...we find our true direction."
A week ago, I was fortunate enough to spend a delightful few days by the sea and so, I thought I would choose this to be the focus of this month's blog. As the end of May signals June and the first half of the year passing by, it is a great opportunity to consider that which covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface.
Scientists estimate that the sea is around 4 billion years old and there is much discussion as to how it was originally formed.
The waves on the sea can move at hundreds of miles per hour.
And something else which is remarkable to consider - more than half of the United States exists beneath the sea.
A few facts which demonstrate the power and command of the sea.
Within this blog, I will explore the sea in multiple ways, looking at quotes describing the sea from a range of sources, examining facts and pondering on how there is so much still unknown about the sea which makes it an even more enchanting part of life.
Mother Teresa said:
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
These words help dispel any doubts or fears that we may have about not being able to make a difference in this world. This lady was an inspiration to millions of people all over the world for her lifelong devotion to the neediest and most vulnerable. Winning a Nobel Peace prize in 1979, she reiterated her humility by donating it entirely to the poor.
Here is an example of a person who dedicated herself to helping others, and who did not concern herself about the numbers of people who may come to her for help in the future, but who remained firmly in the present and simply cared about the next person in front of her.
This is reflected in more of her words:
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one"
In both of these quotes, we may understand how her love and care became known around the world. She focused on one person, and then the next one, and the next one, and so on...When someone is touched by such a selfless individual and have observed the difference one person can make upon their life, then they will naturally feel more inclined to do the same in their own life. That individual will help one person. Every individual who is supported is more likely to imitate the care and consideration for others.
And there is a useful aquatic phrase for this...
The ripple effect.
Even if the messages our behaviour sends out reaches the ears of others at the volume of a whisper, our influence is unlikely to end with the person in front of us. Through the conduit they and others with whom they interact represent, we all have the potential to contribute to shaping the future of our world.
As Mother Teresa once said: "Together we can do great things"
In our lives and on the sea, there are waves which slowly will appear to disappear on the surface but will continue at a minute level. The ripples will continue beneath...
In the same way, we may consider the effect of our behaviour upon others, as we travel through the journey of life. Even when we may not realise it, there is probably someone or something watching us, whether that is a friend, member of the family, or even a loved cat or dog. The attitude and behaviour which we send out every moment of the day, week, month or year attracts people who also have a similar attitude and behaviour.
An important thing to note is that our influence is often very difficult to measure, and this is similar to the sea in many ways. There is so much still unknown, and this is why the sea remains so curious and full of wonder to many of us. Researchers estimate that less than 5% of Earth's oceans have been explored which puts into context how far we still have to go. We may consider the human race to be modernising and advancing quickly in terms of technology, but the majority of the sea remains an enigma.
Similarly, very rarely do we get feedback from others about how meaningfully we have influenced their lives for the better. Following on from that, we hear even less often how they then may have gone on, as a direct result of our influence, to influence lives of others.
Not only do we scarcely ever know about how we have influenced people's lives, but also we don't know how much the ripples may spread and at what rate. A small kind word or smile which you leave with a stranger who you'll never see again may not just spread out like ripples on a pond but may strike with the force of a tidal wave at sea. We just never know.
Even if the messages our behaviour sends out reaches the ears of others at the volume of a whisper, our influence is unlikely to end with the person in front of us. Through the conduit they and others with whom they interact represent, we all have the potential to contribute to shaping the future of our world.
As Mother Teresa once said:
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless"
Mother Teresa's ripples spread far and wide. By 2013, the charitable organisation which she had set up - the Missionaries of Charity - had spread to 700 missions in 130 countries, providing soup kitchens, centres for family help, orphanages, schools, hospitals and homes for people with diseases such as leprosy and tuberculosis. Her commitment to service of the greater good allowed her to become a notable and treasured drop in the sea.
The sea is also full of treasures, as the National Geographic estimates that there are more treasures on the bottom of the sea than in all of the world's museums combined. Moreover, there have been calculations which suggest that there is enough gold in the sea for everyone to have 9 pounds of it, were it equally distributed among every person on Earth. There is around 20 million tons of gold distributed beneath the surface of the sea, with much of diluted nearly to a pulp, but it is interesting to consider how much value is contained beneath the waves.
The frequently used idiom reads, "We are merely scratching the surface", originally used in the agricultural industry, as scratching the surface of the earth is not sufficient for planting in the soil effectively. There is another useful perspective to consider for life, in terms of land rather than sea.
We should consider our lives and the effect we have upon the world in a careful approach, just as meticulous scientists study the sea and continue to discover new aspects. The sea is home to nearly 95% of all life, which is an excellent reason for us to respect it. The sea also is our greatest source of oxygen. It demonstrates how there are so many different life forms alive and thriving, which are completely dependent upon it. Likewise, our lives can bring value and benefit to many others, if we take the time to act responsibly. Situations, opportunities and challenges are dependent upon how we act and so, it is good to consider how we behave throughout our daily lives.
Let us not treat our lives in a superficial way - merely scratching the surface - but instead think about how we can extend our positive ripples beyond the usual circles of family and friends.
Robin Lee Graham spoke the following intriguing words:
"At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much"
What a curious yet intriguing statement which seems to restate the words of Mother Teresa. When we consider our most basic needs and desires, life can become quite simple. To be surrounded by those whom we love and cherish and to enjoy the opportunities which life has to offer us.
The photo above reflects the changing nature of the world and the power that the sea holds. Just behind the photo is a steep scramble up to a path which displays stunning views across various parts of Abersoch and the surrounding areas of coastline. The photo was taken on a stormy afternoon as the wind and rain buffeted people around, but there remained something magical in the way that Nature and the Earth did not resist being pounded by the sea.
I hope you have enjoyed spending times with loved ones and are looking forward to enjoying more happy memories from within the comfort being inside a restaurant, pub or cafe. One of the delightful things about being by the sea is how the fresh air encourages such as great appetite and this was just the case last weekend. It was particularly special to take pleasure from an evening BBQ on the beach - sand, sausages and a terrific sunset on a Saturday night!
Thank you for all your continued support for the brand instagram account and I hope you enjoy the range of foodie inspiration which continues daily. Recently, I have had the fantastic opportunity to work with a food brand, creating some breakfast bowls and I look forward to creating some more aesthetic morning muesli.
As Kathy Freston said:
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When you feed yourself what your body needs when it needs it, that's love. So give your bod some TLC and sit down and enjoy a good, substantial breakfast"
Pictured below was some more delicious food enjoyed whilst being away by the sea...
I continue to present a weekly show on Lymm Radio, broadcast every Sunday morning 6-8am for a show full of songs, guests, quotes and so much more...
I hope you are able to continue tuning in every Sunday and please do send your favourite memories, song requests and any other thoughts or suggestions...
Tune into the radio show via your smart speaker or via this link...a positive way to start the day! #localradio
I conclude this blog with a quote by Vanessa Paradis:
"Life is like the ocean, it goes up and down"
Enjoy the remainder of the bank holiday weekend and remember the calm and steady path in between.
Happy May,
Sitara xxx
Comments