Catch One More Wave

This morning as I was strolling down the beach in Manzanillo Bay, Mexico, I saw a surfer riding the waves out into the distance. As I stood there and watched her, I saw beauty, grace and strength. As she rode the wave in and started to get closer to the shore I realized I actually knew her. She is a local yogi and Thai Bodyworker who I’ve known and respected for years.

As she came to shore we connected with morning greetings and she asked what time it was. She was due to be teaching yoga in about 45 minutes. When I told her the time, instead of saying that she better hurry up and come in so she could get going, she said; “Great! I have time to catch one more wave”.

We said our goodbyes and I watched as she skillfully paddled her way back out and patiently waited for the next big wave. The friend who I was walking  with at the time remarked at how interesting it was that she didn’t feel stressed to hurry up and get moving to the next thing. Instead saw it as an opportunity to enjoy a little more time doing the thing that makes her happy.

It made me pause and think about all the times I’m managed by the clock and feeling stressed because I think I have limited time to get the things done that I need to do or have committed to. It made me wonder how many times I’ve missed out on opportunities to enjoy what’s happening right here and now.

Every time I visit this beautiful corner of the world I receive much needed insights and messages to take home with me. I hope that I can transition back into my more scheduled life with the intent to honor the space that I do have and to take time to enjoy the present moment before I feel the need to move on to something else.

I hope to find more joy in the moments and less worry about my schedule or to do lists. I know it’s easier to do on vacation, but with practice I know I can cultivate more openness to see the space that is available to me instead of the lack. No one learns how to surf without practice and commitment, nor do we change our patterns and behaviors without that same level of focus and care. The next time I begin to feel over-scheduled and like I don’t have enough time to enjoy life, I hope I can allow myself the space to catch that one last wave.

Written by Nicole Lovald, LMFT, E-RYT 500

*I wrote this blog post in January and am just posting it now, in April. Although I love hosting retreats and being in Troncones, Mexico, I am currently enjoying a wonderful spring in Minnesota😉