April 11, 2016
Insight. Reflection. Chance Connection
When my husband and I first started dating, he’d bring me sand dollars from his surf sessions and say: “I picked you flowers today.” It was a gesture that I treasured deeply.
On day one of a recent family trip to Baja, we had a dispute over our planned agenda. It could have easily been resolved, but instead, I chose to hold tightly to my anger. I knew it was childish of me, but somehow I felt entitled. The next day, as I secured my fingers around the hand grip to board our Toyota FJ, I kept an even tighter grip around my burdens. I wasn’t prepared to let go.
As we glided across the pristine sand, in our off-road vehicle, we spotted a baby seal exploring the wake of low tide. I asked my husband to stop the truck so that I could follow the adventurous pup. With each step I took, I noticed hundreds of sand dollars glistening beneath the thin veil of sand. I ran from sand dollar to sand dollar banking my treasures as if they were real currency, while my heart pumped with excitement. It was as if I had spun the wheel of fortune and hit the jackpot. I was inspired.
When it was time to go, I recalled memories of my husband bringing me flowers from the sea. The symbolism wasn’t lost on me. I knew that nature was trying to speak to me and coax me into releasing my anger. That night when we arrived at our hotel with wifi connection, I began to do research on sand dollars and here is what I discovered:
In Shaman culture they believed that the sand dollar gives us inspiration and encouragement for success. Sand dollars show us the way to build something in life by having a clear path and correspondence. These beautiful little creatures reinforce the importance of team-work while allowing freedom of independent movement.
The Christian’s show us how to see God in each creation. If you examine a sand dollar closely, on one side you will see the Easter Lily. In its center, is the star that appeared to shepherds that led them from afar. The Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side, reminds us of His birthday; our joyous Christmas tide. When you break open the center, you will release five white doves waiting to spread good will and peace. Italicized content cited from linked webpage.
Five doves inside
If the Mood Fits, Wear It…
Mexico is a culture that inspires a bohemian style of dress, from its flowering gifts of the sea to the whimsical Dr. Seuss-like cactus. I purchased the embroidered peasant blouse in a tiny restaurant that caters to motorcyclists in El Rosaria, Baja, purposefully selecting the size in Grande to enable custom tailoring for a more fitted silhouette. Bohemian style leather jacket by Banana Republic.
misheggers 