My Relationship with Water - Water's Role in My Life

Water's Role in my Life

I have always been fascinated by water. Swimming pool, lake, river or ocean, in the water I am free. Throughout history the use of water has reflected various experiences and values of comfort, healing and entertainment. Water has always drawn me near, and welcomed me.

As a child my family always planned our trips, according to if there was somewhere to swim. My little brother Tim and I would spend hours in the pool, finding entertainment in the depths of chlorinated water. Our eyes would get red and swollen, from our re-enactments of mermaid movies. Sometimes our dad would come in, and toss us around like we were as light as feathers. If he got tired, he never showed it. He seemed to have just as much fun as us. When I was a teenager my many trips to the water park were always highly anticipated. I loved the feeling of the fast, slippery slide and then to be ejected into the cool water. I could hardly wait to do it again, always rushing back to the top and standing there dripping wet, shivering, but happy. When I reflect on those fun times, I smile, I grew up being entertained by wonderful water.

In times of grief and depression I have been able to connect with my spiritual core when by the ocean. I can go for a walk on the beach, listen to the waves, smell the salty air and I am rocketed into closeness with my Creator. Powerful water has a soothing effect on me. Stress and worries slip away, as I am able to be in the moment. So close to real beauty, my troubles seem removed. When I cannot get to the beach, just the imagined sounds of the ocean will help me find serenity. Seems strange to feel such peace when reminded of the constantly changing sea.

There is a healing quality about water. When I was in a terrible accident in 1994, I had to do water therapy as part of my rehabilitation. After hospitalization for over two months, the daily journey to therapy seemed much easier. It was like getting into a hot tub, the warm water would relax me. The lightness of my body would make it easier for me to do the exercises my therapist had recommended. Each day, I looked forward to my time in the therapeutic water. I always felt weightless when underwater. I could move like magic, and the sounds were muted. Everything seemed enchanted. Floating, soft, light streaming, there was a sense of calmness. For a fleeting moment I could escape from real life. I was sad when those sessions were no longer needed.

Water has helped me to heal after physical and emotional trauma. Water has always entertained me, as a child and even now as an adult, fun and water go hand in hand. Water has a calming effect, helping me to cope with loss. Being near water has brought me in touch with my spiritual self.