11/06/2026
Hi everyone, Ian here. We continue to be amazed at how many people are connecting with the group, and delighted that you are interested in the connection between the sea and spirituality.
I have been at the beach this morning for my Soulitude and wanted to share the experience with you. Soulitude is my name for beach contemplation and discerning how Creator reveals things in that space.
This morning was beautiful, 6am, with a very low tide, perhaps 70m of flat hard sand before reaching the shoreline. The sea is completely flat, with slight wind ripple as the breeze comes from my right. It is a bit fresh, so I have my coat and woolly hat on, sipping tea. Only a few dog walkers. The partially obscured sun is poking through the clouds, and the water is glistening.
I am surprised to see a rock shelter constructed in front of my usual seat. Someone has put significant effort into moving sizeable rocks and wedging a wall into shape with smaller stones. It reminds me of stone wind shelters like the one at the top of Helvellyn that I sat in last year. The stone shelter designed as a place of refuge, although as I look further, I see a smashed glass bottle, with the circular base somehow standing upright between some small rocks. It looks dangerous in a place of intended security.
Later I notice a small piece of sea glass carefully sitting in a small cavity on the outside edge of the rock shelter. The total opposite of the brutal piece first seen. This is beautiful, nestled, content - a sign of hope.
A skein of Canadian geese startles me flying in from my left, extremely low over the Pier and across the beach in front of me, happily honking as they do. They appear to be in straight line formation, only a few metres off the ground. I thought they were going to land before suddenly they tilted their wings towards the sea and skimmed away. I eventually lost sight of them as they merged in with the far sea cliffs.
I find Canadian geese fascinating, especially their Winter migrations, v-formations high in the dark sky. These always seem a bit fluid, changing shape depending on the inclination and speed of various members.
There is a small bundle of old tangled fishing line washed up next to me, with discoloured Mackerel Day Light lures. I use these for my summer fishing sessions. A rusty bolt sits on the rocks reminisce of better days but still holding together.
The word ‘grace’ came to mind, such a beautiful, beautiful word, so full of meaning - love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness – all rolled up into one. Creators love within enables a continuous overflow of grace-filled love to ‘walk-in-grace’ with others, whatever happens in the ebb and flow of life.
My wife texted me yesterday to say that a family member was back in touch, something that we have been praying for these past few years. This person came to mind this morning for my Soulitude. As I sift the things I have noticed, the stone shelter seems significant. We tried to shape a safe place, but even with the best intentions someone may perceive danger. I hope we can go Mackerel fishing together again. Memories of happier days still bolt us together and we can marvel at the gem that is still there. The person did not land as expected, but we can watch the flight and be there when needed – much grace.
A deep sense of peace washed over me, I closed my eyes and it felt like I was floating.
Encountering Creator in creation, a truly beautiful experience.
