I saw this very moving poster while waiting for my morning coffee and I could not help but take a photograph of it. The picture and its words touched something deep within my soul. Taking for granted being born and raised on the Central Coast of NSW, I was always surrounded by water and cannot recall being unable to swim. I was mesmerised, but simultaneously unaware, of how water could give a person back some calibre of bodily agency before a wheelchair became an extension of their existence.
I began to think about how transformative and powerful water is to me.
When I am sad, I go to the water for reassurance. When I need time and life seems out of control, I go to the water for reflection. When I am concerned, the water washes my worries away. When I am sick, the water in the shower flowing over my curves and down my body comforts me. When I am parched or dehydrated, water quenches my thirst.
To have life, we must have water.
We grow in water from twelve days after conception, encasing and protecting us until birth. Our bodies comprise approximately 60% water. Hence, the association of the lunar theory which is also known as the lunar effect – the belief that behaviour alteration results from a full moon. Suppose you are a non-believer in the full moon theory, just ask anyone who works in an emergency department of a hospital.
Cultures have worshipped water gods for thousands of years, and regardless of your religion or religious beliefs, you would have heard of at least one of the following Greek or Roman Gods, such as Poseidon or Neptune. Scuba divers have creeds, as do surfers. Many believe neither of these practices is a sport, but rather a transcendent to the soul’s connection to nature. After all, the definition of “Religious” is “To practise.” This may be yoga, daily journaling, an early morning surf or paddle, watching the sunset each afternoon, or gratitude. It has no relation, reflection, or even concept, to that of religion.
Water brings the freedom of weightlessness; there is no time, nor is there any concept of directional sound. Water is the absolute balance of yin and yang, an ethereal force that preserves life and can also take it away in the blink of an eye.
Picture courtesy of the Scuba Gym
Global wanderer, cultural embracer, storyteller, photographer, foodie, early riser, F45er, shuffler not a runner, oddball magnet Muma, Wife & Uni Student with a book collecting and reading addiction.
