Flow With The Tides: A Coastal State of Mind

The sea holds a sense of enchantment. But what is it about the ocean that we find so magnetic, so irresistible?

The crash of the waves, the smell of the salty air, the feel of the sun on your skin - the ocean has an undeniable allure that calls to something deep within us. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons we find the ocean so captivating and why it continues to beckon visitors back to its shores time and time again.  

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The Shore Thing: My Love Affair with the Coastal Lifestyle

There's just something about being by the coast that speaks to my soul. As soon as I arrive at the beach, I instantly feel a sense of calm wash over me. For me, the coastal lifestyle represents a chance to relax, unwind, and escape the stresses of everyday life. When you are by the ocean, there's a sense that time moves a little slower and the little things matter more. The sound of the ocean waves is the soundtrack to my happiest moments. The smell of the saltwater breeze instantly transports me to my place of zen. The beauty of the ever-changing tide is nature's art show just for me. The sea is truly where I feel most at peace, relaxed and inspired.

One of the things I love most about the coastal lifestyle is the casual, beachy decor that goes with it. Light, airy spaces, weathered, whitewashed furniture that isn't worried about getting some sand on it. Colour palette choices like watery blues, seafoam and sea glass greens, and sandy tans create an airy, beachy feel. Textures like rattan, driftwood, shells and netting reference the natural elements I love.

But why are we so drawn to the sea, read on…

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What Makes the Ocean So Captivating?

For centuries, humans have been attracted to the sea and the promise of adventure, tranquility, and renewal it offers. What is it about the endless blue and rhythmic tides that calls to our inner spirit and imagination?

1. A Sense of Awe and Wonder — There is something about standing at the edge of the ocean and gazing out at its vast expanse that fills us with a sense of awe. The sheer size and depth of the oceans covers over 70% of the planet, reminding us of our own smallness in the grand scheme of things (and I am pretty short as is). We stand in awe of the ocean's raw power displayed through towering waves, high tides, and strong currents. The combination of beauty, strength, and scale inspires feelings of wonder.

2. The Rhythmic Nature — The ocean has its own rhythms, tides, and cycles that we find comforting in their predictability. The steady beat of the waves rolling onto the shore grounds us when we feel adrift. There is a pattern and flow to the rise and fall of the tides that we appreciate on a deep level. The ocean reminds us that there are forces larger than ourselves always at work in the background of our lives. We find solace in that sense of order and consistency.

3. A Place of Rest and Relaxation — The easy, relaxed atmosphere of the seaside naturally puts us at ease. The gentle sounds of the waves washing against the sand, the cries of gulls overhead, and the warmth of the sun on our faces evoke a sense of calm within us. Our minds quiet and our bodies unwind. The term ‘blue mind’ describes the deeply relaxed state we enter near water. The ocean has an incredible power to melt away our stress and worries, even if only temporarily.

4. An Escape from the Everyday — The ocean represents an escape, both physically and mentally, from the responsibilities and routines of daily life. Sitting on the beach looking out at the horizon, our regular concerns fade into the background. We are transported into the present moment. The ocean stretches out before us, offering a sense of openness and freedom. Here we can forget about work, bills, and obligations for a while. The seaside represents a place where we can get away from it all and just focus on the sound of the waves yes, even if it’s just for a little while…

5. Childhood Nostalgia — For many, the draw of the ocean goes back to fond childhood memories of family beach time holidays, building sandcastles, body surfing, and chasing waves. The beach brings out our youthful sense of joy and adventure. Digging our toes into the sand grounds us in the carefree spirit of our younger selves. The ocean stirs up nostalgia for simpler, happier times. It connects us back to who we were before the worries of adulthood settled in.

6. Inspiration and Creativity — Artists, writers, and creatives of all types have long been inspired by the ocean. The ever-changing seascape, colours, and clouds offer endless scenes of beauty. The raw power and danger of the sea evokes our emotions. Being near the ocean can spark our imagination and open our minds to new ideas. Thoughts seem to flow more freely and creativity is unleashed when we spend time by the water. We can gain new perspective and clarity while gazing out at the horizon. The ocean recharges our right brain and our sense of possibility.

7. Connection and Belonging — Spending time at the ocean gives us a sense of connection - to nature, to others, and to ourselves. The sheer vastness of the water reminds us that we are all part of something greater. We feel connected to the natural world, beyond manmade distractions. Bonds are formed and strengthened between family and friends as we enjoy beach days together. And the soothing atmosphere and relative isolation of the shoreline encourages introspection and a reconnection with our inner selves. We reflect on life, what matters (and what doesn’t), and who we want to be.

The ocean will likely continue to have an magnetic pull on humans for all of these reasons and more. The sea speaks to our search for meaning and tranquility in a hectic world. It grounds and restores us. It connects us back to the rhythm of nature and to what matters most to each and everyone of us. We are drawn to wash our cares away in the waves and fill our souls with the restorative power of the ocean's beauty and wonder. The sea will always call us back to its shores…

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The ocean calls to us through its sheer vastness and beauty, its rhythmic tides and waves, its relaxed and restorative atmosphere, the feelings of nostalgia and childlike joy it evokes, the inspiration and creativity it sparks, and the sense of belonging and connection we find at the water's edge. We are drawn to the sea again and again to find adventure, tranquility, meaning, and restoration. The ocean speaks to our deepest longings and has an enduring power to renew our spirits.

As long as the tides continue to rise and fall, humans will keep returning to the shores to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of the captivating sea. We are hooked by the lure of the ocean blue (well, I certainly am!).   

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You Might Also Be Interested In:

>> Beach Sand Colours Explained

>> Beach = Happy People

>> Coastal Style Living

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Drift & Co