
for those who come to the gulf of mexico, he is the great comforter. his warm enfolding arms soothe & support, & his broad white beaches heal & delight. primal peacefulness laps the sand within the waves that have traveled untold mystic miles & miles to gently greet all who come for this healing. the peace is absorbed into the gracious sand to be shared in the swelling, streaming surges of surf, the soft susurrus of wave whispering to wave. just to sit on the sand & watch the waves as they slowly roll in will calm the clamoring heart. searching through the sand can reveal amazing tiny treasures: dainty diatoms, etched sea glass, smooth water-sculpted minerals that resemble the magical jewels worn by mermaids. driftwood of all varieties invites inspection, & rare sea shells are hiding nearby, just waiting for a curious hand to uncover & discover them. the gulf feels like a venerable dear friend & a wise teacher who is always ready for another willing student. i am such a student, & have been an observer of the gulf since i am a small child. he is my first teacher & i honor him greatly. the gulf of mexico is one of Shiva's forms that He takes on to be accessible to all who may be called to Him, as i was. it is a gentle introduction to a companion who is as free & available as water & air. thank You, Shiva, for being manifest in all the great natural things of this living earth: holy mountains, deep oceans, rivers, fertile plains, huge clouds & sky wonders of all kinds. there is nothing we can touch that is not somehow touching You too, Shiva! i am sincerely counting on this fact!