Through my work with my eating psychology training, I’m learning how to get out of my head and to take a chance living in my body.  This is not easy for me – I’ve been in my head for so many years escaping the painful feeling in my body.  Leading by the heart is all new to me!

With the help of a friend, I’m working on a great visualization using the ocean as my focus, and I’m deepening it even further working through this blog.

Do you mind sharing a day at the beach with me?  Up until pretty recently, I’ve spent many summers in Breezy Point, NY enjoying lots of hot summer and even some fall days relaxing near the ocean.  So my mind immediately takes me there.  Where’s your beach?  If you’re not near any oceans, feel free to join me in Breezy. 

Here’s how I’m relating my life to the ocean.  Living in my mind, there are often times I’m living in fear, anger, vulnerability – the water is rough, the waves are always crashing – the negative thoughts continually knock me down.  I try to stand up, get my balance only to get hit with another wave (another limiting belief).

I truly know and feel in my heart that I need to work through many past issues and, absolutely, recognize that I must dive into the rough waters to finally arrive in my calm sea.  Unfortunately, I experience many setbacks.  I see myself trying very hard to take the dive into the water, but it’s too cold, too rough and I can’t lie, the shoreline is so damn crowded with people (judgment from myself and others) and heavy floating objects (food, alcohol, poor body image, past hurts, open wounds) in the water that there’s no room for me and my dreams. 

I look out at the calm waters, it’s beautiful – the sun is glistening on the surface so brilliantly, the current is tranquil.  How can I reach it without going through the undercurrent that is always dragging me sideways, pulling me under, (distractions, fear of success, powerful pulls knocking my feet out from underneath me) instead of straight out there to the comforting sea? 

I experienced something so significant this morning…I was doing some deep breathing and trying my best to meditate and pray.  I was envisioning some time walking with Jesus – talking about what’s happening in my life — asking for grace and companionship.  I envisioned us somewhere peaceful to take our walk.  Immediately, I pictured us walking along the shoreline. As we were catching up, my eyes were focused out to the distant ocean – the waves were gentle, the sun was warm and I could see the far-off horizon with such clarity.

Through my own awareness in the moment, I realized something fabulous – with Jesus by my side – the waters are always calm, and if I wanted to take the plunge into the calm sea at that moment – it was the perfect time to do it – with Him escorting me, holding my hand, keeping me safe. 

Back about a half mile, the rough water is still there, I can see it if I turn around and look back, but up ahead nearing the jetty, the waters are always calm, warm and restful – a place to catch my breath, enjoy the sunshine of the Divine while renewing my spirit.  I feel in my body such goodness and relaxation – the water is just lovely, no waves are challenging or limiting me.

If we can make it through the rough waters of our mind with the help of the Spirit, then we can truly enjoy the tranquility of the calm open waters – a life of few worries, distractions, peaceful balance and joy. 

So, to pretty much sum this up, we need to take the time to notice when we are in swimming in the rough seas of our mind chatter and invite Spirit to join us as we practice breathing (taking five slow breaths) and slowly approach the tranquility of the calm seas where all the good stuff resides. 

Imagine yourself now joyfully swimming through the open waters of your life with no waves crashing at you, knocking you down.  Tread here for a moment or two absorbing the beautiful scenery, notice how your body feels — so free and energized diving further into your magnificent body noticing everything there is see and feel – the open heart, the beauty of your body, the freedom, the unbinding joy.  Now continue breathing.  If a wave starts to build, then dive a little deeper to escape it. 

We can all do this…it will take practice, but we will all do it together.