The Cure for Anything: Sweat, Tears, and the Ocean.
A Couples Guide to Connection, Healing, and Perspective
Finding Healing in Saltwater
“The cure for anything is saltwater: sweat, tears, or the sea.”
— Karen Blixen
Think about the last time you felt truly alive. Maybe it was breaking a sweat on a morning run, crying tears of relief after finally feeling understood, or standing on a shoreline as the waves reminded you how small your worries really are.
Blixen’s words capture something profoundly human: saltwater heals. And when paired with the timeless wisdom of the Serenity Prayer—“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”—we discover a powerful blueprint for living and loving well.
Both invite us to embrace what restores us: action, acceptance, and perspective. And for couples, this isn’t just poetic—it’s practical. Relationships thrive when spouses and significant others regularly make space for sweat, tears, and the ocean. These three forms of “saltwater” offer tangible ways to reconnect, grow closer, and build resilience together.
In this post, we’ll explore three simple but profound practices for couples:
Sweat – strengthening connection through shared physical activity.
Tears – deepening intimacy by embracing vulnerability and emotional honesty.
The Ocean – gaining perspective through awe, gratitude, and the beauty of nature.
1. Sweat: Building Connection Through Shared Physical Activity
Couples often begin their journey with energy and spontaneity—late-night walks, dancing, road trips. Over time, daily responsibilities can crowd out that vitality. One of the most effective ways to reclaim it is through movement.
Why Sweat Matters
Exercise not only improves mood and reduces stress—it also fosters teamwork and connection when done together. Studies even show that couples who exercise together report higher levels of satisfaction and intimacy.
Ideas for Couples
Take daily walks or runs as a ritual of connection.
Try a new class or sport together—cycling, dance, pickleball.
Train for an event like a 5K or hike a challenging trail.
Keep it playful: frisbee, roller skating, trampoline jumping with your kids.
When you sweat with your loved one, you build courage—the courage to change what you can and the reminder that growth often comes through challenge.
2. Tears: Growing Intimacy Through Emotional Expression
If sweat strengthens the body, tears soften the heart. True intimacy isn’t just about fun times; it’s about being vulnerable enough to cry, to be seen, and to allow your spouse or significant other into your inner world.
Why Tears Matter
Crying is not weakness—it’s release. Tears are signs of trust and authenticity, showing that we don’t have to carry life’s burdens alone. Sharing emotions deepens connection, whether through grief, frustration, or joy.
Practices for Emotional Intimacy
Practice active listening—respond with presence, not quick fixes.
Share “I feel” statements to name emotions clearly.
Grieve together when losses arise, whether big or small.
Celebrate milestones with tears of joy, not just smiles.
Tears teach serenity. We cannot change every circumstance, but we can lean on our loved one and find peace in shared vulnerability.
3. The Ocean: Finding Perspective Through Awe and Gratitude
Finally, the ocean—the most literal saltwater of all—reminds us of the vastness of life. Standing by the sea (or a mountain, forest, or starlit sky) brings awe, a perspective that shifts our focus from the petty to the profound.
Why the Ocean Matters
Psychologists note that awe increases well-being, reduces stress, and strengthens bonds. Gratitude naturally flows from awe, allowing couples to see one another with fresh eyes and to cherish the fleeting gift of life together.
Practices for Couples
Plan “nature dates” like beach walks, stargazing, or hikes.
Create small awe rituals: watch sunsets, light a candle at dinner.
Share gratitude nightly—one thing about your spouse, one about life.
Travel to new places that stretch your perspective and wonder.
Scripture tells us that awe and wonder are the beginning of wisdom, and standing before the vastness of creation reminds us of this truth. In those moments, we see what truly matters, gaining perspective when conflicts feel overwhelming and gratitude when life feels ordinary.
Bringing It All Together
Sweat, tears, and the ocean are not luxuries—they are necessary in life. Together, they mirror the balance of the Serenity Prayer: courage, serenity, and humility.
Sweat gives couples courage to grow.
Tears bring serenity through vulnerability.
The Ocean offers perspective and humility.
These practices don’t erase struggle but help couples face it together—with resilience, honesty, and love.
The Next Step
If you and your significant other are longing for deeper connection, sometimes guidance can help. Couples counseling offers a safe space to sweat (grow), shed tears (heal), and gain perspective (see the bigger picture of your relationship).
At Fidelis Counseling, we walk alongside couples as they rediscover joy, intimacy, and gratitude in their relationship. If you’re ready to take the next step, learn more at fideliscounseling.com.
