I was visiting the Pacific Northwest one recent fall and while there, spent some time at a marina. It was a protected area, as harbors are by definition, and this particular one was water accessible by way of a long channel.
I was intrigued by the water’s appearance. Probably because of its depth and the play of the natural light, the water looked to be a few different colors. The motored boats in the marina had caused some oil-slicking, but just enough to give that iridescent ribbon. There were also floaties, my scientific name for the bits of foam, nature, sea-life (or sea-death) that is found on most all oceanic surfaces, and possibly a few non-sea particles that come from humans living on or near the water. The mixture of all this in the natural movement of the water created what reminded me of paisley.
This term, “paisley water,” hung around the back of my mind and when I was trying to come up with a name for this site, it resurfaced (pun not intended but fitting!) As I thought more about that water, I realized it was actually perfect.
A harbor must be deep in order to accommodate the boats, especially sail boats and their keels. Since this harbor ultimately opened to the ocean, the tide rose and fell about 12 feet twice a day. Because this water was so very inland it was protected from waves and large surface movement, and the boats into and out of this marina had to slow-motor to prevent wake as well. Fascinating to me was that the surface of the water here was usually quite smooth, allowing it to be a canvas.
Isn’t that how our lives are—or how they should be? We all need a harbor, a safe place, so that what is deep inside of us can rise to the surface where we can deal with it. Or sometimes, simply look at it. Even when the surface of our life looks calm—often because we have intentionally slow-motored in order to maintain this impression—the deep tides are rising and falling, bringing with them the wanted and the unwanted.
Let’s take time to ponder our own water and look at what bubbles up to the surface when we allow it and give it space. Let’s grow awareness of life’s tides, what they bring to our lives and what they take away, accepting and celebrating the movement below the surface. Let’s grow toward the beauty already on display on our own unique canvas.