Wave by Wave – Part 6 – how the slowing down at the oceans have helped me to get a deeper connection with myself and existence.
Wave by Wave is the title of my new book, where I share how a major life change – from a busy life in Stockholm to living and sailing around the world with my husband – transformed me. In this article series, I reflect on our journey and share my most important insights.
From City Stress to Oceanic Freedom
Life in Stockholm was hectic – I worked a lot, felt special and happy with my achievements. I tried hard to keep up with everything.
Sailing the oceans would prove to be a completely different life. Little did I understand its magnificence until I had my own experiences.
The oceans are everything a city is not. It is pure nature with endless space – to the horizons all around and even more to the vault of the sky. It is another element, always moving water. Very deep and unknown. The sun, moon and stars announce each new day and night.
From Doing to Being
Many people think that being at the ocean for weeks on end (it takes two to five weeks to cross an ocean) is boring, even sailors. “What do you do?” they ask me.
I do as little as possible. I take care of myself, make sure I rest, sleep, and eat enough to be able to take my watches. Sometimes the journey goes smoothly. More often it’s tough. I have to slow down, be careful, and move consciously so as not to fall and hurt myself. Most of the time, I lie on the couch.
From Noise to Essence and Presence
In this stripped-down environment, I have plenty of time to be with myself. Sometimes it’s not so fun. I can feel fear and anxiety in the face of the high waves. I can feel impatient just lying there. No matter what it is – I have to practice patience with all sorts of feelings, discomfort and worries. I can’t walk away. The only thing I can do is let go of my noisy mind.
I use my senses to look, feel, listen and sense. I listen for unusual sounds that may indicate that we need to adjust the sails or take care of something. Life depends on us being alert. I also listen to my partner, and to my body and soul. What inklings do we get?
Being out on the ocean is being in a powerful element. When the wind blows hard and the waves are high, it’s as if existence wants to shake me – wants me to feel more and notice that I’m still being carried along. In this vast and unpredictable space, I have no choice but to be fully present and face myself – to surrender into what is.
From Fast to Slow
In the city, my life went fast, and I was quick. The Ocean has proved to be the place where I slow down the most.
Of course, I can slow down and listen inward while I’m on land – but do I?
At sea, I have to. The ocean strips away distractions. The only sounds left are the wind and the weather. That simplicity helps me focus on what really matters – the connection to myself, my partner and existence.
Being Connected
Existence teaches me to trust that I am included and part of something bigger. I feel embraced and connected. Often, I feel deeply grateful.
I become humble. I see so much beauty, creativity and inclusion. Nature is the essence – always. It is a wonderful mirror to be in, day or night. It speaks to my soul, no matter how high the waves.
I learn a language based on shifts in energy and light. My intuition speaks louder. I hear birds in the distance. I feel the external and internal movements. In this seemingly slow space, I encounter parts of myself that I have never met before.
In this presence, I am often rewarded with a lot of creativity. Many of my book ideas are born during gales and strong waves. I also received Messages from Nature, see my book with that title.
What Helps You Get Connected?
Welcome to reach out. I would love to hear about your ways to slow down and feel connected.
Anna Eriksson, 29 June 2025
anna@avalona.se
Wave by Wave is available on Adlibris and Amazon.
Part 1 – Commitment Is Crucial
Part 2 – A Life We Love
Part 3 – Letting Go and Lighten Up
Part 4 – Inviting the New
Part 5 – Saying Yes to Challenges
#WaveByWave #SlowDown #Connection #Leadership #OceanWisdom #LifeTransitions