near so much nature. I am grateful for the incredible weather in California that allows me to take walks by the water whenever I wish. I am grateful for the restorative power of water. For the peace it gives me.
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And that’s a wrap! 🙂
These have been awesome, Karen, thanks! I look forward to doing my own “31 Things” set at some point, and these prompts are a good starting place. They provoke some very interesting responses – lots of possibilities!
Hello Karen,
I’m a mixed Media woman like you. I often read your Blog and I find it very interesting and wonderful. You are so open-hearted and truly – I liked it.
When you speak about your fears and worring I’ve found very helpful books about “Focusing” written by Eugene Gendlin and Ann Weiser Cornell (!).
Maybe this way to act with yourself and acceptance of all the individual parts inside of you will be a great chance to be a complete person – respected and appreciate first by yourself and then with all others around you. Take a first look at Amazon – it is the best way I know to become & live furthermore peaceful with myself…for every part of me! All the best for you & your family
Kind Regards,
Roswitha from Hamburg in Germany
thank you so much for the recommendation, i will look for it! 🙂