We Must Go Down to the Sea

Been to the sea-side lately? I live near the sea, so it is something I (almost) take for granted. It worries me that there are people (especially children), even in
developed countries, who have never seen the sea; who have never seen the ocean and the wide blue sky overhead.
Being near (or, occasionally, in) the sea is good for the soul.
 The look of the sea, the sound of the sea and the smell of the sea are all things to delight in.
 If, as so many people claim, the sea is ‘good for the soul’, then what about those who have never been to the sea? Is there a piece of their soul missing? Are their souls missing out on something essential? 
The American author, Kate Chopin (1851-1904) once wrote, ‘The voice of the sea speaks to the soul’.
And Van Morrison (Northern Irish singer songwriter) more recently penned these words: 
“hark, now hear
the sailors cry,
smell the sea, and feel the sky
let your soul &
spirit fly, into the mystic...” 

There are countless words in poetry and prose written about the sea and its beauty, its wildness and its ability to cure and soothe.
Perhaps there should be a ‘rule of life’ that all people must spend some time at the sea-side. Ludicrous thought that may be, but how good an idea – if only it could be implemented?

 I am about to head off on a short trip to some further-away beaches, to walk along some different stretches of sand beside some other parts of the Australian sea.
 Hopefully my soul will be refreshed.

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