My Negative-Ionic Tonic

Summary

Jupiter Grant reflects on the therapeutic and nostalgic joy of reconnecting with the ocean, emphasizing the healing power of negative ions found in coastal environments, and announces participation in the "Know Thyself, Heal Thyself" 30 Day Poetry Challenge.

Abstract

In the article titled "My Negative-Ionic Tonic," Jupiter Grant reminisces about the simple pleasures of youth spent by the water, recalling the happiness of being a "Water Baby." Despite life changes and the challenges of transitioning to self-employment amidst COVID-19, Grant finds solace and rejuvenation in the negative ions present in ocean air. The piece is a personal testament to the restorative effects of nature, particularly the sea, and serves as an invitation to others to join the 30 Day Poetry Challenge, which Grant is undertaking as a form of self-healing and exploration. The challenge, accessible through a provided link, is presented as an opportunity for personal growth and creative expression, available to anyone interested in poetry and self-discovery.

Opinions

Grant believes in the scientifically-proven benefits of negative ions, such as increased serotonin levels, stress relief, and mood elevation.
The author has a deep affection for Cornwall, considering it a sanctuary and a place of rejuvenation.
There is a sense of longing and nostalgia for the simple joy of standing by the water's edge and feeling the ocean's presence.
Grant's Scottish heritage is mentioned as a factor in their sensitivity to heat and sunlight, suggesting a preference for temperate climates.
The article conveys a sense of gratitude for the healing aspects of nature, which Grant finds comparable to therapy.
The 30 Day Poetry Challenge is seen as a meaningful endeavor, with the potential to foster self-knowledge and healing.
The tagging of numerous individuals at the end of the article indicates a desire to share the experience and possibly inspire others to participate in the challenge.

Prompt Day 9: Reconnecting with innocent pleasures

There’s healing magic in the lap, lap, lap of water on my feet. My lungs fill up, up, up with salty air so fresh and crisp and clean. The ocean breeze wafts gently in my hair. The day I stand and greet as morning light and high tide both doth cast their kisses on the scene.

I spent my youth by pool and beach, dubbed “Water Baby” by my folks. I’d splash and swim and frolic in the sun as happy as a clam. But in my adulthood I’ve always made my home far from the coasts. Nevertheless, I guess, a child of water’s what I truly am.

However many years fly by, I still can find no greater pleasure than standing at the water’s edge with feet in wet sand sinking. Huge gulls soar high above me as I contemplate at leisure the negative ionic tonic I drink in solitude, just thinking.

Cornwall, in the South West corner of England, is probably my favourite place in the whole wide world. In the late Summer and early Autumn, the weather is hot enough to make you feel like you really are enjoying a beach-side holiday, but temperate enough not to be too unbearable (I’ve Scottish genes, and we Celts DO NOT cope well with heat or too much sunlight!)

Although I live in the South East, I usually try to get out to the Cornish coast for a vacation every year or two. Of course, with the combination of COVID and my transition from full-time salaried worker earning a terrific wage with excellent employee benefits to struggling self-employed freelance writer, narrator, audiobook producer, and filthy-mouthed sexy-chat-line chick, it has been a few years since I last felt the simple joy of standing by the water’s edge first thing in the morning and feeling the Atlantic Ocean lapping at my toes and swirling around my ankles. I have no idea when I might be able to return to Cornwall, my home away from home, and I miss it terribly.

There is something literally therapeutic in the ocean air — negative ions. These are molecules that have been scientifically proven to increase serotonin-levels, relieve stress, alleviate depression and elevate our moods. Not only can negative ions be found in the air at the beach and around waterfalls, but in the mountains as well. So if, like me, you find that the simple, innocent pleasure of breathing in the ocean air or hiking through a scenic mountain trail leaves you feeling happier and healthier, it’s not just a figment of your imagination! It’s all those negative ions. :)

Throughout June, I‘m taking the Know Thyself, Heal Thyself 30 Day Poetry Challenge, with thanks to Diana C. Thanks also to Tree Langdon for inspiring me to take part.

If you would like to try the challenge yourself, visit the link below for each of the prompts.

*If you would like to be untagged, please let me know in the comments section.

More from Jupiter:

POETRY / 30 DAY POETRY CHALLENGE

My Negative-Ionic Tonic

Prompt Day 9: Reconnecting with innocent pleasures

30 Day Poetry Challenge

A challenge you can do anytime.

A Moment of Wonder

Prompt Day 8: Delight in the moment

Nature Sings

A Tanka on Mornings and the Promise of Happiness

With Age Comes Wisdom

That is what they say…