Dancing at the Ocean
It felt liberating, “to dance as if no one was watching.”
The ocean is the great equalizer, welcoming all to her shores. From the little ones squealing with delight as the waves reach out to grab them, to the cool teenagers giggling and preening in front of each other. To lovers and friends, young and old, all shapes and sizes, she is accessible to all.
A few weeks ago, I went to the ocean and danced. I used to do that many years ago, but had forgotten the pleasure I found in it.
I rediscovered it one morning when I was out walking on the concrete path by the sand. I had my music on and was moving my arms for a little cardio. Then this great song came on by Stevie Wonder, “Higher Ground,” and I couldn’t help myself. My pace changed, I added a couple of double steps here and there. My arms started moving, almost of their own volition, to the left, to the right. And I wanted more, I wanted to let loose.
The ocean was right there, calling me. I slipped off my shoes and stepped out onto the sand, the breeze cool on my cheeks. I walked for a while, seeking out that perfect spot where I had a bit of space, not too many people around.
I loved dancing. I studied ballroom for a while, jitterbug, and the west coast swing. When my husband was alive, we’d go out and dance the night away at the local blues club.
It was different dancing alone. I wondered what others might think as I kicked and shook like a crazy woman, moving to music only I could hear. In my mind, it was as though there was acceptable behavior at the beach, certainly for adults. At first, I watched my shadow when I moved, way too much judgement in that. When people walked by, I could feel myself slowing down or pretending I was simply stretching.
Finally, I decided to close my eyes to tune everything out. As I did so, my other senses came into play. There was the music that blended with the crashing waves, the smell of the sea. My skin felt alive, as I could feel the breeze ruffling the hairs on my arm, the sun caressing my shoulder, the coolness of the water splashing my legs.
With that, I was able to give myself over to the music. I began with a slow warm up as I woke up muscles in arms, legs, feet. Moving toes and fingers as I greeted each part of me. Then I pumped up the music with a variety of tunes, old fashion rock’n’roll, African drums, and country music begging me to boogie.
I could feel my heart beating faster, my muscles getting their workout, and that was good. It felt liberating, “to dance as if no one was watching,” just for me, permission for my body to express all that she wanted.
After a few of those (and it is a workout), I slowed, cooling down and shifting to more meditative music. As I stood out there, rolling and easing hips and shoulders, I felt such a sense of gratitude and joy. This dancing by the sea fulfilled me on so many levels. For this sweet period of time, I was connected to it all, my body, my soul, the ocean, Source.
The last time I was there, I noticed a man in a wheelchair making his way down a wooden path to the beach. The path doesn’t go all the way to the water, so I thought he was going to stop at the edge and simply look out at the ocean.
Instead, he got out of the wheelchair and lowered himself to his knees. And then he began crawling onto the sand. He’d obviously done this before as the lifeguard waved in greeting. He would stop on occasion to steady himself or catch his breath.
Bit by bit, he made his way, awkward but determined. When he reached the water, I could feel the relief along with him. He went further out into the waves, letting the water catch him and support him, no longer earthbound.
And with a great big whoop he pushed off into the ocean, graceful, embraced, free.
Marianne was born to a family of artists, and has spent her life exploring creativity in its many facets. She is also a long time landscape designer and earth activist. Follow along as she explores the beauty of the every day and the mystery of the cosmos. @marianne-becoming
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