Jewels

I love sunny summer days of bright blue skies, clear mountain views, and sunlight dancing on waves.

As my gaze travels lightly over the sand, a glistening catches my eyes. Perhaps it is the sparkling jewel of a lost ring that fell unnoticed into the yielding crystals. But as I look more closely I realize the entire sand is resplendent with sparkles as though diamonds had been dropped with the dew to glisten throughout the day. What a beautiful mirage I think, for the sparkle is no lost treasure but a common scientific effect of the sun reflecting on mineral particles in the sand.

But on deeper contemplation the science does not remove the magic – it intensifies it. The beauty and intricacy of nature is astounding. And it is there for our enjoyment, nourishment, utility, understanding, and pure wonder from the most minute to the magnificent.

I also thought of the properties of the sand and its many effects on us. It is a soft cushion to our step providing a luxurious feeling when we remove confining shoes and bury our toes in the soft sand. It is as if worry flows out from our feet and into the sand, we exhale and breathe deeply as tension slowly releases. Sand beckons bare feet and once planted the nurturing mother earth embraces us and begins her healing work. Science tells us that connection is established. The heart rediscovers ancient rhythms and we align to the frequency of the earth. Our body lets go of its pain and inflammation and stress. Breathing becomes freer, relaxed, and natural. Suddenly you feel an infusion of a delicious feeling of well-being, a lightness takes hold with a joyful, child-like energy and we are finally able to experience that oft illusive feeling of peace.

So I guess I actually was discovering treasure in the sand after all.

Jewels of infinite worth.

*Written sitting in the sand at my cottage on Wasaga Beach on the July 1st weekend. The picture is my view from where I was sitting.