Water and HW2

Today's post is brought to you by almost 3 weeks of vacation near the ocean. I grew up in Minnesota, and didn't see the ocean until I was 20 years old. Up until that time, there were only two bodies of water that I'd seen that I couldn't see across (Lake Superior and Mil Lacs Lake). I also didn't appreciate the sound of the waves on the ocean, powerful and constant. I remember sitting outside listening to them for a long time just marveling at the sound. It wasn't until much later in my life that I learned the power of the ocean water and my unwavering respect for it.

Five years ago we were here by the ocean as Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and then raced inland. The remnants passed by to the West (quite a way off) but still brought a huge amount of wind. My youngest son and I went down to the floating docks and marveled at how they jumped around in the waves. The storm retained power, even though it had long ago ceased to be a hurricane.

We are inextricably linked to water. Adult bodies are about 65% water, babies more like 80%. Water is a basic element that we need to survive, without water we will die within a short span of days. Maybe that is why I feel the best when I'm near the water? The ebb and flow of the tides, the sound of the waves, the smell of the sea, the fish and the birds, all fit into a seamless whole. My Labrador Retriever is also part of this whole, he is never happier than when he can get his daily swim - and exercise muscles that he otherwise doesn't get to use very often.

So, water can be healing and hurting - Yin and Yang. But I am moved to suggest that you try to incorporate water into your search for health, wellness and wholeness (HW2). Scientists tell us to drink more water each day; those in the social justice realm state that millions do not have ready access to safe drinking water; hurricanes build in the ocean. Balancing the good with the bad requires us to be present to what is. So for this week, try to incorporate water into your HW2. Have its sound present as you meditate, drink more of it for your physical health, listen to the waves for your mental health, work to obtain clean water for someone who doesn't have it for your wholeness.

Peace and grace,
Dan