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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