In quoting Agnes Martin, Patti Moed “pinpoints two key elements of inspiration–the quality of light in a place and our feelings at that moment” and invites us to share something that inspires us.
And it was that phrase “the quality of light” that brought me to a source of inspiration that those of you who follow Oh, the Places We See have picked up on: I LOVE morning on the beach.
Inspiration is that state in which mind and heart are connected.
Deepak Chopra
Because we’ve been going to Pawleys Island, South Carolina — same beach, different rentals — for over 40 years, mornings during our week in the summer have been a strong source of inspiration, thought, and planning for a long, long time. As an educator, I used summertime to rethink and repurpose some of what I had done as a classroom teacher, and it was that thinking that inspired me to plan for the coming year and recharge my bank of creative energy.
Early morning — even before sunrise — became my quiet time as I joined the few people who walked their dogs, looked for shells, or just pulled up beach chairs for God’s morning surprise.
At times, I couldn’t tell the exact location of the sunrise. Clouds and mist covered the sky. But I found the wait to be the part of the joy, the anticipation of a new day, a new school year, and a new me, in some cases.
And it was in these early-morning moments that I planned new ways of introducing books I’d taught for years — The Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, The Great Gatsby, Grapes of Wrath — in new ways, as I tried to relate old ideas to modern times and share how today’s issues are surprisingly similar yet different from those shared in the classics.
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.
Victor Hugo
Today, retired as I am now, I still love getting up before dawn, carrying my coffee and camera with me, and standing on the beach. I’m no longer waiting for the inspiration to teach, but I am still trying to figure out how life works, what my place is, and how I can contribute meaningfully to making the world a better place.
And, no surprise here, the beach is still a lovely place to be inspired!
For more entries in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #160: Your Inspiration, check out Patti’s blog and the responses below.
And if you’re so inclined, leave me a message. I’d love to know what inspires you — naturally or otherwise!
Travel with inspiration in mind,
Rusha
JohnRH
Great photos, great light. I need to get up ‘more early, more often’. Well done.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. Getting up is hard, but, at the beach, I can take naps in the afternoon in my chair under the tent. It’s a great way to spend a day!!!
I. J. Khanewala
I love these photos. But I can’t see myself taking them since I’m not much of a morning person.
Oh, the Places We See
I hear that from others also. But one sunrise can last you a long time. It’s a great memory!!! Thanks for taking a look and leaving me a sweet compliment.
Greenglobaltrek
Rusha, I really enjoyed your beautiful tranquil sunrise photos and description of your time on the beach and how you used the moments of total quiet for so much inspiration over the years. Nature definitely has that capacity to calm the noise and leave space for conscious creativity!
I’m not a morning person so getting up at that hour would’ve wonderful but exhausting for me … although on those occasions of being jet lagged I’ve enjoyed some beautiful sunrises in some wonderful locations.
Lovely post!
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
Sometimes it’s exhausting fir me as well, but the sunrise is reward enough. The night, however us a challenge tor me. Too many times I’ve fallen asleep in the sofa with all good intentions of reading or watching a movie!!!
kzmcb
I love sunrise and sunset. They are my spiritual times, though. I’m inspired by other people, including you and Bert. The things you have done, the way you see the world. I, too, am now a retired educator, and maybe that common thread weaves us in the same blanket of humanity. I get you, and am challenged to live better because of you. You’re a great find.
Oh, the Places We See
You’ve made my day. I do admit that this week, the first week of school in Knoxvilke, has been hard for me. I miss the first days and meeting new students. Just not sure I gave the endurance it takes, though.
Tina Schell
What a beautiful post Rusha – not just the glorious sunrise(s) but the way you approach the meaning of life and how to make the most of it. Excellent response!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. Those walks along the beach have been almost medicinal. In fact, I think I need a prescription fir it right about now!
Curt Mekemson
Well done Rusha. I’m pretty sure the ocean has inspired a gazillion words and photos. There is a reason for it!
Oh, the Places We See
Lots of inspiration and plain ol’ think time along that beach!!!
pattimoed
Gorgeous post, Rusha. Wonderful light! I am like you–the beach inspires me as well as the light. I just re-read The Great Gatsby a few months ago and it is still as fresh and as “relevant” today as it was when I was in high school. We should compare our reading lists! What are you reading now?
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Glorious sunrises Rusha and such a lovely way to start the new day 🧡
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. I wish I were there this morning!
WanderingCanadians
Early bird gets the worm, or rather sunrise! Lovely captures. I love getting up first thing in the morning as everything just seems so much more peaceful and quieter.
Oh, the Places We See
It does seem more peaceful, but it doesn’t last long, dies it? Thanks for commenting. I read that Canada is now open to travelers. Is that what you hear as well?
WanderingCanadians
Yup, we have opened up our borders to fully vaccinated Americans. Now we just need you folks to do the same for us 🙂
thehungrytravellers.blog
Brilliant photos capturing the feel of early morning. Getting up to watch the sunrise brings real peace….and makes breakfast taste even better.
Oh, the Places We See
I couldn’t agree more!!! Thanks fir your comment.
Wandering Dawgs
I can see how you were inspired during your early morning sunrises at the beach. Your images look so quiet and peaceful. What a wonderful way to start each day.
Oh, the Places We See
I can’t believe there aren’t more people out there! I sometimes have the whole beach to myself!!!
Anne Sandler
Oh my Rusha, such beautiful sunrises on the beach! You captured them beautifully and your introspective thoughts filled my soul.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks you. What a dear thing to say.
Sue
It’s all about the light, Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
So very true!
Toonsarah
I’m an early bird and would love to spend some time on that beautiful beach, waiting for the sun to rise and soaking up the special atmosphere of being close to the sea. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
It truly is a “rush” to be there and to anticipate sunrise. Thanks for your nice comments. And join me on the beach if you can!