Reflection 06: A Sea of Tranquility—The Ocean and Spirituality

Can the ocean heighten a sense of spirituality?

 For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)

it's always ourselves we find in the sea.  

—e.e. cummings

For centuries, people have assigned spiritual properties to the ocean. In addition to a plethora of ocean-related deities, many cultures and faiths have celebrated the sea as a place of human renewal. Today, the beach is still viewed as a place of spiritual enrichment. From meditations to weddings to the disposal of ashes at sea, the ocean continues to bring people as sense of serenity. In fact, the simple act of viewing an ocean sunset is as inspirational as ever for people. Do you believe the ocean has spiritual properties? Has the ocean ever inspired you in any way?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "A Spiritual Response to the Gulf Oil Spill" (Huffington Post)
• "Awe Inspiring" (The Beulah Land Blog)
• "Waves of Healing: Ocean Meditation" (DailyOM)
• "The Spirituality of Surfing" (SurfingRabbai)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 11.10 (Sec. 6) / Email to me by midnight on Fr 11 (Sec. 43)