The Power of Nature to Heal

It was a bustling Saturday afternoon in Carmel by the Sea. People were whirling about anxious to get on with their weekend, to sloth off responsibilities and relax. Before unwinding though there is the issue of parking, which can be tricking in a quaint town like Carmel with limited spots. But this bucolic place is a mecca for walking. Either sauntering the cozy tree lined streets or striding down to the white sand and sparkling sea. As I clambered to the scenic path that hugs the ocean, I noticed an immediate shift in my mood. I breathed deeply and exhaled a quintessential sigh of letting go. Whatever problems needed solving would have to wai

There were lovers ambling hand in hand, joggers panting and pumping arms. A few nodded their heads hello or smiled. The wind was fierce that day, but the warmth of the sun created a shimmering reflection on the water, small diamonds dancing in delight. It was one of those spectacular days despite the nip in the air. As I rounded the trail towards Carmel River beach, I noticed a cluster of people stopped on the sidelines, pointing, clapping and hooting in delight. My curiosity piqued; I asked one of the strangers what they were gawking at?

“Whales!” she exclaimed. In my haste to rack up walking mileage, I had not noticed. Quickly I slid into the scrum watching and waiting then squealing with delight each time the magnificent mammals shot water into the air as they surfaced. Their distinctive tails angled towards the sky. Immediately, this pack of strangers began to talk amongst each other commenting on the spectacle of nature. No one cared about political views, ethnicity, religion or what language you spoke. There were no barriers dividing us. Nature in her wisdom had commanded our attention and gifted us with a reminder. Here we were, huddled bonding over whales in the wild as they journeyed south for the winter.

The power of nature to marvel human beings is a testimony to our interconnectedness. We are inherently communal despite our distractions and differences. I laughed recalling the first time my husband and I went whale watching in Monterey. The gasps and tears of joy between the woman standing next to me and myself were extraordinary. My husband found it comical. Two strangers weeping and hugging as the whales breeched and frolicked beside us. We were all mesmerized.

With reverence, I remember my first trip to the majestic Big Sur. It seemed as if I’d discovered heaven that day. The mighty Pacific ocean on one side hemmed in by the Santa Lucia Mountains on the other. It was spring and the lupine and wildflowers peppered the mountain side. An explosion of yellow orange, purple and pink. We hiked Tin House trail and the earthy smell of the Redwood forest conjured childhood memories. Hiking in the woods with my family, smelling the damp ground, seeing the brilliance of autumn leaves as they fluttered to the destiny below. Each experience made more delicious because it was shared with others. Every person we met along the trails eager to say hello, to share their love of this sacred land.

When I was a kid in Pennsylvania and then later in Maryland winters brought snow. Snow would bring neighborhood sledding. Everyone that could, headed out for an exhilarating ride down a snowy street. The cold night air brushing your cheeks red. Parents, kids, giggled their way down the hill, snow spraying their faces. We all took turns and shared the space. People delighting in the gift of a snowy night. Later when my own children were toddlers, I’d bundle them up stick them in a toboggan and we’d head out by the light of the moon. Exploring snow drifts the world muffled, the roads uncleared and not fit for driving. We’d see others out and stop and chat. The black sky iced with thousands of stars.

Nature does not discriminate, could care less about your social status, where you work or how much money you make. That makes it the perfect place to gather, to celebrate commonality, to set differences aside. Experiencing the beauty of the sky turning pink and red as the sun sets over a meadow, a mountain or the sea in the company of others enhances the impact. It’s as if the earth winks at us and says, let’s all get along.

The day I joined the impromptu whale watching, I felt happy, at peace, safe. Although I do have to admit I chuckled wondering if this group would be as friendly over a coveted parking spot after this experience? Let’s hope so!