January has been tough, I’m pretty sure you’ve felt that too.
This month I suppose I have hunkered down indoors for the most part. Reluctant to venture over the doors.
We’re still in lockdown here in the UK, and this one has certainly been the toughest. But this also means we haven’t been able to journey to the Coast this month.
Meditation Walks
Last month I talked about how calming the Sea can be. While I still long for the Coast I have found another kind of calm in its absence.
There is something about nature. And more importantly taking the time to just stop and observe it, in its simplicity and beauty.
All things are connected. Streams, rivers, oceans. Just because we can’t be at the Coast physically, doesn’t mean we can’t still send out our dreams, wishes and prayers.
Lumley Park Burn
We are located in a typical Northern pit village, which has an often-overlooked beauty. Nature reclaiming the landscape.
Our regular walk usually involves venturing down a disused railway line, a route we see few people. It’s a place that follows the seasons beautifully. A place for foxes, birds and bunnies in Spring, Unusual but stunning flora and fauna in Summer, an array of fruits and colours in Autumn and finally a barren beauty in Winter.
It gives a view like no other of Lumley Park Burn. The old recreational area, also now reclaimed by nature, but with such a rich history. A reminder we are a part of nature, not above it.
Walking down closer to the water, listening to it babbling over the rocks, and the drips of thawing ice from the water’s edge, or the red brick bridge. Longing to follow the water all the way to the Coast.
Patience!
“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach—waiting for a gift from the sea.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh, from A Gift from the Sea.
Welcome to our Coast to Coast loop. We are a group of photographers from around the world, from time zones as far flung as Australia to Canada and in between, each with a different seascape. Coast to Coast aims to document our changing sea views and perspectives – both literal and philosophical – of what the sea means to us, month to month through the changing seasons. Next in the loop is:
This is so lovely! I hope you get to go to the coast very soon. Stay safe.
Can just imagine the walk changing soon as spring approaches. Nice to see everyones walks x
Beautiful and gentle. I hope you get to the sea one day soon. x
Soon you’ll be at the sea again but happy you are able to find some peace and calm in other places❤
Love these – let’s hope we all get to the coast soon!