Building sandcastles
- Amazonia Arroyo
- May 5, 2024
- 3 min read
Creating from enjoyment connects me with memories of when I used to go to the beach and felt thrilled building sandcastles. There was no sense of time, just a feeling of complete presence.
I was driven by the joy of being in the sun, outdoors, by the sea, and in the sand. I delighted in using all the resources around me—straws, the kit we were given as children to play in the sand, the bottle caps I found, the shells. I observed everything around me naturally and used it all.
I aimed to position my sandcastle so that the water wouldn't reach it. I began building with a passion and excitement that drew other friends to join me, so I wasn't alone anymore. One would fetch water while another built the castle walls or pillars, and the castle improved. It wasn't just my vision anymore; it became a collective vision, which undoubtedly enhanced the castle. Each of us, with our skills, improved that amazing project, and from a young age, I understood the importance of teamwork, leadership, and active listening.
I remember looking up and seeing my family there. Building sandcastles and feeling accompanied and embraced in the process helps us feel more secure, undoubtedly.
For those of us who built sandcastles, there was always uncertainty because we didn't know if the water might reach our creative work at some point (we can't control nature). But as a child, that didn't stop me; my relationship with fear wasn't the same as it is today as an adult. That excitement didn't dominate my passion. Of course, as an adult, I have responsibilities that I didn't have as a child.
When we're adults, fear can paralyze us; the many "no's" we encounter along the way can be terrifying. They make us doubt our unique creations.
Strengths of a Sandcastle Builder...
I was thinking about the most important qualities of a sandcastle builder, and for me, one is perseverance—believing in what you're doing without being blind to it. Perseverance requires sowing every day but being very connected to your five senses to make the modifications you need to make in the process. Perseverance, even when frustration sets in when you realize the glass had too much water and knocked down one of the castle's pillars, and you have to start again. Perseverance even when nobody believes in your castle.
As an adult, my thought says: in the end, the sandcastle dissolves, and I laugh and say how boring it is to be an adult. As a child, I didn't connect with that future thought, that anguish of what comes after; my energy was fully connected to the present, to making my castle and enjoying it.
Risk is a second important strength. Those who build sandcastles are willing to take risks; it can be destroyed, but they're willing to start again, maybe on another beach or with another vision.
I'm writing to you from the beach, with the smell of the sea and the sun touching my body, and in front of me is a girl and her father who have been building their sandcastle for over an hour. It's fascinating to observe teamwork, the girl's passion, and above all, to recognize that not everyone around me is interested in building sandcastles; everyone has a gift.
I see myself reflected in that girl, and I admire her passion and leadership. I believe in her sandcastle, and I'm grateful for her enthusiasm because it will make the beach even more beautiful.
Today, I'm writing to you, a creator, someone who loves building sandcastles and is building your own.
Don't stop dreaming and connect with that child who builds sandcastles. Change the design if necessary; don't let uncertainty scare you. If you're truly creating from authenticity, enjoyment, and passion, the result will surely be exceptional. The only thing that would stop this girl is if it rained, and I'm sure that when she returns to the beach, she'll start again.
What stops you from building your sandcastle? Did you build sandcastles? Did you like doing it with your siblings, cousins? I invite you to share your reflections.
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Practices that are changing my life in a deep level: Ashtanga Yoga and my meditation before going to sleep.
Amazonia Arroyo
Naked Woman
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