When I lie back and close my eyes, this farthest lip of beach right next to the end of the ocean feels like being up close to an enormous breathing being, the bass drum surf thump reverberating through the sand. Living out here with no lights, alone, you would indeed become sensitive to seasons, rhythms, weather, sounds - right up next to the sea, right up under the sky, like lying close to a lover's skin to hear blood and breath and heartbeat.
This quote beautifully captures the profound intimacy that can be experienced with nature when removed from artificial distractions. Lying back on the edge of the beach, close enough to feel the powerful rhythm of the ocean, evokes a sense of unity with the natural world. The imagery of the beach as an 'enormous breathing being' personifies the sea, emphasizing its living, pulsating essence. Living in such a place, especially without artificial lights, refines one's senses, making one attuned to the subtle cues of nature—seasons, weather, and ambient sounds that often go unnoticed in urban settings. The comparison to lying close to a lover's skin evokes intimacy and vulnerability, suggesting that true connection with nature involves immersing oneself in its raw, unfiltered existence. This closeness heightens awareness of the natural cycles—heartbeat, blood flow, breathing—which are typically hidden from our everyday perception. Such an experience fosters a deep appreciation for the natural rhythms that govern life, reminding us that we are intrinsically connected to the environment around us. It calls into question our technological reliance and encourages a return to moments of quietude and sensory openness, where the natural world becomes a living, breathing entity that we can intimately experience and cherish.