The sun sets and the crashing of the waves lull me into a trance. The moon illuminates the waves as they crest and crash on the beach. I am at total peace. This is my sanctuary. I am alone, just me, the ocean and darkness.. I take a deep breath, taste the salt in the air and lean my head back against the palm tree I am sitting at. I look upward toward the heavens. Tiny stars dot the entire sky, from one horizon to the other. They twinkle and shine. My mind cannot comprehend the vastness of space; I sit there in utter awe and tranquility. A slight breeze blows my long hair back from my face and neck. It's warm and comforting. Mother Earth is gently caressing me. I close my eyes and listen to the surf pound the shore.
My mind wanders. I am standing on the edge of a cliff. I look down and see the ground thousands of feet below. The sheer rocky mountain that I am standing on is millions of years old. I feel honored to be standing on the very top of this majestic giant. I am humbled. I am a mere speck in time that will cease to exist in a flash. I absorbed the sheer insignificance of my existence. It does not bother me. I understand the rhythms of nature. My purpose comes from within. My worth must be created by my own thoughts and energy. Nature will simply take me when my body can no longer keep going. Then my essence will return to the elements of the earth.
I am amazed to see birds flying this high. The air is thin, yet they soar and dip, lost in the experience of flight. Birds live in the moment, with no worry of the future, or regrets of the past. I take heed and do the same. The sun is high in the sky, the warmth of it's rays tickle my exposed skin. I realize I am naked. No need for clothes, I am the only human alive. It feels good to stand there in the nude, soaking up the sun. I look out at the vastness of the planet. I can see distant mountains, green valleys, and sapphire lakes and rivers . The earth without man is a raw and utterly beautiful. Untainted, clean and pure.
I lift my body upwards and stretch my arms out as far as they will go. The wind makes me sway back and forth. I close my eyes and drink in the scent of nature. It's musk is full of life. I can smell raw earth, the recent rains, and the cycle of life. I take one last glance at the expansive scenery in front of me and then let go. Instead of falling, I soar. I am flying. The wind whips through my hair. The sun beats down on my back. I turn in the direction of the birds flying nearby. I have never felt so wonderful. I am alive, I am in the moment. I glide in a lazy circle, joining my feathered friends. They accept me as one of their own. I instinctively know their next move and we fly in total unison. The joy I feel threatens to burst from my chest. I am one with nature. I am nature. I feel complete tranquility and peace like I never have before. I am unique. I am wonderful. I am free.
I wake up in time to watch the sun rise. It's glow brightens as it clears the horizon. The ocean is tame, the tides receded leaving gently lapping fingers of water brushing the shore. The warmth of the sun illuminates my face. Tears rolls down my face at the beauty before me. I am in awe. Nature has given me the gift of life. I AM life.
