I stand, face to the sun as it rises over the ocean
Feet firmly planted
in the millions of grains of sand washed up over time
I look, smell, hear, sense, feel.
Each wave brings with it a story from the weeks past
…trauma
…experience
…voices
…memories.
The waves crash towards me,
threatening to engulf me and carry me away.
I dig my feet into the sand, struggling to stay upright
I breathe the salty air, sending it deep down into my lungs
I concentrate on my feet and how they feel
the sensation of sand and water swirling through my toes.
As the water recedes, I breathe a sigh of relief.
The ocean and the sand have grounded me
They have embraced the emotion
of the things I have witnessed and heard
they have carried them away to another place
where I do not need to dwell.
…the waves heal me
…the sand is my saviour
…the salt soothes the soul.
I am anchored in the present
my balance is restored
my body and mind are refreshed and ready to face another day.