Embracing Possibility How Timing and Acceptance Unlocks New Possibilities (and how true Rhode Islanders navigate the ocean) September 28 2025
- rockbriarfarm
- Sep 27
- 5 min read
I was at Moonstone Beach, my happy place, a few weeks ago. That day got me thinking about timing in life. Typical of the beaches in the Matunuck and Charlestown area, there is a large drop off or ditch when you enter the water. At many beaches this is a challenge enough, but at Moonstone, an ungroomed beach that does not have lifeguards, it is an even bigger challenge as the shore is covered with rocks, not sand. The uninitiated (who come without water shoes) are rarely up to the challenge to navigate gingerly over the rocks up to the ditch - timing the dive under the waves and over the ditch before the strong waves pound them into the ditch where they are then washing machined (a local term) and thrown up back on the beach, pummeled and scraped with sand totally embedded in their bathing suit. Sounds like fun? Having grown up in this area navigating Moonstone as a child, at 63, the timing technique is part of my DNA. I love the challenge of the swim and love the solitude of this spot. Even in July there are few people and I routinely find myself there alone. There is nothing more beautiful than walking toward that beach, gazing across the fields of beach roses and marsh grasses with the salt ponds as the backdrop, sun glinting on the water. When I try to meditate, this is the place I often envision.
So back to timing. Just as we must time our entrance into the ocean, navigating the challenges of waves and ditches and the potential for the tumble, so do we time things in our lives. I thought about retiring for several years before I decided to do it; the timing was never exactly right. Along the way I even took on an even more stressful job in my banking career. One day I was sitting at my desk and decided, right at that moment, it was time and announced it that day (with 5 months’ notice). I realized, in retrospect, that these kinds of big decisions do not necessarily adhere to a timetable, but rely on our intuition and gut feelings.
Timing can be impactful in our day-to-day life as well. After your partner has had a rough, long day is not the right time (however true) to let them know they left the coffee pot on or forgot to pick up the milk. We all know that getting a new hair style is never a good idea when you are in the middle of a personal crisis! I have these discussions with myself about when is the appropriate time to have certain conversations like mentioning that Pete needs a hair needs a cut (not when getting out of the car to attend a wedding) or that the dump construction run is long overdue (not when he is already late to take his mom to the doctor).
As fall approaches, we may consider the changing of the seasons and what that means for our timing. Using the analogy of trees shedding their leaves, this could be a good time to shed what no longer serves us. This could be as important mental baggage or grudges or as simple as summer clothing that you no longer need (and donate to the goodwill!). We also should remember that controlling the timing of events is not always possible or reasonable, much of life cannot be "timed" (even timing those waves can be iffy!)
As yogis let us think about timing in the context of aligning with the natural rhythms of life both on and off the mat. We should observe external signs like changing seasons and notice when the world around us offers invitations and information. Pay attention to the signs and the serendipitous unfolding around us. In addition to external signs, we should also pay attention to our inner wisdom, our proverbial “gut feeling”.
In our yoga practice this week I suggest we honor the ideas of seasonal change and intuitive timing with a compassionate focus. On and off our mat lets avoid critical comparison and understand that timing change is not a one size fits all solution. While we may feel our timing is right to embark on changing something, we should also recognize the greater world around us and understand the balance of effort and acceptance. We must trust in the universe by allowing aspects of life to unfold as they are meant to; we cannot control every aspect of our destiny. I know it is a hard lesson for some of us to learn. I often feel the need to try to control things around me to impose order and calmness. It is admittedly not always the best solution. Let us recognize that honoring the practice of right timing should include trust in the universe to guide our actions and life decisions, however big or small. Cultivating awareness, intuition, and patience we will learn to respect that life in usually evolves exactly how it should and we encourage this by living our lives purposefully.
Our Practice - Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
The discussion about Moonstone Beach has put me in an aquatic mood. Thinking about timing and change also makes us think about keeping our hearts (and mind) open to receive what life brings. We often get so caught up in trying to manage or control the timing in our lives, we forget to be open to serendipitous possibility and spontaneity. What better heart opening pose to remind us of this is fish pose.
We will practice traditional fish pose in class. I suggest trying the restorative, supportive version of the pose. To do this alternative version, you will need two blocks or a block and a pillow.
Lying on your back, place a block lengthwise between your shoulder blades (although some like it horizontally) and a block flat under the back of your head (or a pillow). You could also put the pillow on top of a block and rest your head on that for extra comfort.
Adjust blocks so that you feel comfortable and supported and can put all your weight on your blocks. Legs are long, feet are relaxed, and arms are down by your sides with palms facing up.
Another option is to put your legs in reclined butterfly.
Breathe deeply and hold for 5 to 10 minutes.
Meditating On Timing and Acceptance
The sign of maturity is a willingness to adjust to realities broader than one’s own. It is how we react to disappointment that determines whether our development will be a shrinking towards bitterness and cynicism, or an expansion towards acceptance and wisdom. ~ William Irvine
There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness". ~ Dalai Lama
Nurturing With Food - Tomato Watermelon Salad
While I know we are officially in fall, the last few days are feeling like summer is still here. We still have a ton of tomatos and I think this salad will help prolong summer just a bit longer.
See you on the mat,
Namaste,
Julia Anne
long, long tume ago it was literally a nudist beach - personally, I say go for it !