April Day Brighteners......day 20...Spending Time in Water

"Spending Time in Water"

What is so magical about being in or near water? We begin our lives floating in water, protected until we are ready to emerge into the world. Until then, we are free floating, kicking and turning every which way, creating ripples and waves of movement across our mothers' bellies. Suspended in liquid, we change in each moment until the day of the big arrival on dry land and then we are welcomed with a big slap. Yeah, nice after that relaxing existence of weightlessness for nine months. Welcome to reality.

This mystical connection to water compels many of us to seek being nearer to it whenever possible. The arts fest I attended last summer took place near a river and attracted hundreds of thousands of people. In one area, fountain jets intermittently shot water about eight or ten feet into the air, prompting kids to dash between the streams of water. I heard great squeals of delight from the kids as the adults watched from the sidelines.

Proximity to water is a big attraction for many of us...the lure of a beach, lake or river calls us. Maybe being near water connects us back to our beginning, feels good and provides us with an opportunity to let go of resistance that can take the form of negative thinking, rumination or general irritability. Nature offers delightful ways to soothe ourselves.

Want to see the positive effects water can have?  Watch a baby splash in the kitchen sink, preschoolers playing in a sprinkler, or even the sight of a dog frolicking along the shoreline at the beach.

Today, really enjoy being around water in one way or another and remember, the shower, a kitchen sink full of dishes, and the gentle bubbling of a fountain have all been the starting points of inspiration that became novels, paintings and new musical compositions. Being in water sets us free, for the moment, and opens the window for whispers of inspiration to reach us. Play in water today and see what comes your way.