The Pool of Life...
By DE
@DaddyEvil (137145)
United States
July 11, 2018 3:12am CST
Would you be interested in reading something I wrote years ago? It is about a true experience I had that still feels like it is affecting me today.
Unfortunately, it is rather long, so I will understand if you choose to pass this post by.
Several years ago, I needed to put some space between me and some things going on at home, so I started driving. (For as long as I can remember, something needed me to go West. So I drove West!)
Have YOU ever felt something calling you?
I live in Missouri and drove to California.
When I got to California, I STILL felt like there was something I needed to do further West! So, I went to the beach.
When I got to the beach, it was a cool, cloudy day. It was cool enough that I KNEW I didn't want to go into the water, but something was still calling to me, so I walked along the shore. The further I walked, watching the ocean roll up the sandy beach, the more at peace I felt. After a while, I came to a tidal wallow and sat down on a rock on the verge.
Whatever had been calling me quieted completely when I sat down. I started looking into the bowl of salt water. In that depression, I beheld a microcosm of the ocean at large. This was no simple little puddle! This was a permanent pond refreshed twice a day as the morning and evening tides rolled up the beach and over its edge.
While I sat there watching the small creatures living their lives in the pool, the clouds so far above me parted, letting the golden sunshine stream down and illuminate the waters in front of me.
The ripples in the basin shimmered with the reflected sunlight, sometimes blindingly so.... other times, the reflected light drew my attention to something new to discover in that fairly tranquil oasis. Tiny creatures living their lives seemingly undisturbed by man.
I wasn't the first human to gaze into that shallow microcosm and watch the tiny creatures as they lived their lives, but at that moment, it felt exactly like that!
I stayed by that tidal pond until the ocean rollers came creeping up the beach and wet my feet. I stood on trembling legs (feeling of pins and needles) not sure they wanted to hold me... I had sat in one position far too long!
Only then, did I realize I had been by that shimmering oasis, smelling the salt in the air and the fug of life coming from the ocean itself, all day with no thoughts of food or drink for myself at all.
As I trudged the seeming miles back to the spot where I parked my car, the night soon enveloped me. My thoughts, still on those wonders of life, curious what went on in their lives below the surface of their miniature home after darkness fell?
I still don't know why I was called to that tiny world of life, what changed because I spied on the tiny beings in that pool, but the call I felt all those years ago has gone. Sometimes... I dream about those little lives, imagining that my very presence changed something... something far bigger than my own life, something in the future that my presence either kept from happening or something that needed me to witness happening.
Ever since, I have had the feeling that my being there was somehow important... To US or to something ELSE, I couldn't say for sure...
Have you ever experienced anything like this?
Several years ago, I needed to put some space between me and some things going on at home, so I started driving. (For as long as I can remember, something needed me to go West. So I drove West!)
Have YOU ever felt something calling you?
I live in Missouri and drove to California.
When I got to California, I STILL felt like there was something I needed to do further West! So, I went to the beach.
When I got to the beach, it was a cool, cloudy day. It was cool enough that I KNEW I didn't want to go into the water, but something was still calling to me, so I walked along the shore. The further I walked, watching the ocean roll up the sandy beach, the more at peace I felt. After a while, I came to a tidal wallow and sat down on a rock on the verge.
Whatever had been calling me quieted completely when I sat down. I started looking into the bowl of salt water. In that depression, I beheld a microcosm of the ocean at large. This was no simple little puddle! This was a permanent pond refreshed twice a day as the morning and evening tides rolled up the beach and over its edge.
While I sat there watching the small creatures living their lives in the pool, the clouds so far above me parted, letting the golden sunshine stream down and illuminate the waters in front of me.
The ripples in the basin shimmered with the reflected sunlight, sometimes blindingly so.... other times, the reflected light drew my attention to something new to discover in that fairly tranquil oasis. Tiny creatures living their lives seemingly undisturbed by man.
I wasn't the first human to gaze into that shallow microcosm and watch the tiny creatures as they lived their lives, but at that moment, it felt exactly like that!
I stayed by that tidal pond until the ocean rollers came creeping up the beach and wet my feet. I stood on trembling legs (feeling of pins and needles) not sure they wanted to hold me... I had sat in one position far too long!
Only then, did I realize I had been by that shimmering oasis, smelling the salt in the air and the fug of life coming from the ocean itself, all day with no thoughts of food or drink for myself at all.
As I trudged the seeming miles back to the spot where I parked my car, the night soon enveloped me. My thoughts, still on those wonders of life, curious what went on in their lives below the surface of their miniature home after darkness fell?
I still don't know why I was called to that tiny world of life, what changed because I spied on the tiny beings in that pool, but the call I felt all those years ago has gone. Sometimes... I dream about those little lives, imagining that my very presence changed something... something far bigger than my own life, something in the future that my presence either kept from happening or something that needed me to witness happening.
Ever since, I have had the feeling that my being there was somehow important... To US or to something ELSE, I couldn't say for sure...
Have you ever experienced anything like this?25 people like this
30 responses
@MALUSE (69416)
• Germany
11 Jul 18
Your going West is in no way extraordinary. The urge is part of the American DNA. Lots of books have been written on the topic. I even had to study this in Germany with my pupils at secondary grammar school (after passing the final exam they can study at uni). It's part of the curriculum.
You had a mystic experience. Not many people have it. I've never had it. Yours was closely related to nature. Other people have a religious moment.
Cherish it.
8 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
*smiling at you* Going West probably is part of the American heritage, Malu... but being called to go West surely isn't.
I had a very nice experience, at any rate...
It's nice to see you. That reminds me I haven't been to one of your discussions in a while.
3 people like this
@MALUSE (69416)
• Germany
11 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil Oh! Loads of brilliant posts are waiting for you. You won't be disappointed. :-)
4 people like this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
11 Jul 18
The last paragraph of yours said what I was trying to say but much more articulately
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
It certainly did help me to find my inner peace, Anna...
I didn't realize this type of thing was not something everyone did at one time or another.
4 people like this
@LadyDuck (457340)
• Switzerland
11 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil I have moments where I need to be alone. I usually go for a walk near a stream, the noise of the water, the nature, no human noises around me, helps to think about important matters.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
@LadyDuck That sounds beautiful, Anna... I am sure it brings you the peace and clarity of thought you need to consider important things.
4 people like this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
11 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil Indians don't travel? I don't know but I agree most of Indians are chained with family and other commitments so they are not free to travel to places according to their wish. I had a long train journey (for 2 and half days) last month to my native place. It required lot of planning and time as well as money. Still yet to get back the routine.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
@Sreekala Yes, that's the impression I've gotten from talking to many Indians on myLot... You are an exception.
Many Americans don't really plan trips. Trips happen for one reason or another... When I was younger I was well paid with plenty of time for myself and my daughter. We took trips just to see why a city was named a certain name... 
Or because we had heard a restaurant in a distant city was really good.
Pretty and I liked to be going just to be going... 
Yes, that's the impression I've gotten from talking to many Indians on myLot... You are an exception.
Many Americans don't really plan trips. Trips happen for one reason or another... When I was younger I was well paid with plenty of time for myself and my daughter. We took trips just to see why a city was named a certain name... Or because we had heard a restaurant in a distant city was really good.
Pretty and I liked to be going just to be going... 2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
*smiling at you* Yes, I got the impression that many Indians don't travel a great deal like Americans do.
When my daughter was little she and I would travel around the United States just looking at our country and enjoying the people we met. (Unfortunately, my daughter was trying to beat people out of money but I didn't know that, at the time. )
We had a lot of good experiences!
)
We had a lot of good experiences! 3 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
3 Sep 18
very interesting. of course i have felt that a few times in my long life. like part of the whole plan and yet separate all the same. felt it more as a child though. having not been alone much since till the last couple of years. been busy raising and taking care of kids that now in turn one cares for me as much as she can. i hope i am understanding what you said here.
3 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
3 Sep 18
@DaddyEvil yes for sure. those were the days my friend. we thought they'd never end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KEhWTnWvE
yes for sure. those were the days my friend. we thought they'd never end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KEhWTnWvE
3 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
3 Sep 18
@DaddyEvil i was trying to post a youtube video of it but think it didn't work. lol
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
3 Sep 18
Well, your response makes sense, so I'd say you understood pretty well, Bonnie.
I haven't felt anything like that pull I felt back then but, like you, my time isn't really mine anymore. I spend most of my time cleaning house, doing dishes and laundry... I couldn't up and take off like I did back then even if I wanted to.
2 people like this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
11 Jul 18
No, I haven't. These experiences are rare and come to only a few people.
I believe that you needed to be there , without trying to delve into scientific reasons ,since that experience was important to you.
5 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
I believe you are right, ARM... Sometimes things defy a scientific reason or description because they simply are and must be.
As long as I wasn't going insane, I am okay with the experience. 
4 people like this
@ihasaquestion (8274)
•
26 Jul 18
What a story. I guess you were meant to be there after all.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
8 Aug 18
Thank you, ihas.
How have you been doing?
How have you been doing?2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
8 Aug 18
@ihasaquestion Yes, I see you responded quite a few days ago. I'm sorry I was so slow to reply to you. myLot didn't give me a notice that you'd said anything. I only noticed because I checked this entire discussion to make sure I didn't miss anything.
It does happen from time to time.
I'm feeling much better than the last time I spoke to you.
2 people like this
@ihasaquestion (8274)
•
8 Aug 18
@DaddyEvil That took you quite awhile to answer. I'm doing good, how about you?
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98718)
• India
8 Aug 18
@DaddyEvil "fug of life" ...was new for me. I would have read it as fog of life.
Likewise, "As I trudged the seeming miles back .." I would have been inclined to use the same sentence as "As I trudged along the seemingly miles back.."...that sounds so voluble.
I really don't know your language DE. It will take ages for me to learn it...and I will always get lost in the language usage ...miss out on the meaning?
As to meaning and purpose...and direction...I wish I could pin point a solution to say yes, this is the direction I want to move in.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
8 Aug 18
@vandana7 'fug' can mean a stifling atmosphere or it can mean a strong odor. I used it to mean a strong odor of life.
In your second example, the two sentences don't mean the same thing. When I said, ""As I trudged the seeming miles back..."", it meant that though it felt like I walked miles, that was only an illusion stemming from the darkness and my preoccupation from thinking about the creatures living in the pool.
To me, 'seemingly' sounds and feels awkward in a sentence.
I don't think you miss out on the meaning of things written in English. I think you try to make them harder to understand than you need to. English isn't rocket science.
'fug' can mean a stifling atmosphere or it can mean a strong odor. I used it to mean a strong odor of life.
In your second example, the two sentences don't mean the same thing. When I said, ""As I trudged the seeming miles back..."", it meant that though it felt like I walked miles, that was only an illusion stemming from the darkness and my preoccupation from thinking about the creatures living in the pool.
To me, 'seemingly' sounds and feels awkward in a sentence.
I don't think you miss out on the meaning of things written in English. I think you try to make them harder to understand than you need to. English isn't rocket science. 2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
7 Aug 18
*grinning at you* So, what did you learn about English from my post?
And did it give you a sense of direction for your life, vanny? 
And did it give you a sense of direction for your life, vanny? 2 people like this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
13 Aug 18
not felt such a calling - does sound a profound moment of epiphany for you
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
13 Aug 18
I can't call it life changing, but the sense of the pool has stayed with me all my life, Arthur.
2 people like this
@bluesa (15023)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
15 Aug 18
No, I have never had an experience like that. I am happy you got what you needed out of that @DaddyEvil .
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
16 Aug 18
Thank you, Cat!
I always thought everyone had some type of experience like this but from the other people on myLot I've discovered this type of experience isn't universal after all. I am curious why I had an experience like this and why some others don't. (If you have any information about it, I'd love to know... )
I always thought everyone had some type of experience like this but from the other people on myLot I've discovered this type of experience isn't universal after all. I am curious why I had an experience like this and why some others don't. (If you have any information about it, I'd love to know... )2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
18 Aug 18
@bluesa Hmmm... several of our Indian friends have commented (favorably) about the way I talk about how I feel on myLot... *shrug* (I tend to talk the same way here as I do in real life... and yes, I do earn odd looks from some people in real life. I figure that's their problem, not mine.)
Mysteries usually bug the crap out of me!
I figure that's their problem, not mine.)
Mysteries usually bug the crap out of me! 2 people like this
@bluesa (15023)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
16 Aug 18
@DaddyEvil maybe you are just more open to your feelings than most or maybe it was something that you had to experience. There is still so much that is a mystery to us humans.
2 people like this
@pgntwo (22412)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
25 Jul 18
Rock pools are always wonders to behold. As to what guided you there, if you had to be there so some higher being was able to look down and observe you... Hmm. I think there was a scene in Men In Black, the pendant on the cat's collar... Got it, Orion's Belt:
Cut scene from the movie "Men In Black" (1997) Linda Fiorentino as Laurel Weaver as Agent L (also called Elle, or just L) Tag name: Orion's Belt/ Cat Singer....
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
26 Jul 18
*grinning at you* I remember that scene,pgn!
No, more like I had to be there to witness something that happened in the pool, not that someone had to see me there.
No, more like I had to be there to witness something that happened in the pool, not that someone had to see me there.2 people like this
@pgntwo (22412)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
26 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil Ah, more like this piece of cartoon storytelling, perhaps...
It's 2150, and there are all sorts of Aliens living throughout space. Johnny is a Space Delivery Man who travels to different planets to deliver packages. Jo...
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
Uhm... there are lots of things in me, Sherlocked...
Would you like me to start posting pictures to show you all of them? 
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
16 Jul 18
Thank you, Valerie.
It's really difficult to explain how I felt and the feelings being there gave me. (I've gotten quite a few raised eyebrows as well as people making swirling gestures by their head and then pointing at me whenever I've told anyone in real life about what happened there.)
It's really difficult to explain how I felt and the feelings being there gave me. (I've gotten quite a few raised eyebrows as well as people making swirling gestures by their head and then pointing at me whenever I've told anyone in real life about what happened there.)2 people like this
@just4him (305429)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
17 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil Really? That's a shame. I don't find anything strange about your need to be at that tidal pool. I'm glad you had the opportunity to go and experience it.
2 people like this
@Hannihar (129379)
• Israel
11 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil
I have experienced things in life that people that believe those same things and understand it believe me. I came to live in Israel in November 1986. I did not want to come here before that. I have been searching for where I belonged as an adult. I had a friend that live in Phoenix, Arizona I visited her twice I think it was and nothing really felt like home I liked it there but that was not the place for me. I decided to come visit Israel in 1985 and there is where I found Home. I know I was a tourist but I found what I was looking for and after over 31 years I am still here and there is no place else I want to be.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
12 Jul 18
That is great, Hanni!
I'm glad you found the place you felt you belonged.
Some people go all their lives looking and never do find it.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
Well, I hope one day that you do have an experience all your own that speaks to your soul, Icydoll.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
*smiling at you* Yes, it was a tidal pool of life, Ultraman.
How have you been lately?
How have you been lately?1 person likes this
@xander6464 (40825)
• Wapello, Iowa
11 Mar 21
I haven't experienced anything like this.
I was really hoping this would involve a mermaid but it was pretty good anyway.
1 person likes this
@xander6464 (40825)
• Wapello, Iowa
11 Mar 21
@DaddyEvil That is awesome. Getting paid is the best way to write...so they tell me, I had to take a Vow Of Poverty to get my Saint job.
Are you ever going to put those stories here? Or are you trying to resell them to other markets?
1 person likes this
@xander6464 (40825)
• Wapello, Iowa
11 Mar 21
@DaddyEvil What was your specialty?
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Mar 21
Thanks... It was an interesting experience for me.
Uhm... I used to write that kind of stories for a site and got paid for them...
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40042)
• Laguna Woods, California
19 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil - I think the ocean is a strong pool for many of us. I grew up in Missouri but, when I graduated from college, I got in my little Nash Rambler and, with my dog, drove to California. I met my husband here. He as offered a job in Texas and we lived there for 25 years. However, when he was offered a job back in California 18 years ago, we returned. We are so glad we did!
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
26 Jul 18
You've had quite the adventurous life, DD!
I wouldn't know how to act if I lived close to the ocean. (Close enough I could visit it every day.)
How do you manage it?
I wouldn't know how to act if I lived close to the ocean. (Close enough I could visit it every day.)
How do you manage it?1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
8 Aug 18
@DeborahDiane Can you hear the waves lapping on the beach from your home, DD?
The sounds water makes in all it's various forms are soothing to me. I love listening to rain or snow. I also love hearing a stream or river burbling along.
I want to live close to a large body of water so I can listen to it while I'm laying in bed...
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40042)
• Laguna Woods, California
26 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil - Ha ha! You don't know half the adventures I have been on! 
Living near the ocean is lovely. I go there at least three or four times a week, the year around. Our church is located just two blocks from the beach and we often have lunch after church at one of the nearby restaurants. I walk there with friends frequently, too.
It is hard to stay away! 
Living near the ocean is lovely. I go there at least three or four times a week, the year around. Our church is located just two blocks from the beach and we often have lunch after church at one of the nearby restaurants. I walk there with friends frequently, too.
It is hard to stay away! 1 person likes this
@Namelesss (3368)
• United States
14 Jul 18
I have felt a pull such as this my friend. You traveled a long way to observe life in a far distant place. Now you know the pull our great ancestors felt. I'll let you decide who those might be. This is the side of you that is the observer. Don't mean to get all esoteric but it's moments like this that push us forward and keep us engaged. Hugs!
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
15 Jul 18
If I have heard your own story like this, I have forgotten it, Dearheart. I would definitely love to read about your experience, if you felt like sharing it.
You know you were instrumental in how this final version of this event was written and I thank you for the candor and suggestions.
*grinning at you* Yeah... who our ancestors were is something that gets a lot of thought and speculation going in conversations I have with various people, both in real life and online. I hope one day to find out for sure the origins of the human race.1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
16 Jul 18
@Namelesss *kinda shocked, but not really* I am afraid what you have/are discovering is probably the truth, Namelesss. I've always wondered if our origins were 'shrouded'.
Okay, now you have me questioning your word usage and presentation... What do you mean by the phrase "if you can truly call us that"? What do you believe we should be called? Or are you saying we are actually a mixture of races? Humans and something else?
Whatever you feel like sharing I would enjoy hearing about it.
Hmmm... I've always found you to be worth keeping in my toolbox... or by my side.
Hmmm... I've always found you to be worth keeping in my toolbox... or by my side.2 people like this
@Namelesss (3368)
• United States
15 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil (smiling) I have read your story before but this is the one that has been hiding inside.
I enjoy these conversations as well. Not that I think anyone has a single answer or that we will ever know that exact moment our 'origin' began.
Recently I have been seeking my own personal origins through medative type explorations. I'm getting answers and the answers are more astounding than I would have thought but there is no 'single' answer. I do not expect one. I have been shown impossible connections but connections that are real non-the-less. These connections are our origins, not just mine.
The human race (if you can truly call us that) is so very old even the oldest remembrance out there no longer has easy access to that knowledge. For modern humans to think they can find that gem would be akin to finding an 'invisible' needle in a haystack.
Everyone wants to explore the past and it is a great past-time but it is not the direction our course is set on. Out and forward is our natural direction.
Glad I was instrumental in this telling, would that I could always be an instrument of value. :-)
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20261)
•
16 Aug 18
I often got the impulse like that, to head to a certain direction, like someone was calling me. 9.9 out of 10, I would wander around, and you know what? those times, I always ended up getting a bargain somewhere in some stores. (It is the truth, the whole truth, and only the truth 
.)
.)1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
18 Aug 18
Hmmm... I don't remember anything good about the shopping in California... mostly because the prices for everything there were at least twice what I'd pay at home for the same exact things!
... mostly because the prices for everything there were at least twice what I'd pay at home for the same exact things!1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20261)
•
18 Aug 18
@DaddyEvil Ah, but that is why when the 'calls' came, the whole thing became more thrilling and hair raising, isn't it??? (so creepy... )
)2 people like this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
11 Jul 18
No. I have never experienced it before.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
11 Jul 18
It was very interesting to me. I hope you do have some great experiences yourself in your life, Jessa.
1 person likes this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
11 Jul 18
@DaddyEvil yes I do.. I have many happy and memorable experiences.. and I will keep them till the end of my life.
2 people like this
