In the Starlight

Walking our shore is always a good trek. It draws me in spring, in summertime, even in our winter snows. I notice many of my fellow trekkers walk and enjoy the sea, the birds, the sky—in solace. Yes, the solitude. Sometimes it’s what you’re looking for, it’s all you need.

But if you’re up to it, you might want to add another dimension, talking to others. Others you’ve never met before. "Dare I?” you say. I do it all the time, and you’ve read about many of my encounters with “others." I’d do it even more if some of you didn’t hide behind lifeguard mounds when you see me coming.

I suspect many of you already are chatting with fellow beach and board walkers; that's fantastic. But many of us are apprehensive to engage.

Studies have shown that people who think talking to strangers will be an unhappy event find out they were wrong; after they’ve tried it they found their journey was the better for talking with strangers.

Of course one has to be alert to the early nuances of first encounters. When you initiate a conversation, responses and body language tell you a lot: a step away from you, a glance at a watch. If you detect the slightest preference for being left alone, of course you’ll respect that.

So many ways to start a chat: “See any whales today?” “Whales? There are whales right here, in Long Beach?” And so it starts. Who knows, maybe some of you who read this and try it might bump into each other and have this essay to chat about.

You’ll be surprised how many people welcome the stop-and-chat. Consider it a kind of fishing expedition. Some days, good, others not so. Maybe only try it once a day or once a week. But I suspect you might find kindred trekkers who get a bonus from their shore walk, in a short talk.

Studies also show that brightening another’s day not only makes them happier but you as well. We all could use a little more happiness these days.

I see our shore and life itself much better when I use a fresh perspective—when I see with "new eyes." You’ll see what I mean when you view, In the Starlight.

Be well,
Leebythesea