Before we headed out to spend three nights at a little AirBnB on Whidbey Island this last weekend, I was feeling a little mashed to a pulp. Or maybe a lot mashed to a pulp. The constant rotation of one of us three in my little family being mildly sick over the past eight weeks, the big client deadlines, the nearly constant task switching, the push to get us out the door, combined so that I felt overripe for something different. I’d tweaked my left knee, not in some spectacular feat of exercise but somehow in my sleep, so I was limping towards our mini vacation, literally and metaphorically.
Three things have made this a restorative break.
The Example of Instinct
Watching the animals is fascinating. The herons, eagles, seagulls, hummingbirds, seals, ducks, and bunnies. They huddle in groups, hunt for food, or soar through the air based on instinct. Of course, I could be oversimplifying this based on observation. What creature outside myself doesn’t make it look easier simply because I can’t hear their inner dialogue? But the smooth flight line of an eagle makes it pretty clear that aren’t overthinking whether to swoop this way or that way, or wondering if they can ride the wind.
Are they going to land right next to me? No, because that would go against every instinct honed over ages. They don’ spend any times wondering if I look friendly or need a special lift, they just don’t do it. It reminds me to stop the most constant of my struggles – the ongoing debate I have with my inner voice. Just listen.
The wide horizon.
Each of the evenings we were here I’ve taken a walk along the beach after my kids have gone to bed. With the half moon in the evening sky and the heron that likes a particular fishing spot right off the place where I start my walk, I’ve had good company, even though, or especially because, the beach is mostly deserted of people. The wide horizon looking over the expanse of all the water in front of me is like a physical manifestation of the bigger picture. I’ve lived about 20,050 days in this life and hope for at least 13,000 more. Why do I sweat the small stuff on any one of those days?
The nautilus
On one of the walks, I came across a shell. It reminded me of a small allegory I read in The Book Of Awakening by Mark Nepo.
“The nautilus is a deep-sea form of life that inches like a soft man in a hard shell finding his prayers along the bottom. Over time it builds a spiral shell, but always lives in the newest chamber.
The other chambers, they say, contain a gas or liquid that helps the nautilus control that helps the nautilus control its buoyancy. Even here, a mute lesson in how to use the past; live in the most recent chamber and use the others to stay afloat.”
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
I used to think the example of the nautilus was only about digesting the monumental parts of life. The last three days have reminded me that it pertains just as well to the small bits of personal history that came from last week.
What tickles me most is that I’ve gone on this mini vacation with my kids and my dear friend, Eric. And even though Eric swats away most forays into deeper conversations with a deft sense of humor, the effects of this interlude provided by nature seem to have affected him just as much.
Just goes to show, nature bestows its magic on everyone, whether we are apt to talk about it or not.
I’ve written more about finding shells on my personal blog: The Return Trip.
The Heart of the Matter 
Somewhere I met the phrase “Don’t sweat the small stuff — its all small stuff.” As you suggest, the eagles aren’t overthinking. Given a choice might we wish to be “lesser” creatures and discover their superiority? No answer from me, only questions
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And really great questions, Dr. Stein. I think the power of love and maybe even writing keeps me from wishing to actually be an eagle but wouldn’t it be great to spend a day as one?
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Glad to hear that you’re getting some restorative time, Wynne. Evening walks on a quiet beach? Sounds like just the thing…and then add in your lovely powers of observation, regard for nature?
Good medicine for the soul. Here’s hoping you have all 13,000 days ahead…and many more. 😘
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That’s so well said, Vicki – good medicine for the soul. Yes, here’s to having enjoying all those days we have left! ❤ ❤ ❤
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🥰☀️🥰
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I’m with Victoria 13,000 days doesn’t sound like enough Wynne. I think you need to be more optimistic/greedy. 😁
Your break and time with nature sounds very soothing. I hope your knee has recovered too. 🙂
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Thank you, Brenda! I’d definitely take more days so thank for that lovely encouragement! 🙂
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As you know they have a saying on Whidbey Island – “Whidbey Island is the shortest distance to far away.” Wishing you a relaxing time on a picture-perfect island!!!!!
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I’d never heard that Whidbey Island saying before so I love you told me that. You’re right – it is a picture-perfect island! Thank you, Mary!
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Your shell is a moon snail. My mom collected them when we’d take our boat to Desolation Sound, B.C. Your lovely story brought back great memories.
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Oh, Elizabeth – I love Desolation Sound! My brother goes there most summers and I’ve tagged along several times, especially when his kids were little. I love the fun intersections in our experiences!! ❤
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I haven’t been there since I was 16. It was such a special place. I don’t know many others who have been there.
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Yes – it’s hard to get to which is probably what makes it so special!
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And thank you for telling me it’s a moon snail – I didn’t know what kind of shell it was!
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😁
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Sometimes tuning out and then just allowing your head and heart to tune in to what it wants brings such joy, especially when you couple being outside with nature. Lovely post for this reflective day Wynne, thank you!
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I love ” tuning out and then just allowing your head and heart to tune in to what it wants brings such joy” – such a great recipe for joy indeed. Thanks, Deb!
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Oh what a wonderful post. Sounds like it’s been a delightful break. So happy for you Wynne! Your kiddos too. “Just goes to show, nature bestows its magic on everyone, whether we are apt to talk about it or not.” I’ll be thinking about this line. Gives me lots to think about. Beautifully written!
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What a lovely comment. Yes, it’s been a great break. Hope you’ve enjoyed the long weekend, Brian!
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Sounds like just the ticket. And Mark Nepo is wonderful.
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I’m so delighted to find another Mark Nepo fan – and a fellow PNW denizen. So fun!
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I’m so glad you got a nice long weekend away from the grind with the kids. And how lovely you get to enjoy a nightly walk while they’re in bed. The best kind of reprieve.
Nature is the gift that always gives – and you’re right, we don’t need the big moments, the small brief interludes are just impactful and restorative.
Enjoy your short week ahead!
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I love your phrase, “Nature is the gift that always gives.” Yes, Ab! Such amazing restorative power!
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I’m so glad you got a bit of a reprieve, Wynne, and even better than it was in nature. The Mark Nepo quote really gives us something to think about. “Live in the most recent chamber and use the others to stay afloat”… simple enough at face value, it’s really quite profound–our past experiences can serve as a tool or a life vest, rather than extra baggage.
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A tool or a life vest – I love it, Erin! Exactly!
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