“The sea turtle symbolized longevity, peace, grounding, ancient wisdom and emotional strength wherever it goes.” Tanya Casteel

Last night we had the gift of witnessing the sea turtles come ashore to sleep for the night on Brenekes Beach, Poipu.. By 8pm, there were at least 80 turtles sleeping peacefully on the beach. We stood and watched the miracle unfold before our very eyes. What a gift! The volunteer who stood watch to make sure no one approached the turtles was a being of light, sharing herself with all of us, answering questions and even telling her own story when asked. It was more than a magnificent night.

My feelings were those of peace, awe and gratitude for nature nd the gifts it give us. For me, a grounding and anchoring occurred while I felt the steadiness and peace of the turtles just doing what they do instinctually. When I asked the volunteer if sea turtles inhabited any other beaches on Kaua`i, she said that this beach was the most prevalent one for this phenomenon. I was grateful that I had brought myself there. It was just what I needed in that moment – the peacefulness of the turtle.

As we continue to welcome our new home and it seems that nothing is unfolding, the turtle reminded me that home is always right where we are. Turtles might navigate themselves through the turbulent waters of the ocean and steer themselves to rest on the beach, but they are always at home no matter where they are. This is the feeling I know brings our new home to us. We swim through the turbulent emotions that ebb and flow, but we are always at home right where we are.

“Green sea turtles are the only sea turtles known to bask or sunbathe, and Hawaii is the only place in the world where green sea turtles regularly bask on shore.” Holualoa Inn

I am so grateful for nature and what it teaches if we take the time to look, listen and feel Mahalo nui loa to the honu (turtle) of Hawaii.

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, Co-Founding Director CSL Kaua`i and the Institute of Magnificence and Author of “What Do I Need to KNOW? 101 Thoughts That Changed My Life” and “This Thing Called Treatment,” both available on Amazon.