Rest For The Mind and Body

Recently we had some friends spend a few days with us.  It was fun because we went and spent time at the ocean and a few other places.  We tried to keep the pace easy because in the past, we've had other times where we felt so exhausted by trying to do too much with visitors.

We really needed this time away from the computer and busyness of our days.  There are often more things going on in a week and it seems like there is never enough time.  Even though we do try and stop to rest, life just sometimes gets demanding.

This past week was one that just allowed our minds to rest.  It was a time of "rest and relaxation" for the mind.  Just sitting down at the ocean and feeling the salt air, hearing the waves crash and being engulfed by the sun was so relaxing and restful.  It was refreshing and renewing.

It is far too easy for all of us to forget to truly stop, unplug the computers and phones, and enjoy life and nature the way it is meant to be enjoyed.  Yet, if we keep pushing ourselves day in and day out, we are just adding stress to a mind and body that is already pushed to the limits.

Have you stopped and unplugged lately or are you pushing yourself at a nonstop pace?  If you are, don't chastise yourself for doing this.  Instead, ask why it is that you are and how you can change that.  Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Go ahead, take a moment to stop to rest, recharge, and relax.

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Blog Post And Images (c) 2016 by Don Shetterly

• Permission required before any part of this blog post is reprinted, reworded or used in any form. 
• You are welcomed to share the LINK to this blog post.  

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A House On The Beach

I know, I'd love to live there.  Having a house on a beach would be a nice thing so that I could get up early in the morning and go for a walk or take one late at night before going to bed.  There is something about having a house on a beach.

The only thing is, it isn't cheap.  One day, I hope that my dream becomes reality but for now, I can only take walks on the beach and feel the sand under my feet and the cool ocean water washing over my toes.

If you're like me and could just live on the ocean, take a minute to gaze in the picture I took yesterday. 

It was at New Smyrna Beach, Florida and was about 85 degrees when we were there.  The water from the Atlantic Ocean was a little chilly, but you could get used to it and some people were swimming.  The sun was out which made it a beautiful day.

Of course, if you don't have the ocean near you, you can always enjoy the CD of Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds that I recorded at New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

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Blog Post And Images (c) 12/29/15 by Don Shetterly

• Permission required before any part of this blog post is reprinted, reworded or used in any form. 
• You are welcomed to share the LINK to this blog post.  

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Relaxing Day At The Ocean Video

This video was taken after a trip up the coast in Florida near Flagler Beach. It was a cloudy day, but still a nice drive.  I love this section of the beach because it almost feels remote even if other people are around it.

Just take a moment and watch the video.  It is only 2:23 minutes in length.

See if you can just let yourself get lost in the video and relax to the waves coming in and out.  See the clouds resting in the sky.  Think of something you want to let go of in this moment and just allow the waves to take it back out to the sea where it is diluted in billions of drops of water.  Breathe in the renewal that each wave brings and breathe out that which you no longer need.

YouTube Video:  Relaxing Day At The Ocean

Credits:  Video taken by Don Shetterly at Marine Land, Florida on 9/10/15

The Healing Beauty Of This Ocean Place

It was a little too chilly for the beach, but the beauty of this location in NC is one I've loved for many years.  It was an area where I would often pour my heart into words on a paper.  It was where I would often cry the tears of healing a painful past.  It was the place I would go and wake up to the sunrise when I couldn't sleep.  It was where I felt safe enough to go and be with my thoughts when they made no sense.  It was my place.  It was big enough and powerful enough to help me find my way forward.

This one little spot on a beach in North Carolina was just that perfect spot.  There was a sandy beach where I could warm in the sun.  There were big giant rocks that I could climb down on and sit there all alone.  It was these places that helped me process all that I needed to work through in my life.

The Ocean Is My Refuge

Some days, it is easy to feel like I'm all alone.  Some days I still struggle with moments of deep depression that makes my view of the world around me distorted.  Most days, I'm fine and I deal with life, but there is moments like the current where I feel like a whack-a-mole.

Then today, I had just a few brief moments and drove to the ocean.  The ocean is my refuge.  I love sitting there or walking close to it, seeing the vastness stretch before my eyes.  I love the feeling of the ocean air, giving life to my weary body.  I love the acceptance and possibility I get when I see the ocean.

Today, I took my brand new Canon T3i camera along with me.  Now, I'm no professional.  I barely know how to use this camera.  All these years, I've been using the simple point and click cameras, so this new camera is quite the thing to learn.  I'm learning at break neck speed and still feel like I'm completely lost.

Just Relax A Little

I finally took my own advice and just took some time off to relax.  It was so much fun getting away from the computer, writing, and all the stresses in life.  Sure, I love writing and doing the things I do, but with other worries that sneak upon me, it is just fun to let loose, kick the heels up, and relax a little.

We took a short trip to Savannah, Georgia.  After coming through there on the way home from another vacation a year ago, we wanted to go back and spend more time in the city.  It is such a beautiful city with trees that line the streets as if the streets were carved into the trees.  The landscape varies greatly and the history of the city was evident at every turn.

Spending time down on the river front, I saw all kinds of people that were just enjoying a nice fall day in the sun, to those performing their given skill and talent for others to observe.  The many shops showcased various artwork from local artists that came in all sizes, shapes and flavors.  It was mix of the old historic area in with the new and all of if felt so peaceful.

Relax To The Ocean Waves

Imagine sitting on the beach next to the ocean.  Feel the sun on your body and the wind on your face.  The birds soar as the air currents lift them up.  The grains of sand far outnumber your comprehension as your gaze of the blue ocean water brings tranquility to your mind.  Now, just relax in this image and relax to the sounds of Ocean Waves.  



 

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Blog Post And Images (c) 8/11/12 by Don Shetterly

• Permission required before any part of this blog post is reprinted, reworded or used in any form. 
• You are welcomed to share the LINK to this blog post.  

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Interviewed On CNN Headline News

This morning (August 26, 2011), I received a call from CNN - Headline News about a video I uploaded yesterday to iReport (see yesterday's post Ocean Wave Pictures Of Hurricane Irene) .  They wanted to interview me for the Special Report segment which airs between 5pm and 6pm.

So, during the afternoon, I was busy sending out emails and telling people to watch CNN.  Unfortunately, I made a mistake and didn't realize until it was too late, that the interview was on HLN, not CNN.  We had our TV tuned into CNN and missed it as well but fortunately one friend of mine did confirm it aired and he saw it.

Ocean Wave Pictures of Hurricane Irene

Ocean Waves before Hurricane Irene

Even though I have many things that needed to get done today, I wanted to head to the ocean and see the effects by the hurricane.  Sometimes being your own boss has its advantages where it allows you to change your schedule!

It was a different feeling at the ocean today with a different energy.  I have never experienced something like what I did today.  It was an eerie feeling. Knowing that a very dangerous hurricane was sitting only 260 miles away, is not something I take lightly.  I've seen the destruction and I know that even though we may escape this one, some of my friends are in the path of it in North Carolina.

White Noise and Ocean Waves

Recently, I released a CD called "Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds". This is a CD of ocean waves that I captured. While a friend of mine immediately said "white noise" when they heard this CD, after some research, it might not be strictly defined as white noise.

However, I have been playing this CD at night and it really helps me relax and sleep while it cancels out the background noises. I have often used various white noise CD's when I was traveling to help me sleep to mask the noises of people talking in a hallway or doors slamming.

I was playing the ocean waves CD yesterday while working in my office, and my orange cat was so relaxed. At first he wasn't sure of the sounds but it didn't take him long to come over and lay down next to me. Yes, I do realize that cats can really zone out but my cat was beyond what he normally is when he is relaxed. It had a strong effect on him.

The term white noise comes from a reference to white light. In either white noise or white light, white refers to the full spectrum of sound or visible wave lengths. The key point here being that it is the full spectrum.


It is the equal distribution of light or sound waves or a noise that is produced by combining all possible tones or frequencies together. White noise generally is a soothing and relaxing sound that blocks out unwanted sounds or background noises.

In addition to white noise, there is pink noise. Pink noise is defined as pleasant sounds that are relaxing and fill the mind with unstimulating distractions much like white noise. However, with pink noise, it does not cover the full spectrum of sound frequencies and so it does not mask background noise as well as white noise.

There are many purposes and uses for white noise. White noise is great for sleep (insomnia), concentration, reading a book or just relaxing. It is often a help to those that suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears). White noise is also being used in offices to help cancel out background conversations from people working in adjacent cubicles or offices.

When I recorded the Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds CD, I wanted to get the full dynamics of the sounds I heard on the beach. I did notice that while I relaxed on the beach, it seemed as if time stood still. Although there are many CD’s out there with the sound of ocean waves, many of them do not really capture the true experience and present an environment that connects the mind and body together.


Sources Of Information:
1) Wikipedia - White Noise
2) Hubpages.com - Do White Noise Machines Help You Sleep?


To Purchase "Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds" CD
-- iTunes
-- Amazon
-- Napster
-- Rhapsody

For More Information on Don Shetterly's Music
http://www.donshetterly.com






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Blog Post & Images (c) 7/16/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

If any part of this post is used or shared, a link back to this site is required.
http://mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com/
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An Ocean Picture Meditation

To enhance the power of this ocean meditation, you may want to download and listen to one of my CD's called "Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds". The sounds on this CD were recorded from the place you see in these pictures.

Since the ocean is one of my favorite places, every time I go, I always take pictures. For me to walk along the ocean, feel the salt mist and ocean breezes, it is breath taking to me.

I'm always captivated by the sounds of the waves and the roar of the ocean. If you ever have the chance to go to the ocean, do it! It is an experience you'll never forget. On the other hand, if you have been to the ocean, I hope these pictures will reconnect you with the sites and sounds you feel in your body and mind.





Just notice the rolling waves, and the ever so peaceful appearance of the waters that seem to stretch for miles and miles. The shoreline filled with its many grasses and plants that changes as the shoreline changes. If you travel for miles up the coast, you'll notice quickly how the shoreline changes, yet it is all connected.




Gazing into that deep blue horizon, it is like nothing else matters. No matter what is going on in life, it is like all is very insignificant to this moment that I am seeing. A point where I am standing there in this big world and while I'm connected to it, I feel as if I've drifted far beyond the earthly plane.




As the waves crash to the shore, I often see them bringing in what I need in life and taking away that which I don't need. I picture myself releasing all those difficult moments in life to the waves. The ocean is big enough to take these things, wash them away and carry back much needed peace to the shore.




Knowing that the shoreline I see at this particular minute and hour of the day, will change into something new, and unseen and that does not exist at this point in time. The low and high tide changes the landscape with each wave that crashes onto the shore. The depth of water and the water's edge display a landscape that cannot be imagined.


So to is our life. It is ever changing and what we see today is not what will be there tomorrow. No two days are alike and no two moments are alike. We can choose to participate in whatever moment of our life we wish or we can choose to step back and be an observer to the bigger picture of life. Sometimes by observing where we are in the moment, we are participating in life in a way that no comprehension can achieve.

May we view the ocean or other places in our life with great observance to gain a deeper understanding of who we are and where we are in life.


Further Reading:
1) Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds (Blog Post 7/20/11)
2) Relaxing Ocean Waves (Blog Post & Video 7/08/11)
3) Ocean Waves (Blog Post 5/17/11)



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Blog Post & Images (c) 7/13/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

If any part of this post is used or shared, a link back to this site is required.
http://mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com/
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Ocean Waves Poem

This poem is one I wrote about the waves at the Ocean. The ocean is one of my favorite places and I could sit there all day long, every day of my life if there was nothing else to do.

As part of the new CD I just released, Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds, this poem connects with the creation of this CD.

To hear a sample of this CD on itunes, click the following link.
Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds for Sleep, Massage, Relaxation, Healing, Spa


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Relaxing Ocean Waves
*by Don Shetterly
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Gazing into the horizon,
Before the deep blue sea.
Breathing in the air,
Salt mist all around.

Gazing into the sunlight
As it glistens on the sea.
Sparkles of sunlight
Dancing all around.

The dark blue sky
Hovers above the water;
A never- ending sight
Ocean stretching beyond.

My shoes comes off,
my feet touch the sand.
I feel the coolness
As my toes dig in.

Water splashes around
As waves abound.
Water comes and goes
With secrets unknown.

The sound of the ocean waves,
the roar of the sea,
Draws me deep within
To where I cannot see.

A day is but an hour
As I'm lulled to the clouds,
While ocean waves
Sing unto the sky.

Ocean waves
Majestic and free,
Soaring to the sky
From the deep blue sea.

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(c) 6/21/11 Don Shetterly - All Rights Reserved)
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This poem and picture was taken at Canaveral National Seashore, New Smyrna Beach, Florida on June 21, 2011 (Summer Solstice).






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Blog Post & Images (c) 6/21/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

If any part of this post is used or shared, a link back to this site is required.
http://mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com/
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Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds For Sleep, Massage, Relaxation, Healing, Spa

Imagine it is a warm sunny afternoon on the beach, with the sun shining down and a light ocean breeze blowing against you. At random times, birds go flying by as if they are effortlessly drifting along. As you relax on a beach towel, listen to the waves come in and go out, as the rhythm lulls you into a deep relaxed and meditative state. Spend some time and wake up feeling refreshed, renewed, and at peace within yourself.

Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds is a CD of ocean waves that was recorded at Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It was recorded on the summer solstice at morning low tide (June 21, 2011).

The CD has very dynamic and full ocean wave sounds that will lull you to sleep, help you relax, meditate, or are just ideal for massage, the spa or any other relaxing and healing environment you wish to create.

Available now on iTunes, Rhapsody and Napster and Amazon.

The CD is 69 minutes in length (a 1 track single) and can be purchased on itunes for $1.99 or Rhapsody, Napster and Amazon for 99 cents.

It is available for mp3 download on these sites and the physical CD on Amazon will be coming soon.

I hope everyone enjoys the CD and I look forward to seeing the reviews online at the various download sites.

CD Title: Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds For Sleep, Massage, Relaxation, Healing, Spa
UPC: 859706360099
Artist: Don Shetterly

For More Information
http://www.donshetterly.com

Relaxing Ocean Waves

Here's a short little video of some relaxing ocean waves that I captured on video at Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Atlantic Ocean. Just sitting on the beach, next to the water lulls me into a very relaxed state. Just to hear the sounds of the ocean, the waves, the birds and gaze into the deep blue sea is very relaxing and soothing to me.

Often when I visit the ocean and hear the ocean waves, time flies by quickly. Before long, an hour or two has passed and it feels like mere minutes.

I love just walking up and down the beach next to where the waves and surf come in. Just feeling the water on my feet and watching the sea life run about, gives me a sense of awe and a feel of completeness.

When I can find areas of the beach that have very few people around, I really enjoy just being out in nature and being alone with my thoughts. There is no better way to spend a day when you just want to relax, think about things or enjoy a quiet moment of rest.

If you are not able to visit the ocean, than I hope my short little video will give you a taste of what I experience.


Further Reading:
1) Ocean Waves Poem (Blog Post 5/11/11)
2) An Ocean Meditation (Blog Post 8/13/10)



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Blog Post & Images (c) 7/3/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

If any part of this post is used or shared, a link back to this site is required.
http://mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com/
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Ocean Waves

Ocean Waves
(c) Don Shetterly, 2011











Sitting there on the sand,
Watching the waves.
As they go out.
They come back in.

Feeling their power,
Seeing their strength.
Knowing for a moment,
That all is well.

The roar of the crash,
Soft do they leave.
As my eyes gaze,
For all to see.

Rhythm of the flow,
Power of infinity.
Releasing and relaxing
For all to know.

The ocean wave,
sitting there on the sand.
Just what is needed,
For all so well.


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Blog Post & Images (c) 4/26/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

If any part of this post is used or shared, a link back to this site is required.
http://mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com/
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Supermoon, Oceans and Nature

Most likely everyone has heard about the supermoon which is ocuring this evening as I write this blog post. The supermoon is the moon that looks like it is much closer because it is actually traveling as close as it will get to the earth in its orbit for the next 18 years. Since it is also a full moon, it is expected to raise the tides all over the earth. Some say, it will have a significant impact upon the earth and while I have no way to agree or disagree with that, it will be interesting to see if there are any events that coincide with the supermoon. Many would just attribute this to folklore.

I'm always amazed at the systems in space and how they may or may not impact us as humans. Just to gaze at something that is only about 221,566 miles seems awe inspiring to me. I would love to be able to go and travel to the moon and actually step a foot on to it. If there is ever a wow factor in life, the moon and the planets or stars of the solar system would be one of those for me.

Coming back to earth though, I spent time at the ocean today just picking up seashells while dipping my feet in the 60 degree, cool ocean water. Seeing the ocean, hearing the roar of the waves, watching the sea gulls fly and being caught up in the moment of looking for seashells, the world around me seemed pretty small. Much like looking at the moon so many miles away, the earth seemed almost insignificant.

As we ended the day at the ocean, we spent time observing the birds and butterflies all around us. It was a beautiful site and once again, took me miles away from the world and all its troubles and problems.

There is no greater joy, no greater meditation and no better way to just be in the moment than to gaze at the sky, bask in the ocean and observe nature. If you want to let go of things that are bothering you, find your place in nature. Let nature revive you, ground you and help you find what it is that you need in this very moment.

Nature and the ocean and the moon are much bigger than anything we are experiencing. They remind us that we can transcend all that we are going through, if even for a moment. They remind us that we are part of something bigger and that we are all connected.




Blog Post & Images (c) 3/19/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

Dr. Masaru Emoto Prayer for The Waters

With great respect for Dr. Emoto's work, I am forwarding this invitation to you... if this speaks to your heart, please hold a blessing of gratefulness and love to our ocean, animals and the oil spill situation in the Gulf. Please join us in repeating this healing prayer of Dr. Emoto's and feel free to forward this information.
Event Time: June 21

"I send the energy of love and gratitude to the water and all the living creatures in the Gulf Of Mexico and its surroundings. To the whales, dolphins, pelicans, fish, shellfish, plankton, coral, algae and all living creatures - I am sorry. Please forgive me, Thank you. I Love You!

Swimming Dolphins & Relaxing Spa Music

Vilano Beach, near St. Augustine, Florida - http://www.donshetterly.com. Video was taken on a recent trip to St. Augustine Beach (FL) where we saw dolphins playing and swimming within a few feet of us. It was a beautiful site to see and a treat. I put this video to a sound clip of one of my relaxing piano songs called "Swimming Dolphins".