Lake Michigan Waves: A Meditative Experience

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast! I am a firm believer in the meditative and restorative benefits of simply listening to moving water, especially the sound of waves crashing onto a remote beach. This week, I am uploading over 2 hours of a recent recording done at the Peterson Road Beach at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Within the Platte Plains section of the lakeshore, this area features gently rolling hills, mature forests and wide expanses of beach that are rarely crowded. On the night of this recording, I had the entire beach to myself for around 4 hours, except for one person walking his dogs for a few minutes. I let the field recorder run and spent the time hiking on the beach to see what the melting ice might reveal. 

Ever since I have been old enough to remember, I have been irresistibly drawn to water like a magnet. One of my earliest memories is walking the beach with my parents and my brother in San Diego when I was 4 or 5. I remember holding my dad’s hand as he let me get closer and closer to the waves. The waves mesmerized me and I was instantly drawn to that unmistakable sound of waves crashing onto the shore.
Not even the “Jellyfish Incident of ’96” could change my love of hearing the waves and wanting to be close to a body of water at all times. Pro tip: If the locals aren’t in the ocean on a hot day, then there is probably an excellent reason. Don’t be that guy that ignores all the clues and finds himself wrapped up in jellyfish tentacles. 
Waves are one of the most powerful meditative tools available to us. Their rhythmic and soothing sounds can help us achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner calm, while also providing a powerful connection to the natural world. The repetition of the sound of waves crashing on the shore creates a sense of predictability and stability, which can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. I think that the sound of waves can even help to synchronize brainwaves, leading to a greater sense of focus and concentration.

Besides their calming effect, the power of waves lies in their ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. The vastness of large bodies of water and the sheer force of the waves can help to put our own problems and worries into perspective, reminding us of the greater forces at work in the world. There are many ways to incorporate the power of waves into a meditation practice. Simply sitting by the shore and listening to the sound of the waves can be a powerful experience, while walking along the beach and feeling the sand between our toes can also be grounding and calming. For those who don’t live near the ocean or the Great Lakes, recordings of waves can also be a powerful tool for meditation. Whether experienced in person or through recordings, the power of waves as a meditative tool is undeniable. By connecting us to the natural world and helping to calm our minds, waves can provide a much-needed sense of peace and tranquillity in our busy lives.

Recording Details:
•Date and Time: 3/30/2023 | 6:30PM
•Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
•Landscape/Feature: Peterson Road Beach
•Conditions: 41F (5C), Overcast, Low Clouds, Stiff Onshore Breeze
•Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder
•Microphone(s): Audio-Technica BP4025

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