Coastal Escape
- William Arrayan
- Jun 11, 2024
- 3 min read
For the first time this summer, I decided to take a break from the hectic city of Jakarta to the serene beaches of Bali. I simply had the privilege to take a break from my intense internship. I was in Bali for the weekend and there was one instance that particularly struck me. It was one fine Sunday and spotted a coast placed in front of my residence. I was immediately enveloped by the refreshing sea breeze and clear skies. It was 16.00 PM, and I could already feel the stress melting away as I stood before a vast view of the ocean.
As I settled in, the sun was still high and casted a warm glow amongst the sand. I closed my eyes and heard the rhythmic crashing of waves. It created a soothing backdrop, blending with a distant laughter and chatter of Indonesians. Initially, the sounds beyond my body were so very prominent that I could hardly hear my own thoughts. the waves, wind and occasional calls of seabirds filled the environment with a unique symphony.
The time went to 17.00 PM and the sun began its slow descent, the atmosphere then altered. The intense heat mellowed into a gentle warmth, complimented by a refreshing breeze as clouds gathered. I decided to take a leisurely walk along the shore. The sounds of the beach evolved, becoming a delicate interplay of the setting sun's whispers and the gentle rustle of palm leaves swaying in the wind.
By 17.30 PM, I took a pause within my walk and found a cozy spot on a patio overlooking the view. Sitting down, I decided to close my eyes once more and let the sounds wash over my ears. The waves(once-dominant sound) had softened, allowing me to tune in subtler sounds: the rustle of sand underneath the steps, the distant calls from birds and ofcourse, the whispering wind. The moment was peace at its purest form. I felt completely in tune with my surroundings.
At 18.00 PM, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of purple and orange. I captured this view on video. Unfortunately however, it had minimal quality due to the application I was using. As the evening settled in, the beach grew quieter, the human sounds fading into the background, giving way to the natural symphony of the night.
June 9th, 2024: 16.00 PM; Coast of beach, Sunny, breezy, clear skies, Temperature around 28 °
Title: "A fresh start"
June 9th, 2024: 17.00 PM; Coast of beach, Cloudy, breeze gets colder, sandy, Temperature around 25°
Title: "Amongst water"
June 9th, 2024: 17.30 PM; On top of patio, Sunset, breezy, super refreshing, Temperature around 25 °
Title: "Horizon"
June 9th, 2024: 18.00 PM; Purple skies, windy, empty, clear beach and surroundings, Temperature is 25 °
Title: "Peace"
June 9th, 2024: 19.00 PM; Poem about my beach experience, Made it after and utilized AI to help assist rhythms and sentence structure within the poem
Title: "Twilight by the Beach"
Returning to my room at 19.00 PM, I felt a deep sense of contentment. the day's experiences inspired me to form a poem. A poem that captures the essence of my surroundings and the peaceful interlude amidst my hectic life. The poem if anything, became a reflection of the delicate balance of the ecosystem,: the birds, sand, water and trees - all interconnected and harmonious.
In the poem and as a self reflection, I expressed the myriad sounds and sensations I had previously experienced. The crash of waves, the Whisper of wind, calls of seabirds and rustle of sand beneath my feet- all these elements came together and created a vivid tapestry of the beach. The act of writing allowed me to appreciate the intricate beauty of the ecosystem even more, reinforcing my connection to nature.
Adding onto that, it's also helped me recognize that every component of this ecosystem has its own voice and needs. The interconnectedness of all living beings is vital, and adopting a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship becomes essential. By listening to these voices and understanding their needs, we can develop empathy for the natural world and take actions that ensure the health and vibrancy of this precious ecosystem.
All in all, this trip to Bali was not just a getaway; It was a journey into the heart of nature. It reminded me of the importance of taking a break(especially in this fast-paced society), of listening to the world around us, and of finding peace in the simple, yet profound environment surrounding us.
Comments