A Walk on the Beach
- Jul 15, 2022
- 2 min read
Be prepared, the beach will be the topic of the next several posts.
Years of serious consideration and field study has led to my conclusion that there are 3 primary ways to walk on the beach. These are: the laser-focused walk spent hunting for treasure; the meandering stroll absorbing the scenery; and the simple and productive exercise walk.
The head-down, looking for treasure technique can transport you to another dimension as you find
spectacular shells, pieces of perfectly worn driftwood, or the focus of my last week: shark teeth. Often, you may only end up a few hundred feet from where you started, but feel like you traveled miles. Your neck and back may be cramped from the constant searching and frequent crouching, and your hands get a natural exfoliation from the sand and the surf cleaning off the new finds. These walks can be solo and silent, and when you get back, suddenly a frustrating problem may have been solved without any conscious focus. They may also be a competitive group affair with exclamations of “Ooh, this is a good one! Do you think it’s a Megalodon tooth?” “Mommy, look! A dead fish!” or “I found the most shells!” At the end, your pockets or faded green plastic bucket will be heavy with tangible memories to land on a shelf or in a vase at home, and your heart will be lighter, leaving some of your worries on the shore.
Next, there’s the staring-into-the-distance stroll. This is my favorite way to solve all of the world’s problems, create new business plans, redecorate and remodel my entire house, along with several beach cottages I mentally purchase with the profits from the aforementioned business, and address any other existential crises, big or small. Once again, it can be enjoyed alone or with company. But, be prepared for simple chats turning to deep dives into emotional territory. Something about being so small against the vastness of the ocean, the constancy of the waves, and the ever-transforming sky and shoreline peels away the unnecessary and gets right to your soul.
Finally, is there any better place to care for your body than along the beach? A good brisk walk or jog on the edge of land leaves your body tired and your mind energized. Moving on sand uses your muscles differently. It may be hot and sunny, but there is almost always a good breeze keeping the hair out of your face or pushing you along. This is the only time I consider it acceptable to wear shoes on the beach. The rest of the time, it better only be flip flops for crossing the hot sand, and toes wiggling in the sand the rest of the time.
You know the cutesy souvenir signs that say “Saltwater cures everything”? There's more than a hint of truth in that saying, as far as I'm concerned. I’m convinced that being near the ocean is restorative. Something about the salty air and gritty sand that won’t be washed away until returning home is therapeutic for the body and spirit. What is your favorite type of beach walking? I personally love them all, and tend to alternate when ever I'm able to get my toes in the sand.
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