Engaging Tropical Fish Captivate My Eyes
Reciprocal nature prompt 2nd week September: “Flickering fish”
I’ve always been entranced by tropical fish. As soon as I walk into a pet store, the aquariums attract me like a magnet. The vivid colors of swimming fish resemble a moving picture. I am serene in the midst of a busy environment.
Chinese restaurants have large aquariums with attractive fish. It provides a peaceful setting for customers. Many medical offices have smaller aquariums in their reception area now. It may put their patients at ease and help them forget nagging worries.
Studies show aquariums reduce stress & anxiety. People are happier & more relaxed. The bubbling water sounds lull some people to sleep. They provide a break from the constant bombardment of technology. It helps us reconnect with nature if we can’t get outdoors.
My most memorable encounter with tropical fish was during a trip to Fiji. My husband and I boarded a two masted ship in 1990. It transported us to Paradise Island. Fijian natives strummed guitars & ukuleles, while singing indigenous songs.
Fiji has 330 islands. People inhabit only half of them. It is a popular vacation spot for Australians & New Zealanders.
We saw white sand beaches, palm trees, and reed huts with thatched roofs. Tropical flowers infused the air with pleasing scents. The warm water was an azure blue color. It definitely felt like being in Paradise. In my mind it rivals Hawaii.
One activity was an excursion in a glass bottom boat to a coral reef. What a treat to observe brilliant tropical fish in their natural habitat. They darted in and out of gorgeous coral formations without a care. A rare sight enjoyed by scuba divers, it was the highlight of our vacation to Fiji.
Fishing is a popular sport as seen by the array of fishing items in a sporting goods store. People indulge in casting a line into lakes and rivers for a variety of reasons.
There is the possibility of catching a fish hiding in the depths. Watch the thrill in any youngster’s eyes who reels one in. Is it a survival memory of our ancestral DNA?
It is a type of active meditation. You’re alone and connected to nature. It is a chance to forget your worries and recharge your spirit. Your cells rejoice in the feeling of peace and serenity.
Some pertinent quotes about the value of fishing:
“Fishing is a way to be at peace with the world and oneself.” — Unknown
“Fishing is the chance to wash one’s soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water.” — Herbert Hoover
“I go fishing not to find myself but to lose myself,” Joseph Monniger.
“A woman who can fish is a woman who can handle anything life throws at her.” — Unknown
A meal of braised salmon or trout offers many benefits. Fatty fish is high in quality protein, vitamin D, and omega 3. It is heart healthy, protects your eyes, and may boost brain function. The medical profession feels it may prevent and treat depression.
Some fish contain high levels of mercury but salmon, trout and sardines test low in toxicity. It is recommended to eat fish once or twice a week. And it is safer to buy wild caught instead of farm raised.
Thank you Sahil Patel for giving us this prompt: “flickering fish”.
Nancy Blackman writes about riding a joy-filled current like a river when you are where you should be.
Garima Sharma reminds us to embrace each day with grace. To stop fretting because there is plenty of time to explore and grow.
