Jun 29

Written by: balancewithgrace
6/29/2006 1:10 PM

Water makes up 2/3 of our body’s composition and covers 2/3 of the Earth’s surface.  Having spent nine month’s in our mother’s womb before entering the world, water can feel like a comfortable place to return to let go and rejuvenate.  No wonder it’s often referred to as the source or a wellspring. People often find peace, refreshment when they are in or near water.  Even the sound of water—the sound of lapping waves or the trickle of a fountain can be soothing.  There’s evidence of the link between water and spirit, in the expression, “Cleanliness is next to godliness,”  the Christian practices of baptism, anointing with holy water, and foot washing.  Here are some ways to conect to and through the element of water:

• Go to the beach, pond, or lake.  Splash in the water.  Float on your back and feel yourself buoyed up. 
• Sit by the water and daydream. 
• Walk by a river, ocean, or stream.
• Go canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting, boating, or sailing. 
• Rent a houseboat for an unusual vacation.
• Go fishing.  As most fishing hobbyists will tell you, it’s not about the fish.  There’s tranquility in silently watching and waiting.  If it’s winter, try ice fishing.
• Visit an aquarium and marvel at the variety (new species are still being discovered) of sea creatures.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium is particularly spectacular!
• Watch the ripples in the water after throwing or skipping stones
• Take a bath or shower to wash away the stress and strain of your day.  The bathtub is one of my favorite places to meditate!

Practice:  Cleansing shower.  Soap up, scrubbing as vigorously or gently as you like.  You may choose a scented product, perhaps a tropical-scented shampoo or bath gel that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to an exotic island.  As you rinse and the water cascades over you, imagine that all of your troubles, worries, and stress have been sloughed off and are disappearing down the drain.  After you’ve rinsed, stand under the shower spray, visualizing that the water droplets are rainbow colored—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.  Feel the water and the corresponding colors refresh and revitalize you.  As you step out of the shower and towel off, hug this vibrant being—you—like you are greeting a long-lost friend.   

 

Copyright ©2006 Grace Durfee

Tags: