Water symbolizes many things connected with healing. Pouring forth from within the depths of the earth, it represents life and regeneration. - Wilbert M. Gesler, Healing Places

In February I attended my mBIT (multiple brain integration techniques) certification training. On our last day, our group was treated to a conversation with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a research scientist, and author of the book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at what you do.

In the course ofour conversation, he asked each of us about our experience with water. What came up for me is the memory of being with my father on a business trip to West Palm Beach, Florida. I don’t remember how old I was – not yet a teenager. We were walking along the beach, and after a while, I remember the sound of people standing on the sidewalk and yelling at my father to get off the beach. It was, of course, high tide. It was at that moment that I was swept up in a wave and barely grasp my father’s hand as the tide rolled out. Deep breath!

I have always loved water. Growing up, I swam on the swim team and spent every day possible riding my bike to the country club to romp in the pool and flirt with the young teenage boys who were allegedly there for my safety. And I love to walk along the ocean and let the water wash over my feet, sometimes lapping at my ankles. Two weeks ago my friend Deb and I walked along a beach in Malibu, CA and savored our time alone to “just be.”

So I’ve decided it was time for me to re-embrace what I love about water. I joined our local saltwater pool and made a commitment to two water aerobic classes per week. I love floating and turning in water and the freedom and break I take from my very busy mind. And it is fun!

My second way to connect with water is through the demands of my garden. The picture of the bleeding hearts at the beginning of this blog is the sheer joy produced from the love and care of water. As summer begins to unfold, my husband and I wake up to tour the garden and see what surprise will appear that day.

I encourage you to take a moment to pause and think about the essence of water. What comes up for you? I’d love to hear from you about how water nourishes your soul.

We need the sun, the moon, the stars, the rivers and the mountains and the birds, the fish in the sea, to evoke a world of mystery, to evoke the sacred. - Thomas Berry, The Great Work