There have been many magical times for me at the beach, when I’ve seen dolphins, grey whales, or even when I’ve simply enjoyed the laughter of my children.

In all my years at the beach, however, I’ve never felt a spiritual connection like I did on this particular visit.

I was sitting on the sand enjoying the sun and waves, when I noticed a man and a woman standing at the shore break.  They appeared to be very much in love, as they stood at the water’s edge and gave each other a long, powerful hug.  It was one of those beautiful, strong hugs that is beyond physical.

I could feel the warmth of it.  I had a strange sensation that I wanted to be with them – to be part of their embrace.  And at the same time, I felt a sadness.  Almost as if it was a goodbye hug.

The thought popped into my head that someone was dying.  It reminded me of the way my dad and I used to hug, when he was in his last months before he died of cancer.

The couple began what appeared to be writing in the sand.  I was mesmerized by their dance, as they both seemed to be moving around so elegantly.  They hugged each other some more and then individually embraced themselves.

It was a warm, beautiful moment and I was enjoying the feeling of love they stirred in me.

Just then, my gaze was distracted by another scene unfolding 100 yards away from the couple.

Four people dressed entirely in white robes were walking toward the water.  Along the shore break, they lined up what appeared to be four urns.  They were sweeping the ground, praying and gently walking into the water with the urns.  I was being treated to another beautiful ritual on this day.  One I have never seen, or felt before.

Again, I wanted to join these four people in this beautiful moment.  I could almost see the souls waving goodbye to their families and the earth, and then crossing over into another realm via the ocean.

I found myself closing my eyes and taking deep breaths.  The ocean breeze and warm sun helped to ground me, while at the same time, I felt like the birds flying overhead watching the rituals below.

And then, when I opened my eyes, it was all over.  The couple had gone, and the four people in white were walking away.

Instantly, I got up, almost as if a magnet was pulling me, and I walked to that sacred place in the sand.

There was a message for me written in the sand:  “You are loved.”  And alongside the message was a gateway.  To where?  Heaven?  In the sand was a beautifully, perfectly drawn labyrinth.  Its entry point was facing toward the ocean.

I paused to embrace this scene.  I felt tears well up as I read the message in the sand, and then I felt a joyfulness at the surprise of seeing a labyrinth here on the beach.

Instinctively, I walked the labyrinth, slowly enjoying every step and the wet sandy floor beneath my bare feet.  I paused inside the circles to pick up seashells and rocks, and as I entered the center circle, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and hugged myself, just as the couple had done earlier.

I think about that day at the beach often.  I even discovered later that a “rock” a picked up inside the labyrinth was, in fact, a 35-million year-old megalodon shark tooth.  It means sacred, powerful, protected.  Surely, no one will believe I found this ancient shark tooth on the beach while walking a labyrinth — just a few weeks after I decided to quit my job of 14 years to form my own business.

I now reflect on how often my thoughts have been so limiting.  There are so many things (in my mind) that I say I can’t do, because I don’t have this training or that training or that credential or those resources.  In reality, I can do whatever spirit tells me is right.

And yet, it’s nice to have a reminder that I keep with me every day.  If I can find a 35-million-year-old shark tooth in a labyrinth on a beach, and if I can connect with others by sharing a spiritual hug, then I can do anything. 

For the first time in my life, I’m following spirit, and I’m creating inspirational connections for myself and others through my new project, Pranatude.  The surprises unfolding in my life now, are unlike anything I could have imagined.  

When we follow our divine intuition, it’s not just another day at the beach — anything is possible.