When we were young, the ocean could be heard inhaling and exhaling just beyond endless acres of white flowering potato fields- stretching to the dunes which obscured the wide expanse of sea. Though mansions concealed by tall privet were always part of the landscape, the sand and sea belonged to all of us and often on warm summer days we may have been the only family to pitch our umbrella and go out searching for toads and moon shells. We learned early how to handle the waves and spent hours in the surf uplifted by the power and random nature of the sea. This bit of wonder, this unspoiled playground breathing in and out through the endless span of time.

The sequential chapters of our lives each include a distinctive paragraph or two about the ocean. As children it was toasting marshmallows and dashing in and out of the waves. As teens we sat up by the dunes with our friends, a towel, a half-gallon of ice-tea, a bag of pretzels and some baby oil for a quick tan. As parents the cargo became significantly more involved- umbrellas, wind screens, sunscreen and a heavy bag of snacks and beach toys. Now, gulp, … as a senior citizen- it’s all about simplicity- a beach chair I’m able to climb out of, nestled as close to the water’s edge as possible, a towel, some water and a book to get lost in.

I imagine we’ve all heard the expression, “If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, you’re lucky enough.” The sea becomes not where you are, but undeniably a part of who you are- it lays claim to part of your soul and those who have ventured inland often find their way back due to the pull of the tides and the song of the sea.

Beyond the horizon we stare out over 26.31 billion acres of the Atlantic Ocean with estimates suggesting that 50-80% of all life can be found under the sea's surface making it the largest ecosystem on Earth. Scientists have and classified about 1.5 million marine species, and yet they believe that there could be millions more that are yet to be discovered. Forty percent of the U.S. population live on the coastline-and yet the coastline constitutes only 10% of our land mass. Seventy percent of earth’s oxygen comes from oceanic plankton — drifting plants, algae, and some bacteria that can photosynthesize. This living, breathing, moving treasure fills our very lungs sustaining life as we know it.

I often think about folks who travel great distances to put their feet into the ocean for the first time-and what that must feel like-experiencing the immensity- rubbing off the desert dust or mountain dew and dipping into the contiguous body of water that covers 71% of the planet- the World Ocean. I sometimes think I take it for granted and perhaps even forget it’s there. My cousin who lives in the desert insists that if she were to live here, she would go down to the ocean every day-no matter the weather -and then I wonder - why don’t I? Why does every little batch of laundry to fold, or floor to wash or groceries to unload-make me forget about what a grand and glorious piece of creation is calling from right up the road. Sometimes it requires more effort than I can manage but I make promises to myself to get there more often. And as the waters stay warm into fall it is a promise I hope to keep.

Some find their peace in mountain air, in desert sun, in starlit plains, in lakeside bliss – there can be many calls and places to settle in – perhaps it is the just the place where gravity has the greatest hold.

As I kick my shoes off and carry my beach chair down to the water’s edge I am overcome by a primordial sense of belonging-a slowing of breath, an inner peace, a welcoming home. Yes indeed, if you’re lucky enough to live by the sea- you are lucky enough.

The Ocean Calls