Run Aground

Beached whales - photo by Anthony Phelps

          Cetacean stranding, commonly known as 'beaching,' is a phenomenon when aquatic mammals strand themselves on land. Up to 2000 of these animals beach themselves each year; most usually die due to dehydration or drown when high tide covers the blowhole. The species most frequently in this predicament are toothed whales (Odontoceti). Strong social cohesion is a key factor. A distress call from one beached whale may prompt the pod to follow, stranding multiple others. Strandings can be attributed to natural factors such as rough weather or weakness due to illness, but another source is manmade. Research has shown a link between cetacean beaching and the use of active sonar by the military.

          

Faith is what happens when our beliefs run aground. Real faith is not a statement of beliefs, but a state of being. ~ Rea Nolan Martin

          Beliefs insist that one's preconceived ideas should define the truth. They reflect a desire for certainty and security. But life doesn't stand still; it constantly changes. During such fluctuation, beliefs may keep us from an accurate perception of reality; they can act as a locked door that impedes clarity and forward movement. When our beliefs 'run aground' in a crisis, we may add more ideas in an attempt to make sense of things, like adding a layer of clay around a broken jug. But perhaps a better way might be to release the tight grip on our beliefs and expose our heart. We could then stop pushing away what we don't like and rest with life as it is. Instead of judgment, we might open to whatever comes. The egoic mind attempts to bypass challenging experiences, but the faith of 'being' grants us the wisdom to live without clinging or resisting.

For more information on faith, see this post.