Good For the Soul In All Senses

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“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” – Paulo Coehlo

I spent this past Valentine’s Day weekend up on Whidbey Island with my friend, Eric, my kids, and Cooper the dog. It’s taken me a while to figure out why repeatedly going back to this same place is so good for my soul – even on cold, cloudy weekends in winter.

It’s because it lights up the complete sensory experience.

Cooper the dog experiences everything through his mouth.

Nine-year-old Miss O runs barefoot through the sand singing and dancing.

Five-year-old Mr. D gets up close and touches everything.

My friend, Eric, handles everything with his sense of humor. That counts as a sense, right?

I visited this beach a few times before I had kids. It’s a lovely spot. But to come here with these young spirits changes the whole experience to a full immersion. Instead of just walking through and taking pictures of what I see, they remind me to embrace the experience with all my senses.

And to stay close to the people that make you feel alive.

(all photos are mine)

You can find me on Instagram @wynneleon and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/

I co-host a storytelling podcast featuring authors and artists with the amazing Vicki Atkinson. To tune in, search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or Pocketcasts (and subscribe) or click here. Or the YouTube channel features videos of our interviews. Please subscribe!

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about creativity and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association, and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

72 thoughts on “Good For the Soul In All Senses”

  8. LOVE these sensory observations – complete with photos! And you’re right about Eric…from what I’ve seen…his sense of humor counts. Yes – absolutely – and thank goodness for those who share their humor with the rest of us! 🤣🥰🤣

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I can’t wait for summer to get to my happy place by the ocean. How fortunate for you to go in the winter, too. We used to go at different times of the year when it was an hour and a half drive.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. I understand the need to go back to the same place. We go back in the early spring/late fall to a couple of the New Jersey/Delaware beaches. It reinvigorates me. We try to go to places that are not overcrowded (that can be tough.) I always come back refreshed.

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  13. you are right about all of this, we return to our places and people that make us feel comfortable and safe and accepted, it’s good for all of our senses, a refresher

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I was trying to put my finger on how Wynne’s words made me feel reading her post, and you worded it perfectly, my brain sighed, “Yes”!

      Liked by 2 people

  14. I love your Whibdey Beach updates, Wynne. Through your photos of your kids and now Cooper too, I can feel the breeze and smell that fresh air, even on the cold cloudy days. It feels like a magical and perfect place to spend time with kids. I’m glad you have these places to enjoy.

    And I will say, on a personal level, I’ve been reading so many upsetting news coming from your side of the world – thanks to the orange troll – and I love being reminded through the WP and HOTM community there is a common humanity amongst our two nations and a friendship that is worth fighting for and preserving during these challenging times!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The orange troll. Oh, that’s perfect! The news is so upsetting. I’m trying to find a balance between staying informed so that I can participate and also not getting overloaded. It’s hard.

      So I love your comment about how our cross-border friendship reminds us what’s worth fighting for. Yes!

      Sending lots of good wishes to you all! XOXO!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. That rainbow image is AMAZING! And you put yourself right in the center of it. Perfect. I love that you get to revisit this place with a new sense of wonder (there’s a sense!) through your children. And, yes, Eric’s sense of humor counts as a sense, as well. Grateful you have him along to help out and keep everyone’s spirits up with a well-timed joke whenever one might be called for.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, the waves are calming no matter where the beach is located. It’s so good to hear you’ve been to many beaches in the Philippines. I hope you had a nice stay here. You’re most welcome, wynne

        Liked by 1 person

  23. “repeatedly going back to this same place is so good for my soul – even on cold, cloudy weekends in winter.” This is how I feel about Rehoboth/Bethany DE. It’s like the place is a battery recharging station.😎

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. “To embrace the experience with all my senses” – I couldn’t agree more Wynne.
    It made me think of those times I’ve walked not noticing the things around me due to intently focussing on what’s going on inside my head!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. This is so good – “But to come here with these young spirits changes the whole experience to a full immersion. Instead of just walking through and taking pictures of what I see, they remind me to embrace the experience with all my senses.”!!!!!! 💖💖💖💖

    Liked by 1 person

  32. I love these photos, Wynne. There is something so special about experiencing places with youths, right? Both the furry and humanoids 🙂

    Like

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