This month we have placed a focus on the oceans that surround us, inspire us and connect us here at Essence of Harris. We turned to adventure blogger Iona (@tentstreesandbumblebees) to tell us what the ocean means to her. She asks why so many of us are lured to the beauty and power of the sea- what does the ocean mean to you?
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Being by the sea is always my happy place. I can be found exploring in my kayak or swimming with friends; other times I need to clear my head on a walk, paddling my toes in the water. The sea lures so many of us in, from all corners of the world, so I often wonder: Why are we drawn to the sea?
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Peace
Ever wondered why the sound of waves is so soothing? The ebb and flow of the water has a rhythm that mimics our breathing. You can try it yourself: Breathe in, as the wave rushes to the shore. And breathe out, as it quietens and flows back out. It is a calming and mindful sound, reminding us to slow down and be in the moment. It’s no wonder I often fall asleep listening to a soundtrack of wave sounds!
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Connections
We can connect to nature in so many ways: from smelling the flowers in a garden to hiking through a remote mountain range. But being in the sea has a deeper connection than anything else. When I'm in the sea, I am completely immersed it. Sharing a space with incredible wildlife and moving in time with the waves and tide. The salt in my hair and the sand in my toes is exhilarating and relaxing all at once. You can almost feel part of the sea itself. There is also the amazing thought that, at the other side of this huge landscape, there is probably someone else, just like you, embracing the sea. The seas and oceans of the world connect all humans, land masses and natural wonders, which is such a fascinating thought!
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Freedom
The sea has a profound sense of freedom, don't you think? Firstly, there are very few rules on the ocean. Whether you're swimming, surfing, or kayaking, you have the freedom to choose your route, to try new things and to explore new places. Even on the long sandy beaches that lead us to the waves, you feel like you could walk for miles and nothing could get in the way. Just following the sand and the breeze to your hearts content. Second, the sea itself has freedom of movement in all directions. It flows out to the depths, creating shallow waters on the shores. It can also be wild and untamed, throwing powerful waves as high as skyscrapers. Other times it is silently still and glass-like. The sea has the freedom to be whatever it wants to be and feel however it wants to feel. It’s almost like it has human emotions, and I think that resonates in all of us.
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While currently indoors more than usual, I'm always looking to connect to those emotions the sea gives me. Every evening, I light my beautiful Sgarasta candle, bringing fresh sea scents straight into my home. Closing my eyes, the smells of sea salt, driftwood and earthy seaweed fill the air, and once again I am transported to my happy place.
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The sea is one of the many playgrounds for the adventures I get up to! If you love adventure and connecting with the outdoors, do come say hello over on my blog and Instagram.
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At Essence of Harris, we've been raising funds for the RNLI this month, an organisation made up by volunteers which protects our coastlines here in the UK. We added a "donation" section to our checkout so if you'd like to you can donate too- we will match ALL donations made via our website and donate the full sum to the RNLI at the end of the month. If you'd like to browse the ranges and donate, find our collections here: https://essenceofharris.co.uk/collections/home-fragrance
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