Holding and Releasing

Oh, the view—creation at its most spectacular! Billowing masses of vivid red-orange nasturtiums in the foreground frame the sand, sea and massive jutting rocks—Elk beach in a nutshell. And when I wander down the winding trail, I meet more of the edible flowering vines tucked into the crack of a sheer cliff. I’ve always admired the tenacity of such cliff-dwelling plants.

Although I appreciate the ability to cling and hold on, I also applaud those who can let go. The seaweed has floated to its current destination, trusting itself to the great sea. Perhaps it has traveled long and far before being washed up.

Those who grab tightly and those who release into the flow both come to an earthly end. A succulent leaf becomes its own shed tear—a translucent droplet on rough sand. A crab waves its final goodbye. A thistle surrenders its seeds to the wind.

We are all transitioning. What comes next? Will we reseed ourselves and grow again? Will our spirits live new lives beyond our imaginings? I cling to a faith that allows me to let go—because I know I’m being held tenderly now and through eternity.

All photos © Sondra Sula.