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What I learned from looking down

By
Real Estate Agent with The Virtual Real Estate Team 104556

Yesterday the tide had come far up the beach in the morning, but I wasn't going to let this damn cold stop me from one of my pleasures of being by the ocean. The walk however came with considerable hazards, Portuguese Man-O-Wars where all over the beach, and some of them very small and disguised in seaweed. Normally I love to watch the clouds and the waves as I pass my people and their lovely dogs. But if you ever step on one of these it will be a moment to remember. A young dog in front of us did just that and the sting made him walk on three legs. FYI, the best thing to do is get into the ocean because of the salt, and don't ever put cold water on it. So to avoid hundreds of these sea creatures I had to be content at listening to the waves while I stared at the sand. But it was almost like what you get from meditation as you drone your mantra.

For a strange reason the word transcendence popped into my head. Normally when we think about transcendence we think about our of the world moments that can feel like floating on air so you are free of earth. That's what happens to me every time I listen to Into the Mystic by Van Morrison, I am transported. So why staring at the sand would bring an out of this world experience? It is because to be transcendent you need to know what you are transcending, to beyond the ordinary so you have to know the ordinary. Maybe being barefoot on the earth and grounded to it's electromagnetic waves stimulated the brain. More than likely for me anyway, it mean to be transcendent also means to be of the earth, on the earth, and properly grounded. One never knows what moment is going to be that way so openness and mindfulness when all inside is quieted down is when it comes unannounced but always welcome. I mused on this as I watch a transcendent sunset from our balcony in Florida.

Comments (23)

Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Joe,  When we're mindful, I think every moment has the transcendent possibility.   I find they usually come without trying when we least expect it.  Thanks for the post, Joe.  And, thanks for the tip on what to do if we are so unfortunate as to step on a Man-o-War.

Jan 21, 2018 12:57 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I was not aware of that man of war thing, I will definitely have to keep an eye out the next time I walk on a beach

Jan 21, 2018 01:18 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I would be finding a new place to walk for a few days

Jan 21, 2018 01:25 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I hadn't listened to Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" for awhile.  I just had to revisit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEvsDuJYEnI

Jan 21, 2018 03:56 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Joe- glad you didn't step on those little things, which I do find fascinating!  I saw one or two this week down here but there have been times when the beaches were covered with them.  feel better.

Jan 21, 2018 06:11 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

It definitely sounds like you were grounding ... or grounded Joe Pryor - that is one reason why I love to be on the beach ... one with nature and the negative ions of the water cause me to feel blissful.  I sure hope that little dog is okay.

Jan 21, 2018 06:56 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Joe.

Just a blink of the eye on the roadway to what we call life.  Hopefully today things will be better.

Jan 22, 2018 01:33 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Joe Pryor - I enjoy reading your writing style. In my lifetime I had three transcendent moments. Two occurred in a forest and it was the most amazing experience of my life. When the first one occurred, I was young and thought there was something wrong with me. But as an adult, the two that followed had a profound effect on me and my future was changed. 

I wonder if those Portuguese Man-O-Wars was a sign? Unfortunate for the dog; yet thankful you didn't step on it. Staying grounded, being aware of our surroundings, embracing life experiences changes our perceptions and gets us outside our comfort zone. 

Wishing you the best in this jigsaw puzzle life. 

Jan 22, 2018 01:43 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Definitely a dangerous walk if you had ventured and so sorry to hear about the cold.  NyQuil isn't adding to the transcendence popping into your mind?...

Jan 22, 2018 08:39 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Joe Pryor - I love the fact that you are not going to let being "under the weather" get you down. Enjoy doing what you love to do! 

Jan 23, 2018 07:38 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I saw Van Morrison on Nob Hill in San Francisco about a year ago. He never goes out of style.

However, although I have heard the term Portguese Man of War, I didn't really know what it was. Did you know, Joe, it is a community of four organisms? I included the link to a short video I found quite beautiful on National Geographic.

Jan 23, 2018 11:10 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Joe, the ocean is turning you into quite the philosopher! Personally, I'm glad it's warming up again!

Jan 23, 2018 05:33 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Joe

I love your musings from your walks on the beach, despite having to avoid pesky and painful creatures! This was certainly a thoughtful post.

Jeff

Jan 23, 2018 08:51 PM
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

I appreciate the first aid tip, just in case.  The view is beautiful.  Enjoy your moments there and soak up all that is available to be absorbed.  Wishing you a wonderful day ahead.

Jan 24, 2018 08:36 AM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Joe, Thanks for the reminder

Here is link to INTO THE MYSTIC

Jan 24, 2018 10:24 AM
Alberto Pacheco
Home Smart Evergreen Realty - Northridge, CA
Experience and Trust

Love your article joe about transcendency.

 

Alberto Pacheco

Realtor Calbre Lic 01200694

Keller Williams Ralty Poter Ranch CA

www.sfvalleyhotproperties.com

www.granadahills.kwrealty.com

Jan 28, 2018 01:54 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Joe, I had never heard of the Portuguese Man of War. Thanks to Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Real Estate Agent, Top 1% of Lyon Agents for providing the link on this tiny creature. If I see one on the beach, I will know what to do if I get stung. Enjoyed reading this post today, setting at my desk and watching the snow fall. 

Feb 04, 2018 07:49 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

 Joe Pryor ,          

I pulled up YouTube and Van Morrison  - Into the Mystic, Tupelo Honey, and also, Reminds Me of You.  Beautiful!!  Thank you...  Looking Down/Looking Up.....  Yes, transcended the moment.

Apr 10, 2018 12:00 AM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Joe Pryor Be careful of those man of war.  I feel badly for that poor dog.  It's painful.  Best to enjoy your moment on the balcony.  The season for them is usually through July, I believe. 

Apr 16, 2018 03:28 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Joe,

 Glad to see your picture among the comments! Hope you are busy making lots of money so we do not see your blogs in the rain!

Apr 28, 2018 02:27 PM