You Don’t Have to Be by the Ocean to Feel the Flow

June 6, 2025

Dear gentle soul,

We often speak of the ocean as a place of peace — and it’s true.

Its rhythm, its vastness, the way it holds space for everything — it does something to our nervous system. We exhale more fully. We soften.

But here’s something important:

You don’t have to be by the ocean to feel that sense of flow.

So many of us long for calm — especially on the days that feel noisy, overstimulating, full.

And when the sea is far away, we sometimes forget: the real work of returning is internal.

This letter is for the days when you're searching for that sense of ease and clarity — but don't know where to begin.

Let me gently walk you back to it.

1. Breathe Like the Tide

One of the first things that gets disrupted when we’re overwhelmed is our breath.

It becomes shallow, rushed — a mirror of our inner state.

But you don’t need an hour. You don’t need silence.

You just need a few minutes, and a willingness to pause.

Here’s a simple way to begin:

Inhale through the nose — 1, 2, 3, 4

Hold — 1, 2

Exhale through the mouth — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Repeat this a few times. Let it be imperfect. Let it be real.

The goal isn’t to do it “right” — the goal is to return.

Each exhale, a wave pulling back what you’re ready to release.

Your environment either adds to the tension — or helps regulate it.

And often, we underestimate how small sensory shifts can make a difference.

Try this:

Light: Use what feels soothing — a candle, a warm-toned lamp, soft fairy lights.
Scent: Choose something your body responds well to — cedar for grounding, bergamot for lightness, jasmine for a lift.
Sound: Gentle, non-demanding — ocean waves, soft piano, ambient tones.
Touch: Wrap up in something soft. Hold something cool or grounding in your hand — a smooth stone, a ceramic mug, a piece of driftwood.

Then pause.

Place your hand on your chest.

And say — silently or aloud:

“I’m here. I give myself permission to soften.”

Water regulates. It clears. It re-centers.

If you're feeling emotionally heavy or scattered, this practice can help:

Mix 0.5 kg of sea salt with a few drops of essential oils — frankincense for presence, juniper for clarity, cedar for inner steadiness.
Wrap it in a cloth or gauze and hang it so warm water runs through it.
Sprinkle a bit on the floor of your shower.
Step in barefoot, letting the water flow over your skin.

As you breathe, gently say to yourself:

“I release what I no longer need. I return to clarity, to warmth, to myself.”

Then — after the shower — sit for a moment with the candle lit.

Let your eyes rest on the flame. Just notice. Breathe. Let it soothe your system.

This is your stillness.