I spent the weekend surrounded by water.
Although I did not live on the water in my previous home, I saw it daily. Its presence was a daily reminder of its combined power of calm and strength, its power to bring life, and yes to destroy. I had forgotten how seeing the Hudson outside the windows revitalized me, calmed me and fed my introspective and spiritual side.
I had not realized it was the water itself I missed, how much the ebb and flow, the ripples on the surface, or the flat reflection of an external reality mirrored and calmed and enlivened my own reflections. Ocean or river, lake or pond, it is not really the size that is important, although a fountain won't really do, nor really a swimming pool, although I had one of those too.
I am not about to move in the immediate future. This is not the time; I know this. But I also know, deep in my heart, that I will live within sight of water again. Perhaps next to water, perhaps not. But the water will be present, and when that time comes, I will be at home in a different way than I am now. This is the time and the place I need to be in right now. My talents and my creativity need to be in this place to be expressed. At the right time, water will feed my soul again, and something else will bloom. There is time. There is always time. If we let it be.
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3 responses to “Water”
I just need to know that water is in driving distance, but I too see it, every time I get on Highway 101, and it makes all the difference.
Lisa, Knowing water is within driving distance helps. But I don’t routinely drive anywhere near the sight of water, which is a shame as Knoxville is on the Tennessee River. I am seriously considering occasionally going down by the water for my walks at least once or twice a week. I suspect this will be well worth the short drive.
When I think about moving, I know the biggest wrench will come from leaving the waterfront. But, as you say, there are other ways to get some waterfront in my daily life, especially given that I live on the Coast and my move will likely be to Vanc’r. I think you’d enjoy those river walks — as you say, well worth the short drive. (We used to take my mom for long walks along the Fraser River, an urban pathway that gives many such great pleasure and rejuvenation)