Like most people, I love taking in the spectacular view on an ocean beach. And one of its finest performances occurs at sunrise when the world awakens with a stunning display of rich pastels. I just want to freeze that moment.
I experienced that desire not long ago while walking along a beach in the early morning hours. I didn’t want to see the beauty fade—I wanted to hold onto the moment. Well . . . that’s not going to happen. Change is an inevitable fact of life. Within twenty or thirty minutes the colors had vanished and the beach looked rather bland in comparison.
I felt some grief.
Hmmm, I wondered. Why the grief? I came to see that it had to do with fixating on something that was now located in the past. I felt a loss. Change was my enemy for a while that morning.
But then I realized something. While I was busy missing and grieving the sunrise, the beach was gearing up to show off another form of beauty . . . and I needed to be there for it.
Remaining fixated on what used to be causes to us to under-appreciate and overlook the gifts offered in the present moment.
It blunts that 00000h-what’s-coming-next childlike excitement!
Life keeps pointing out to me a vital truth:
Control is an illusion, and when I just let go and let life happen, the universe dumps a huge load of peace on me.
We can’t wish for a world that stands still. We would miss too much! So . . . as for freezing the moment, that’s what cameras are for. 🙂
(c) 2016 Salee Reese
Salee Reese 
OOOOh I can’t wait for what’s next in my life, and today. 😊 This is a great thought upon awaking, and then observe all the miracles that happen throughout the day. Thanks for sharing some great vital truths.
Thank you, Rachel 🙂
Love the article, Love the quotes!
Warm thanks!
Wow, I can so relate to this. I often want to freeze moments, especially when the sun sparkles on a particular shade of blue ocean. Love the insight you revealed with this post. Great way of looking at it.
I so appreciate your thought/experience. Thanks!