I so enjoy travelling. I am over on a Mediterranean island just now, and today I went on a boat trip. The sun was hot, the sea calm and the views breathtaking.
I went swimming from the boat today, which is something I have not done before. And what I really noticed was how much the boat was moving. Just when you were trying to get to the ladder to get back on board, the boat rocked in the waves. It was a little tricky and not remotely elegant, as I tried to haul myself up the slippy ladder!
When the boat bobs up and down on the waves, it is so calming however. That movement seems like the rocking to sleep of a small child, a motion that feels familiar and relaxing.
I found a quotation from Richard Shuster, which explains the science ‘ as waves come in, crash and the recede again, the parasympathetic nervous system activates, which slows down the brain, and helps promote relaxation.’ That feeling of peace, is deeply present. I wonder too if there is a womb dimension, a deep memory of a place of safety and love from our first moments of existence.
In Psalm 42 verse 7 it says ‘ deep calls to deep, at the sound of your waterfalls, all your breakers and your waves have rolled over me.’ There is a sense in the sound of water, whether in a waterfall or in the movement of the sea, that God can speak to us, and give us that very experience of grace and love that we don’t even know we need.
In the midst of strident and turbulent times, we need moments just to connect with water, the sound of rhythmic waves bringing refreshment and relaxation, reminding us of the vastness of the world, and the eternal nature of God’s love flowing out to all people. In that moment, may we notice the beauty, be held secure in God’s love, and find deep peace for our souls.
Gracious God, sometimes we are on a treadmill of doing, busyness and disconnection. We feel numb, just trying to get the next thing done. Lord Jesus, help us to slow down, to breathe deeply, to know that You are on the boat with us, and that your balm of Gilead is poured over all that hurts and is discordant, and brings a healing calm. Holy spirit, when we feel far from You, grant us moments of deep union and connection with you, a rhythm which soothes and restores peace and harmony in our souls, Amen
An umbrella of healing love 