By Cathy
Breaking
waves, splashing fountains, gurgling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and dripping
rain are incredibly soothing to listen to. When I reach a point where I’m
stressed by everyday living and the many sounds that bombard me, something deep inside draws me to water.
I could sit for hours
beside water, mesmerized by its sound, motion and color.
It
doesn’t even have to be a lot of water. It can be a serene lake, a water
fountain in a garden, a stream in the woods, or the sound of running bath water.
All of these have the ability to take my mind to a peaceful place and give me a
feeling of awe.
The
calming effects of water is nothing new. In early Rome, baths were an important
part of their life. There were pools that were thought to bring healing and
there were baths where citizens went to find relaxation and to connect with
others in a calm setting. I live near Hot Springs National Park which has been
nicknamed “The American Spa.” Hot water that averages 143 degrees Fahrenheit flows out of the mountain from several
springs. The first people to take advantage of the
thermal springs were local Native Americans who build their sweat lodges near the springs. In the early 1800’s the springs were guaranteed as safe-to-drink
water and bathing houses were established. Rich and
poor came to bath in the soothing hot waters; to heal and relax. I’ve not
taken a hot bath in the still existing bath houses, but I have enjoyed being
near the springs and watching the stream rise as it meets the cooler air.
Wallace
J. Nichols, a marine biologist, believes that we all have a “blue mind . . . a
mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense
of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment” that is
triggered when we’re in or near water. I have to agree with him. When I’m near
water I am calm, peaceful, happy, and satisfied with life.
If
you can, treat yourself to the relaxation of water. Take a walk by the river or
along a sandy beach. Sit quietly and be soothed by the sound of a waterfall or
fountain. Take the time to relax, to daydream, and to restore your mind. Maybe
you don’t have time for an outing, then simply wash the dishes or drink a glass
of water. Whatever you do, stop to admire and appreciate the life-giving
qualities of water.
7 comments:
Lovely shots of water, Cathy. As you know, I share your love of this element. I feel that we seek to be near water because it is very connected to our origins before we were actually born. I think that is why so many people love having spa treatments.
Just seeing these beautiful pictures of water have a calming effect. I, too, am always called to the water. Nothing fills my soul like being seaside. I love lakes and streams - and we're fortunate to live in a neighborhood that takes its name from the streams that run through it - Streamland. So even if I can't get to my beloved seaside, I can always find water nearby in my neighborhood.
Oh, I agree with Dotti . . . your photos are so beautiful and calming. I too love being by the water, especially the ocean. Every problem is washed away. But living in the desert, for the most part I have to get my water fix from a fountain in the park or may I should do those dishes! Thanks, Cathy, for this lovely post!
Cathy, as you know, I too share this love for water. It feeds my soul like nothing else. And it doesn't take much - I can get excited about a trickle, or a reflection in a puddle. After a childhood growing up in the desert, I love the place I live now all the more for being surrounded by water. I love these photos, each one capturing a different aspect of the beautiful nature of water.
Sitting here in the worst drought since 1880 (so many wells are dry) I think about water all the time. All the time. So strange to be in such severe water conservation mode while the ocean is right in the back yard. Yes, we have thought of desalinator and no, hoping this will sort itself out with the coming rains. Water. Yes. In all forms.
i'm nodding along with you cathy. a beautiful post and photos. xoxo
I really want to visit that National Park, on my bucket list!
Post a Comment
Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!