I look forward to my walks on Swami’s beach, a local surfer’s paradise sitting below jagged, clay cliffs one hundred and forty-five steps down a massive wooden zig-zag staircase in North County San Diego. Swami’s is my running, reading, dreaming, walking, swimming, California dreaming beach. It’s my sweet spot, an altar where I pray, the place I go to escape the world, to remember God when I forget.
Do you have a sweet spot you return to for time with God, to remember God when you forget?
Just returning from a morning walk on Swami’s, the scent of ocean still on my skin, I’m filled by the refreshing wind of the Holy Spirit that I met on my morning walk.
I return to Swami’s often for many reasons, different each time. Today, I needed the shoreline’s inviting embrace, and to breathe more deeply. I wanted relief, for diligence to fall from my shoulders into crashing waves, for the tide to sweep away tangled ideas from my brain. I yearned for warm winter breezes to welcome a weekend spirit.
Swami’s, reminiscent of old time, laid back California beach life draws surfers who flock each day in black wetsuits to catch a few waves. Last summer, Bethany, the surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack in Hawaii, stood by the life guard stand, holding a surfboard, checking out the gnarly waves. All kinds of folks walk the beach, today a young mom, tanned and fit in her athletic wear, pushing babe in stroller on the sand; a young, barefoot couple sipping from Starbuck’s cups; a team of brute Navy Seals lined up in rows, forging through thick sand for good work-out. Last week a quintessential California girl with sun streaked hair hanging down past her shoulders in two braids, hula hooped her way down the shoreline in a tiny bikini, while a tall, elder man with proud, wide shoulders, emerged from the ocean like The Old Man From the Sea, wearing just tighty whiteys, pot belly hanging low over it’s elastic band. My friend Theresa told me the other day she met Simon, Swami’s beach cat with gorgeous gray tiger coloring and so friendly, He has big tag that says: “Simon -Swami’s cat”. He was perched on top one of stucco supports on staircase, people petting him on their way down and up staircase. Everything’s cool at Swami’s.
I come to Swami’s beach to seek God.
I think of the many times Jesus went to quiet places to pray, during varying circumstances, to seek God. Before starting his ministry, he spent forty days in the dry, ancient desert, fasting, filling his body, mind and spirit with God. I imagine him alone for long days and nights, beneath the wide expanse of a great sky, in heat and chill, in light and dark, scorched by the unforgiving sun, watching the changing patterns of the wide, lonely sky, the shifting forms of clouds, sheltered by the black night as he witnessed fire storms of bursting shooting stars, a wonderfest against an ebony, velvet sky — immersed in communion with God. In the heat of the desert, in his aching hunger, fed by God and God alone, Jesus’ spirit soared with strength and readiness for God’s plan for him ahead. No temptations, no evil could enter such a divine temple within.
Jesus’ desert times offers us insight for when we’re called to new projects and ministries. We go to quiet places to pray, away from noise and distractions. We retreat to our sweet spots for Godly direction, for wisdom and discernment for our path ahead. We get quiet to listen for the small voice that says, go this way. And we’re strengthened with holy fuel for what God has planned.
I visit Swami’s often these days. After a long fallow period lacking creative juice, a new creative spark, a new project peaking out of darkness, like the tip of a chick’s beak cracking through an egg, bids itself forward. Long walks on Swami’s gives me breathing room, a open-sky altar to pray for direction. Lulled by methodical,thunderous crashing waves on the shore, held in God’s arms, I gain strength, discernment,insight and courage for what’s ahead.
Returning from the desert, Jesus’ need for retreat doesn’t end when his ministry begins. When it’s still dark one early morning, he arises:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to be alone with God and pray.- ” Mark 1: 35
During important decisions, when we chose our community, our team, our fellowship, where we’ll move, what job we’ll pursue, we need to find quiet places to pray, as Jesus did in choosing the disciples.
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles.” (Lk. 6:12-13).
Like Jesus, we find quiet places to go after hearing disturbing news such as an unexpected illness or the death of a loved one.
After Jesus hears about the beheading of John the Baptist, he retreats:
“When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” – Matthew 14:14
Just the same, when God’s grace brings us provisions and miracles we follow in the way of Jesus as he did after feeding the 5,000:
“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” – Matthew 14:23
When followers start flocking because our God breathed ministry or project begins mushrooming, we, like Jesus, need to go to quiet places to pray.
“..the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.” – Luke 5:15-16
No matter what our circumstances, we retreat to our sweet spots, surrendering to receiving the spirit of God into our hearts. It is here in meeting God, that we’re prepared, comforted, guided, strengthened, and empowered to do God’s will.
Held in arms of mother nature, at the shore of her grand Pacific, I meet God. As I search for ancient shells, worn down from centuries of tumultuous seas, my bare feet grounded in the grains of sandy earth, I hold a shell in my hands, amazed by God’s creation, of it’s smooth wisdom. Catching the pattern of a pelican’s flight, awed by it’s majestic beauty, glimpsing but a sliver of God’s omnipotence, it’s as if I’m flying with them into the empty sky. As I watch one nose dive into the great Pacific, baptized by the Spirit, I dive with it into subconscious bliss, into the peace of God’s love.
Sometimes I invite friends along with me for a walk, sharing in the beauty, sharing a rare solace sliced out during our busy days. I think how Jesus did this often.
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place”. – Mark 6:30-32.
Even the night before he was crucified, he brought his beloved friends with him to pray.
“And they came to a place called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began praying”. – Mark 14:32-34
And ultimately, as death calls him closer, Jesus goes out again, alone.
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:41-44
Sometimes, as I sit on Swami’s shoreline watching the great orange sun setting beneath the thin line of the horizon, the ocean I think is like a pearl in God’s hand. Staring out toward the horizon I remember endless summer childhood days on Fire Island off Long Island, these waves of somatic memories seem like old friends visiting. I’m 8-years old in a two piece bathing suit, red, white and blue stripes, romping with my best friends, wearing a carefree smile. I breathe in the warm, soft breeze sweeping by my lips and cheeks. Everything seems in slow motion. The wide open turquoise sky with soft pastel streaks of soft pink clouds, stretches above the earth, a few white puffy clouds scattered like angels’ pillows. Tall, wispy, beach reeds sprout from silky white sands, a wooden, weather washed path leads toward the vast sea green Atlantic topped with glittering gold rays shining from the wave’s crests. Squawking seagulls fly low. Even as a girl, the grand ocean invited me into God’s majestic mystery, it’s crashing waves and misty spray, like holy water.
Fire Island was a an altar where endless summers began, and my deepening connection with God took root.
As the memories fade, God lives.
As these gems of childhood wash up to the shores of my mid life, I realize the horizon beyond Swami’s is a magical place where the sun goes to sleep every night, and rises again, just as it did long ago. And no matter how old we are, or how many days, months or years go by, the sun rises and sets, and rises again day after day, orchestrated by an omnipotent God.
Where is your sweet spot? Will you visit it soon?
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This is a gift, I slowly unwrapped descriptive word you shared with such beautiful eloquence- the need to find our own quiet places of retreat to meet with God. I have always done this! Back when I was a kid, living in terrible circumstances, I would take my bike and GO. Leave that painful mess that attacked me to my core, and I would bring my journal and sit by this hidden creek all alone and write, pray, sketch, cry- it was my refuge. I found different places to escape to, but I remember this one and the beach a mile down the road as my most frequented stops. As I grew older, I would go for long walks and find new parks, paths, retreats to explore all alone- where I searched for God and found Him amidst the solitude, the beauty, the silence. I still cling to my refuge- it is a critical piece to my peace. It is where I go for my deepest prayers as I walk or sit or write – and bask in the intimacy I long for with Him.
“We get quiet to listen for the small voice that says, go this way. And we’re strengthened with holy fuel for what God has planned.” <— love.
how beautiful Chris that the wise child within you found safe and quiet places for refuge. I’m so touched by your comment. I went with you to each place, and surely can relate to the need for this as a child fleeing painful situations at home. As always, your words touch a core. Thank you for sharing today!
I used to go to the SRF as a child quite frequently since we lived in West Los Angeles. My Mom would go to pray and gatherings in the chapel and I used to feed the ducks around the pond with a loaf of bread. They are bittersweet memories for me. Sweet because I loved being there with my Mom. Sad, because my Mom embraced New Age Philosophy and died without knowing the Lord as far as I know.
When my Mom passed away, my brother put her ashes there.
Finding the Lord (or Him finding me) was the best thing ever in my life. I’m grateful.
Thank you for sharing such bittersweet memories of the Swami’s beach area. Your mom was seeking, and I often wonder that God knows our seeking hearts regardless of our path. I searched many paths to find Christ. If I died before I found Him, I do believe he knew my heart.
Ah yes… my favorite spot is the beach as well, which is tricky for this landlocked, desert dweller! But still… how I long for the shore!
Oh, yes Karrilee! I remember you love the beach! You must visit when the time is right! I try not to take for granted, it’s easy to do when we live near the shore.. You have been on my mind, I visited this week but something went wrong with leaving a comment. I’ll look forward to coming by and will send you a beachy message!.
Hi
Great to meet you. My quiet spot is my morning share, with tea, a breakfast snack (we eat later) and my Bible. It is delicious – eating His Word and sipping tea. I would love you to share at Word of God Speak.
Blessings
Janis
Hi Janice, your quiet spot sounds lovely..simple and inviting. I know that feeling of our special spots and time with God being delicious! I will visit the site you mention, thank you! And so nice to have you visit!
I’m so glad I stopped by via the Small Wonder link up this week! I am a So Cal girl and have visited Swami’s many times. We’ve been transplanted to Seattle for over 20 years but when I come visit family in Carlsbad I take the trek down the stairs or watch the surfers from the parking lot! Gotta love those stairs!
I wrote this week about my favorite place to hear God, also–outside on our deck. (the photo in my blog post is the view from my chair.) God has so much to say when we’re listening!
Thanks for sharing this week.
Amazing you know Swami’s beach! What a small world this is!! What a blessing to have you visit and read about a place you know so well..and yes you gotta love those stairs! Just a joy to read your comment! I’ll stop by and read about your favorite place..
Well, goodness, Kathy, your beautifully descriptive writing makes me want to go to the beach now. 🙂 The beach is my sweet spot too, although, a different coast. I grew up in FL, and love the gulf coast. There’s nothing quite like the peacefulness of the beach, is there. I love how you share that you go there to seek God. It’s almost impossible not to find God there, isn’t it? 🙂
Another beach lover! I also love the gulf coast..our family went on vacations to a house on the beach in Pensacola as a child, and so many great memories! Such warm waters! Yes..the beach is so peaceful, such a haven for seeking God, for closing out the world! Look forward to sharing again Brenda! I love the name of your blog, too!
How blessed are we to have sacred Swami’s in our backyard. Kathy, you miss none of the physical nor spiritual beauty of our Swami’s sweet spot. I discovered the beauty of Swami’s ashram and gardens when I was a young mother. At that time, I searched and could not find a Catholic church that fulfilled my spiritual needs. I learned the art of meditation and then found the beautiful Self Realization Fellowship gardens to retreat and go into my quiet spiritual space. I would go on my runs and enjoy the flocks of Pelicans, dolphin sitings, African drummers, and surfers playing. I would end my escape time at the gardens where I found my favorite shade tree that provided perfect protection over me while I sat on the meditation bench hidden from the steps. It was here that I could easily free my mind of “thinking” and “be with the divine”. Because of the beauty of this place, I began to study Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) teachings and love how they blend the beauty of both Christianity and the Hindu faiths which includes the practice of yoga which helps tremendously with the body, mind and spirit connection. Interesting to note that a devoted SRF member purchased Swami’s ashram land and had a temple built for Paramahansa Yogananda (spiritual leader who brought yoga to the United States) while Paramahansa was visiting his homeland of India. Paramahansa loved this location so much, he did not want to leave. There used to be a temple on the cliffside of the Encinitas SRF gardens where Paramahansa would meditate and mentor new monks and nuns. Eventually, the temple fell off the cliffside and Paramahansa was told that this was a message from the divine that he was to go out into the world more often to spread his spiritual message. The ashram that sits atop Swami’s offers silent retreats throughout the year that offer the perfect environment to go deep inside and commune with our Christ center. Thank you Kathy for taking the time and having the talent to describe your experiences in one of my favorite places in the world. Simon, the Swami’s cat, is a most handsome and serene Swami’s greeter.
Thank you for sharing, Theresa, What beautiful images –enjoying the flocks of Pelicans, dolphin sitings, African drummers, and surfers playing…such is California beach life.. Such interesting history of SRF, too,- – a place that has been meaningful to you in your spiritual seeking and a place to find solace.. and I love how Swami’s beach and gardens is your favorite places in the world..and to top it off you’re greeted of course by the serene Simon, Swami’s cat!! How blessed we are to be able make our way down those long stairs to a haven away from the world!
I have a “little house” on our property that is set aside as a place of quiet for writing, prayer and rest. Just being there, even cleaning or decorating, watering the plants in it, draws me into an awareness of God’s presence. Thanks for linking!
How lovely..a place of one’s own! Reminds me of a treehouse in my back yard as a child. I can just imagine you there immersed in solitude!
Swami’s sounds like quite a spot. I used to go often to the city Botanical Garden when I lived in Austin, Texas. It was a beautiful spot downtown, lots of different gardens. My favorite was the Japanese garden, with a bamboo house, little stream running through, plants, ponds with gold fish. You could hear the sound of running water throughout. It was a gateway to communion with God!
Botanical gardens are such beautiful havens for retreating–I just love Japanese gardens! You’re reminding me to visit our local garden,
I haven’t been there yet! What beautiful memories of Austin’s gardens where you went to abide!