NATURE
How the Ocean Is Helping Me Heal
In gratitude for all of it: marine life, birds, butterflies, and more.
Life is a balance of holding on and letting go. ~ Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī Rumi
One of my clients is perfecting her Spanish. And while she has entrusted me with the task of helping reach those improved language goals, she has given me so much more.
Three weeks ago she gave me a Reiki session.
It had been over three years since I last had one. This time was different in so many ways — I live in another country, the treatment was lying down and it was private.
At the end of it, Ms. Katherine suggested I pay attention to my consumptions of water. Here, she meant both literally and figuratively. And though the revelation was not something new to me, I realize I needed to hear it from her.
An Interrupted Childhood
I was abused as a little girl. I’ve been to therapy twice before (each time for several months), and I understand the importance of acknowledging my feelings. For this reason, I allow space for the gamut of emotions:
- crying — I let those tears flow
- anger — allow for the release
- resentment — accept it, then move forward
Another avenue to process all of that trauma has been my poetry.
Through writing I have found release, self-forgiveness, self-love, kindness and compassion. Being on Medium has also played a key role on how I relate to my interrupted childhood. Sharing vulnerable pieces about a time in my life I can never recuperate is a reminder of my healing process.
The Miracle Ocean
Moving back home to Borikén (aka Puerto Rico), I am blessed to be surrounding by nature’s beauty encouraging me to spend much time outdoors. This is why Ms. Katherine knew I had/have many options to be around bodies of water.
Less than three miles from my home lies one of my favorite beaches, Vacia Talega. It is there where I like to spend my early Friday mornings. Heading to my secluded little patch beside a small palm tree, I set out my blanket and small Tibetan bowl — ready to practice mindful meditation.
Sitting facing the ocean, I allow the sounds of the waves and the ocean’s breeze to envelop me. It is the most serene space.
The last time I went (the week before last), something surprising happened. After my meditation, I sat watching the water and spotted a little head peering out. It was a tinglar (Spanish for leatherback sea turtle).
Of course, I knew sea life exists in this part of the beach, but it was the first time I’d experienced that. I was so excited. That day, I saw it a few more times — and each was just as special as the first.
A Healing Space
I have long known the calm of the ocean. Attending university in Daytona Beach, I spent plenty of afternoons at the beach. Of course, back then my life was very different.
And to be honest, I was less focused on connecting with nature. In those days, I just wanted to have fun. Being at the beach filled that need.
But, these days I’ve grown to become a more socially responsible and conscious soul. Spending time in nature is essential to how I am processing the world around me — especially in my healing journey.
When I’m near the ocean, whether I see large pelicans or smaller birds, I’m immediately reminded of how precious life is. The last time I was at Vacia Talega, I remember seeing several white butterflies fluttering above the water and near where I was sitting. My thoughts:
These are messengers, Lola. They are here as witness to your strength.
I won’t lie, I still have moments when I begin to lose hope. On those days when my mood shifts to darker thoughts, I have to make a greater effort to focus on positivity.
I know that healing is more than flipping a switch in my mind. It takes courage and acceptance to understand every feeling is valid. And taking time to be near the ocean is one way I continue to nurture the little girl who still resides in me.
Time For Shout Outs
Just a few of the reasons I am grateful to Medium and the community of inspiring authors.
This first piece is from someone I found via Reciprocal. Leonard Tillerman’s vulnearble story reminds us all of the power of the mountains to heal.
Another gem is ✏️Pencil + Ashes (Ash) article Nobody Told Me. Reading through it made me feel it was a love letter to oneself. It gave me a sense of empowerment.
And lastly, we come to Sahil Patel, who continues to inspire me especially because I’m a big fan of Lifeline (where I regularly take my poetry). His piece on writing gave me added motivation to remain.
Finally, shoutout of gratitude for the editors and everyone here at Reciprocal. I am honored you agreed to have me join (especially Dr. Preeti Singh for letting me know about this publication).
