Being in Nature - Water: September 8 - 14

[Click the YouTube link at the end of this post to hear me share the reflection and meditation.]

Here are some interesting facts about water:

• You are about 60% water.

• Life probably began in the ocean at least 3.5 billion years ago.

• Most living beings need air, sun, and water to be healthy.

• Being close to water bodies might be the key to boosting happiness.

  
  

Intuitively, I am drawn to water. Something about the ebb and flow of the tides echoes in my veins and invites me into the flow of life. So let's be mindful of water. Shower yourself in gratitude as you cleanse and bathe. Remember to hydrate as you nourish your body and soul.  Make plans to swim in a stream, kayak on a lake, or dip your toes in the ocean and immerse yourself in nature. Better yet, come retire with me and spend all your days at the beach. 

Practice

Cathy, my one time DC neighbor, shared this lovely poem with me.  Bring it with you on your next visit to the shore. Relax and enjoy the view.

The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

The tide rises, the tide falls, 

The twilight darkens, the curlew calls; 

Along the sea-sands damp and brown 

The traveller hastens toward the town, 

      And the tide rises, the tide falls. 

Darkness settles on roofs and walls, 

But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls; 

The little waves, with their soft, white hands, 

Efface the footprints in the sands, 

      And the tide rises, the tide falls. 

The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls 

Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls; 

The day returns, but nevermore 

Returns the traveller to the shore, 

      And the tide rises, the tide falls.

In case you can't rendezvous with your favorite body of water sometime soon, here's a 15 minute guided beach meditation I recorded when visiting my mom in Florida (you might even hear some birds). It is inspired by fellow meditation teacher Brandel France de Bravo.