Nearly all beach sand is quartz. That fine bright quartz crystal feels so soft beneath my bare feet, so relaxing and soothing.

I miss the beach. I’ve visited a beach somewhere in the world nearly every year for as far back as I can remember. This is the strangest year, and so many annual rituals are put on indefinite hold. Earlier this year I was supposed to visit New Orleans, where I would make my first beach visit of the year. This fall, I was going to Bordeaux in France where I would have dipped my toes into the Atlantic Ocean.

For me, connecting with the ocean waters that touch the shores of each continent is an exhilerating feeling. I am renewed. In part, this is because of the sound of the surf, the smell of salt water, and the feel of the sand beneath my feet and the water moving around my body. The ocean is wild and powerful. Being submerged in the water rejuvenates my body, mind and spirit, washing away negative energy and making me open to everything positive and enlightening.

This year I will have to be satisfied with pool water. It isn’t the same, but it is also renewing for me. Yesterday I went swimming in a pool for the first time this year, and it was wonderful. My son is living in his grandparent’s house, taking care of the property, and he let me know that he finally had the pool cleaned up and ready for swimming. No quartz sand, no sounds of the surf or taste of salty sea water, but I am grateful for everything I do have today. This year will be different, but if we can stay healthy we will have unique and beautiful memories in spite of everything going on around us.

This post is part of Fandango’s one word challenge #FOWC for July 16, 2020. “Nearly” is the word of the day.

#Nurturing Thursday