I Find Beauty in Life’s Broken Edges: Lessons from the Shoreline

By Elena Harris
21 Nov 2024

Captured during my morning walk on the shore—a moment of inspiration gifted by the ocean.

What does a connection with nature offer us? How does it nurture our well-being, our inner balance? Even after years of wandering around and frolicking through countless landscapes and diverse environments, I remain in awe of the profound impact that communion with nature has on my sense of well-being. Certain nature spots even have this power to reset my inner state, shift my emotions, so much so that I leave refreshed, more open, more available to what I need to tackle next.

The ocean is one of these power spots. This morning, I went on a walk along the shore. The air was crisp, the sun warming, the waves crashing, singing songs of renewal and determination. The ocean sprinkled gifts in the form of seashells—some in their full shape, some a bit broken, and some barely recognizable. I picked one and reflected, once more, on the beauty inherently present in every moment. It’s there to be seen, felt, and experienced, even when it does not conform to any of my preconceived ideas or clear understanding of the what and why.

That shell, with its missing edge and patinated look, shaped by the movement of the tides and the unceasing activity of the water, did not seem like much at first. But then I found that if I looked beyond my ideals and expectations of what is right, perfect, or worthy of being considered beautiful, it was a reminder to keep my outlook fresh, to see and appreciate the beauty offered in all things.