I love sitting on the shore and watching the waves come crashing back, each wave playing the game over and over again. I am sure many of us will connect with this image. I can literally feel the cool breeze caressing my hair as another waves comes and crashes into me to say a quick “hi”.
I was at the beach this weekend. Sitting on the sand, I volunteered with my group to be the custodian of their shoes/bags etc. as they participated in the water games the venue offered.
Only this time, I was well equipped with a monocular. Like Columbus, I adjusted the monocular to watch the games people played in the waters.
Here are 5 interesting observations to reflect and integrate in daily living, at an individual, within a team and as an organization:
#1. Relaxation
No matter how tired you believe you are, the moment you enter a beach, you seem to be teleported to another world. You just gift yourself a big stretch and completely release your body tension. One quick long stretch and you are ready to enjoy the waves and the breeze the ocean offers to you.
Sharing: Gift yourself a simple 5 minutes stretch 3 – 5 times a day. You deserve a re-charge just like your mobile.
#2. Play
Almost invariably, every person I observed was playing one game or another. Whether it was volleyball, cricket or football, the beach offered all sporting events at its venue. Most importantly, each person enjoyed the game with resources available at his/her disposal. I went up and spoke to was 76 years old and she was enjoying the game of cricket for the joy of “play”.
Sharing: Gift yourself “Play time””Play” transcends age.
#3. Curiosity
My monocular gathered a lot of attention. From the local horseman to the group of doctors who were drenched in alcohol and sand, each one wanted to gaze through this instrument. As they did so, the child in them leaped out, with almost each person sharing to another in child like curiosity of this wonderful simple instrument called monocular. At least 5 of them asked me complete details right from the shop I brought it from to the price of the instrument.
Sharing: Gift yourself “freedom” to be a child again. Release your “inner child” every single day.
#4. Laughter
I never saw a glum face on the beach. People across age & gender were laughing, cracking jokes and just having a good time of their life. I could hear the a group of men recalling their youthful days and how some of them were out of shape, some bald. In fact, I was too happy to join the laughter though I knew none of them.
Sharing: Gift yourself permission to laugh your heart out. Laughter indeed is the best medicine and best of all, it is available free 24 x 7.
#5. Appreciation
Every beach attracts couples/families and groups alike. One common thread that runs through each of this group is “appreciation”. I noticed couples married or the ones courting each other, holding hands and appreciating each other, patting and hugging each other. Groups of men & women, old and young, sharing the best part of themselves with each other, appreciating each other. Most importantly, I noticed parenting at its best. Parents letting go of the drama of “control” of their kids. Guess what, the kids too reciprocating with taking charge of their own behaviour.
Sharing: Gift “appreciation” this valentine’s day to your loved ones. Appreciation is the best tonic to lift human spirit.
Image credits*: Google