I’ve recognised it before, the empathic nature of the sea. It’s not surprising really, as a high percentage of water makes up the human body; our blood alone is made up of 90% water. But it’s also looking out into the horizon and the rhythmic motion of the waves. The expanse gives you space to let go of the noise in your thinking and desires. Desires being all the wishing for things, critiques and criticisms of the heart.

However, with any of these moments, you only get as much out of it as you give to it. It’s about letting your barriers down and opening up to the faith you have in that deeper part of yourself. The part some people call the soul. It’s also interesting how the whole experience is enhanced as the sun starts calling it a day and we enter that Golden Hour. It’s like a beautiful sigh that shimmers over the water, as the colours get deeper, richer, and the sun settles down over the horizon.

For me these moments are like taking a holiday. Maybe because when I was growing up the family often went to the seaside. It sort of amazes me that I’ve lived a relatively sociable life, but in the past three and a half years I’ve not once left Brighton, where I live quite a solitary life. I would’ve thought that it would depress me, but it hasn’t. I have a certain contentment, and maybe that has to do with the sea, for which I am truly grateful.

R.C.