Do you find that summer draws you closer to water?
For many of you it will be the sea, but it could also be a stream, waterfall or lake. Being close to water brings about a special kind of renewal.
The waters of childhood
As a child I spent my happiest hours sitting on a stone by a river: the Waiongonaiti that flowed along the bottom of my grandparents’ garden from the snowy peak of Mt Taranaki.
The river filled me with wonder, for it was ever-changing. Cockabullies, and sometimes eels, glided around rocks. As I watched, spell-bound, time seemed to stand still.
Does this bring up happy childhood memories for you, or remind you of your favourite way of being with water? Is it immersing yourself in the sea, surfing or sailing, floating on a lake, kayaking around the coastline, or sitting with your feet in a hot pool?
Renewal
We hear about the negative ions that abound close to crashing waves or waterfalls, but there’s more to it than that. Even being close to an indoor aquarium, has positive health effects.
Scientists now talk of ‘blue health’, ie the soothing effects of water, although how it works is still not known. A marine biologist talks of our inner ‘blue mind’, which is meditative, clear and creative, and says that being close to water evokes the presence of blue mind.
Cleansing power
In so many cultures water is the element of cleansing, healing and purification, from the sacred wells of the Celts, the tapu water rituals of the Maori, or the baptisms of many religions. In Chinese medicine, a deep foot bath before bed-time is advised for a good night’s sleep.
Being with water now
In the busy time leading up to Christmas, you may find you are driving, shopping and walking on hard surfaces more than usual. You may feel overwhelmed or frazzled.
If so, is there some water nearby where you can sit, listen, watch and breathe?
A picnic by a lake
This week my friend Jill took me to eat a picnic lunch at Lake Pupuke, on Auckland’s North Shore. We sat on a well crafted wooden seat, placed by the lake’s edge as a memorial for her mother. There we relaxed, watched the swans gliding by, and the ripples of wind on the surface of the water. The drifting clouds above floated and glided on the lake.
It was hard to believe we were in a city. I could feel inner space opening up as I breathed more freely. On my return home, the necessary tasks seemed to flow more freely.
Even twenty minutes will do
Do you need a break? You might like to try taking a little time out to wander towards the sea or whatever water is nearby. Let the water calm your nervous system. Dip your feet or hands into it and let any tension float away. Be soothed.
Blessings,
Juliet
Water is sufficient . . . the spirit moves over water.
—Friedrich Nietzsche
Would you like to deepen your connection with nature?
I know that many of you are already tuned in to the natural world around you. Even so, my Sacred Earth course will deepen that connection in ways that might surprise you. We’ll be exploring blue energy (water) and lots more.
You can take a look at it here.
P.S. If you sign up before December 16 you will catch the early bird discount. You will also receive the bonus of the ‘Summer Quest’ to take into your holidays and turn them into a simple treasure hunt.
Hi Juliet – water is certainly calming and always on the move … in and out … we used to go to a small stream in Pennypot Lane … and just watch the babbling brook bob along its course … cheers Hilary
Hilary, I can just imagine your small stream in Pennypot Lane – what a delightful name! Thank you.
Lovely, lovely post, Juliet.
It is cold here now, and we’ve had our first major snowfall (6 inches). The surfaces are icy and our little corner of the world is wrapped in white. Still, the slow, drip, drip, drip of icicles hanging from the house eaves are a gentle comfort for me this morning as I sip a cup of tea and read your words (and long for the summer day of a picnic near a lake).
The best to you today and everyday.
Oh Penny, snow already, and the icicles dripping – another form of water that I’ve never thought of, but I remember that sound from my visits to cold places. Keep warm, and thank you for your kind words.
How timely is this newsletter.
Doing the sacred earth course deepened my connection to blue energy through my garden pool. I have been drawn towards it again sitting outside and looking into it brings calmness and refreshment. Yesterday evening although the pool was only 12 degrees it called me in – my inner blue mind was totally cleansed. In the night we had a storm and I the thunder and heavy rain energised my soul. Blessings
Janice, how lovely to hear of your garden pool and its blue energy. And then that cleansing power of a thunder storm, with the deluge it brings. Thank you so much for sharing your experience of water. I’m feeling refreshed by it.
Hello, Juliet!
Water is very important in our lives, I agree. I have a small pond in my garden and every day and especially evening I can spend some time watching and listening to running water. In hot weeks I take care of water maintenance, check out water cleaning balance.
There were some weeks ago we had no potable water in my summer cottage due the technical problems. In such periods one can really understand how we need water.
Nadezda, I just found your comment awaiting moderation! Your observations are lovely, and I enjoy hearing about the time you spend with your pond. Running water has such a soothing sound. Thank you.
Nice refreshing post. I love water and walk along the beach summer and winter and we have lots to choose from here in chch. The best are the wild rivers where the water rushes around the rocks. We still picknick as well although not as much as we used to do. So relaxing.
Wish you relaxing summer and Christmas days
Marja, how fortunate you are to have access to the wild rivers, as well as beaches. Thank you, and a relaxing summer and Christmas to you too.