I have a confession. Beaches make me feel much like the proverbial kid in the candy store. Wide-eyed and almost giddy, I am absolutely captivated by brilliant sunsets, roaring waves and the magnificent wildlife found along the shoreline. The ocean feeds my soul and my imagination.

On one particular morning, our second visit to the beach, I was delighted to find a large flock of pelicans covering much of the landscape. Some were basking in small groups gently afloat on soft waves. Others were fishing for breakfast. A few juveniles were interacting with local Terns along the shore. One pelican turned towards his smaller companions as if to speak. I imagined this young pelican providing fishing tips to a young charge as if to say, “Watch how they dive from the sky with such precision and grace. You will not find a better fisherman than a seasoned pelican.”

I grabbed my camera and cautiously waded into the center of the flock until I was waist-high in water. The pelicans watched me from a short distance away and tolerated my presence while I quietly snapped several images. I stood among them for several minutes, until a jogger provided the impetus for flight and the entire flock soared past me, close enough to feel the rush of winged wind against my face.

I returned to the shore.

“You are a brave soul,” John said.

Perhaps, I thought, but I honestly had not even considered the risk of wading into an active flock of birds. I was simply grateful for the temporary sanctuary I had found among them.

Meditation

Silly as it may sound, I felt called into the water, invited to join a pelican family for this brief span of time. To watch the interactions within this bird family was an honor. Feathered communities are much more dynamic, intricate, and bonded than they may seem to be at first glance.

Several years ago, National Geographic and author, Dan Buettner, combined forces to study the common lifestyle practices seen among people who live longer than the rest of us. As expected, healthy practices related to nutrition and exercise were cited. But also on that list, often overlooked in our society, were the strong bonds people in these areas cultivate with each other and the larger community. Lives were lived in relationship and with a keen sense of purpose.

Sounds much like the pelican life, doesn’t it?

Inclusive.

Supportive.

Purposeful.   

I came away from my time with the pelicans not only with a profound sense of peace but inspired and reflective. So much for the busy, disconnected existence, I see too often masquerading as life. Isolation is not good for the body, much less the soul.

Alas, I cannot live on the beach. Yet, truth be told, I could certainly use more pelican ways in my life.