A contemplation for World Water Day….

A dear friend of mine brought awareness to me that yesterday was world water day. My initial reaction was, 'Wow, never heard of it, it was world poetry day the other day, we have an awareness day for everything these days', doesn’t so many not defeat the object and 'water' them down (apologies). Yes, that was actually my initial reaction, after a moment's pause - cringe.

It wasn’t really until my yoga journey, and furthermore my living abroad on a small island where water - the oceans, was the highlight and the main feature, the reason the water people flocked there, promoting water sports and holding competitions and festivals regularly. On the surface it was this - to me the uninformed earth person. It wasn’t until I learned about the people and fell into the rhythm of the island, that I understood the unspoken of it’s mystery. I then travelled, and travelled afar to the most magical of lands, mountains and islands, falling deeply in love with all the shades of turquoises my heart could desire. 

It was here my journey truly began, diving deep into the oceans of understanding the gifts of this precious commodity. I had always been afraid of deep dark water, even having a previous life working on cruise ships and falling in love with being at Sea, I still feared the deep depths of the Ocean. It was living abroad when I got curious about water and committed to not fearing it any longer in a way that held me back from fully experiencing life. I went solo to the beach and stood in big waves and allowed myself to get slam dunked under and trust my breath would not leave me. I cleaned my local beaches regularly in gratitude for such exquisite nature to teach, practice and relax. In Bali, I visited sacred silent water temples where I prayed and gave thanks. In the caribbean I was overcome with emotion when I swam with turtles and saw whales and in Indonesia, with Manta Rays. I snorkelled amongst the most magical kaleidoscope of coral reefs in the Philippines gifting me moments in time that I can honestly say made my life highlights. Finally, last year, I did something truly magical taking my journey with Water full circle. I learned to freedive. 

My fear of not being able to breathe under water didn't leave, it subsided. The loud voice in my head no longer prevailed, it transformed to the whispering tones of trust. The sweet gentle rolling like soft rhythmic ocean waves lapping against the shoreline.... Trust, trust, trust.

Amidst my travels and healing journey a favourite practice became meditating on the water, the ocean waves, the soft ripple and lapping and calming soothing sounds. It was here I truly discovered her wisdom, fear became respect, I felt the great mysteries of her depth like an infinite abyss, knowing I would never really know, but I could try to understand. Most sacredly, I learned to let go. Let go of all the things that kept me stuck, playing small, accepting things that were not good enough for me. I formed a newfound relationship, love and respect for impermanence. I found flow and allowed the rivers of ever changing life flow in and through me. Trusting, flowing, healing. 

Since unveiling this deep respect for the ocean, it has transcended deeper and beyond. As the oceans present as the macro, every drop of water that touches my skin as I shower is the sacred magnificent micro. I witness and appreciate this sacred commodity everywhere, in each and every drop. I feel its healing, purifying and cleansing powers. 

The truth is the precious gift we have, does not belong to us, yet it serves us so loyally and lovingly, it hydrates us, heals us, feeds us, offers our food a place to thrive, gifts us magical experiences, and most importantly, it keeps us alive. We are not separate, we are made of the very same things we look outwardly and believe that which is external from us. We are so intimately intrinsically connected. 

My wish one day is that I will be here to see the oceans heal, the sea life return, the people respect and love the oceans as well as the land. We re-learn to live off the land, avoid fast fashion and dumping in the oceans. We live consciously, and love our Earth as she so graciously and quietly loves us. After all she bestows upon us the most respected, valuable, revered and sacred gifts. Just one of those, is Water.

I’m curious dear soul, what are your memories and experiences, what is stirred to the surface for you, when you take a moment to give thanks for this gift..?

For those who want to use the practice of yoga to connect more deeply with the elements, this is a deep passion of mine and regularly themes my teachings. As a gift to you for reading my blog, click here for a soothing Yin practice to connect to the element of Water.
					

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