Channel
Binningup Beach
~ Sun, Surf, Sand, & Spirit.
BUNBURY- WA- AUSTRALIA
I am most likely similar to every working mother on the entire planet, feeling as though I am being pulled in one direction and then another, sometimes at the same time, often with the feelings of being inundated and overwhelmed becoming all too consuming! Sound familiar? Well, I have now learned, after a long time of trying to find peace within such struggle, that there are times when it is not only necessary, but a fundamental priority to put myself in a position where I can better function mentally and physically and give myself permission to take that time out, not as a reward, but because I plainly need it.
We all have different ways of dealing with“ busy brain” and even stress. Some people enjoy physical activities, social interactions, music, food, wine and entertainment. For me, if I am truly going to find my centre, I head to the beautiful little coastal hamlet, Binningup Beach, 154km( 96mi) south of Perth and 31km( 19mi) north of Bunbury. I have had a romance with this village since the age of 7 when my parents were amongst the few founding families to purchase a town block, close to the water, for approximately two thousand pounds!
With my parents’ foresight, they built a simple beach house, which was a place of connectedness, love, growth and freedom for my family. It was the place that our extended family came to visit, as well as a place to mourn during sad times. We did not go on overseas holidays and expensive trips, like many families, but every opportunity we had, we drove the 20 minutes from our home town of Harvey and headed to“ the beach”.
To this day, I still feel that same sense of release when I drive over the hill into the township. It is similar to that of seeing a familiar face of comfort, and not having to speak for the understanding and familiarity is there. Considering that in 1962 Binningup Beach had only one resident, to now over 1500, the secret is out, however, it still has the same beauty and attraction for local families and overseas visitors that it always had. Clear water, safe and clean beaches, a scenic golf course, the local shop and even the traditional caravan park offer something for those wanting to take that time out, or live in an environment where the traditional values of community still exist.
For me it is my sanctuary. I love going to visit my beach house, even though it is only a ten minute drive from my daily residence, to walk along the beach, breathe in the sea air and feel the re-energising sun on my face, even in the winter. I feel as though I can breathe again and settle my busy brain! It is a place where I went to heal after a serious illness and a place that I go to become centred again. To some it is just a beach. Like anything in life it is about connectedness and relationships, whether it is with a person, place or experience. But, at the end of the day it is about finding that place of peace within and giving yourself the permission to take that all important time out. I hope that you find your place to visit and take that all important breather to reconnect with yourself. You may discover something about the YOU that you never knew existed!
July 2017
Leah Rando
LifeGrid ® Local Editor- Bunbury
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