Kim Pentecost

Can you imagine me with writers’ block? It was not because there isn’t enough information, rather because so much has happened in such a short time. A friend suggested that I put off writing until we returned from our boat trip out to Anacapa Island in Channel Islands National Park (10 miles off shore). Good idea. She knew something I had forgotten.

We jumped a tour boat yesterday in hopes that we would see whales. I talked with the whales; let them know we were coming out to say “Hello,” and asked what we could offer them. They thanked me, said that, if we saw each other it would be very brief and asked that we come in Love. I couldn’t come to them any other way, so that was easy. When I got on the boat, I knew we would not see whales and settled into being in the moment.

It was fantastic. It has been too long since I have been on big water. It was a perfect day, sunny with a few clouds and very little haze (pollution). The boat wasn’t too crowded. People were friendly, mostly vacationers. The captain was funny. The naturalist answered all the questions I had been running through my mind. This was just what my soul needed.

I took the deepest breath I could, the air was sweet and clean as only ocean air can be (not shore air, out on the water away from land air). I saw everything with my entire body. The water was all colors of blue and so clear that we could see the dolphins and the giant sea kelp pretty far underwater. The sounds were clean and distinct. I stood at the bow of the boat and didn’t think for a long time. People went away. Everything, except Mother Nature and all her beauty, was gone. I was being purified by the wind, the water, the birds, the sea mammals, the plants and the rocks.

I remembered why I love sailing and being on the ocean, which is a very different experience from walking along the beach. It is also different from being on fresh water. Fresh water is quiet and comforting. The ocean demands that you give in to her and give in her way. There is a perspective that comes from being in a tiny little boat on a great expanse of blue that one does not get driving a car across the country. Even though cars and boats both have engines, there is a false sense of control and power that driving gives us. There are no illusions on open water. This brings a savvy and fluidity with the world that is distinctive.

Then -- there were the dolphins who happily gave up their fishing to welcome us and play with us. We saw an amazing number of pods. The common dolphin dies from grief when taken away from his or her pod and put into captivity. The average life span of other dolphin species diminishes from 60 years in the wild to 6 years in captivity. -- These brothers and sisters that hold manna or life force (according to Native American philosophy) for our planet offer their sacred service with such love, joy and openness. It was a delight and honor to be with them.

This is only a tiny taste of our 3-hour experience. I have not mentioned the sea lion pups that played in the coves of the volcanic monoliths or the rock arches that took our breath away or the history that these 5 tiny islands hold. There is so more to share. Life is much bigger and much more magical than the words we have to describe it.

So, what did the day afford me? I came away remembering and experiencing Peace. I came away knowing Mother Earth is wise and, given a chance and support, can heal from our mistakes. I experienced Love in everything. I was gently, yet powerfully, reminded that it is for my highest and best to connect with Mother Earth and Mother Water on a daily basis. This practice keeps me grounded, healthy and in balance.

I wish for you to find your connection to the life force that sustains you. Whatever feeds your soul, allow yourself to experience it and -- often. Allow the Mothers to heal you. It may be a walk or a hike or lying on the ground looking at the clouds or walking barefoot in the rain or on the beach. If you don’t know where or how to connect, experiment. Remember when you were a child and when you felt really, really at one with creation. What were you doing? That core memory will give you a place to start.

May we all allow ourselves to stay connected to joy and love through our relationship to this planet. The Mothers have so much to give us. Let us all choose to receive.

Hugs from the road,