As I laid on the beach last week, I spent an hour just watching the clouds. Every few minutes, they changed. Transformed. Moved. Parted ways. Regrouped. I watched in awe of the symbolism as occasionally they allowed a glimpse of the clear blue hidden above.
They went from thin grey to fluffy white. And soon became heavy grey low hanging threatening the day we were enjoying.
The wind out of nowhere picked up and started easily bending the top of the palms. Yet I felt nothing. It was as if I was in a protective bubble where everything was happening around me, but not to me.
The workers on the beach started telling people to take cover and pointed to the protective areas where there was indoor seating. I was confused. It hadn’t started raining yet, and although the wind was strong above us, it was not affecting the beach. Most of the tourists vacated the property and decided their day was done. I waited it out. Wanting to see what would happen next.
I laid there in the shade ready to go, but enjoying the storm view. I refused to leave when they warned me of the rain. I mean, I was already wet. Did it matter?
I watched the palms straighten back up and the clouds move off over the mountain out to the sea. Their idle threat vanished. The sun reappeared just as quickly as it had gone. I wondered yet again what life lessons I was witnessing in nature. If we only took the time. I am lucky to have the time. To observe, witness, and think.
“A great storm is like a sunny day to a person of great faith. A gentle wind is like a great storm to a person of great fear.“
Matshona Dhliwayo
Tonya Takes Thailand 