PALM TREES AND 80 DEGREES
By: Syafiqah Sanudin
Admit it, at some point in time, commonly in the midst of an occasional euphoric tropical vacation, you have pretty much fantasized about just packing up and moving to the coastal paradise. What could be better than to live a carefree lifestyle in a place where you can feel the breeze ruffling through your hair, sand in between your toes, salt on your skin and hear the sound of waves crashing outside your windows, when you wake up every morning?
The beaches, the islands… These are the places where the sun blaze the brightest during the day and the stars shine the most by night. Out in the ocean is where profound tranquility has been hiding from you all this while. In the islands, life really does become simpler.
“The cure for anything is saltwater - sweat, tears, or the sea.” -Isak Dinesen
Never underestimate the therapeutic qualities of nature. Breathing in a daily dose of salt air accompanied by the tropical breeze, can revitalize the soul and call to mind that you are still alive. People need to pause and take a breather at times. Breathing city air for years, it is time to disconnect.
Disconnect yourself from your source of “entertainment” - the Internet. When you are on the beach, you will actually enjoy the ambience if you put your smart phones away. Despite the tempting spectacular panoramic view waiting to be uploaded onto your Instagram, try not to bring any electronics with you. You will suddenly remember how to breathe. And relax. What else? You will actually talk. When you put your phone away, you will actually converse with the person next to you, without distractions. When was the last time people actually do that?
The world is going to keep spinning. What you do with your time will not change that fact. You cannot stop the time, but you can make it worthwhile. So, just enjoy the ride.
Time is just a concept. People actually change when they take their watches off, leave their phones in their rooms and simply forget about schedules - where they have to be or supposed to be. They tend to be more carefree. A whole new day begins when the sun rises. And when it sets, it is the start of a new night. It is as easy as that. Sunrises and sunsets do not live by the clock and you do not have to either. That realization can practically change your entire life.
A time off at the beach makes you reflect and remember that the world keeps spinning, regardless of how much or little you do every hour. However, the idea of a perfect way to take a breather or clear your mind varies for different individuals. But sometimes, a slight change in your perspective of things can lead to perfection.
