The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls

I’m sitting on the deck on this pleasant evening,  facing west, toward the water, and I can hear the soothing slap of the gentle surf upon the shore below.  I am reminded of a poem with which I used to task my 4th graders into memorization…

The tide rises, tide falls…

The rhythmic ebb and flow of ocean tides are mesmerizing.  As the moon’s gravitational force tugs at the vast expanse of ocean, waves surrender to the force of attraction, creating a display that unfolds twice each day. In the same way, life is marked by its highs and lows, successes and setbacks, and the perpetual cycle of change. The tides serve as a metaphor for the inevitable fluctuations that characterize our existence, reminding us that, much like the ocean, we are part of a universal cadence that governs the rhythms and cycles of the universe.

And the tide rises, the tide falls…

Mindfulness allows us to ride the waves of life with serenity, observing the highs and lows without being consumed by them. In the stillness of mindful awareness, we find a stable anchor amidst the turbulence, much like the calm depths beneath the surface of the tumultuous sea. My dad used to talk about a man he worked with on the tug boats who could read the water. He could navigate the changing tides with intuition, better than any modern-day equipment.  Practicing mindfulness can empower us to navigate the unpredictable currents of life in the same way, intuitively, calmly.

And the tide rises, the tide falls…

The tides remind us that change is not only constant but also cyclical, offering a sense of reassurance in the face of life’s uncertainties. As we attune ourselves to the rhythm of the tides and the present moment, we discover a harmonious balance that fosters a resilient spirit and finds solace in the understanding that, like the tides, we are part of an interconnected cosmic rhythm.

And the tide rises, the tide falls…

Today’s tangle tutorial is Kirkland by CZT Andrea Chebeleau.