Hydration. This new chapter in my life seems to be strongly influenced by water. What time in our lives have we not been affected by water? But now it seems different. Palpable. Tangible. The feeling is both enlivening and mysterious.
How it feels sometimes.... I am swimming in a high alpine lake. A body of water suspended above surrounding clouds, floating below me in other parts of the world, I feel their form as I glide through the captivating liquid. The water is quite cold but as time passes our temperatures meet somewhere in the middle. The sound of the water moving past my ears is familiar like the voice of an old friend yet exciting like locking eyes with a complete stranger. As I swim further into this seemingly endless oasis I begin to feel a sense of insecurity at the depth below me. The water I cut through is now black in its vastness. My muscles feel strong and useful, I look back at the opposite shore and see the bodies of my friends are now very small. I keep going. Trees reflect on the ripples in front of me and the sunlight refracts rainbows off the crystalline water into my eyes. I realize that I am not much different from this essence. In fact all of our bodies are in majority composed of water. I feel better. Although i'm sure they are watching me with curiosity, no fish have shown themselves as of yet. This water is alive all around me. Could there be any better feeling in this world? I feel at the pinnacle of my own reality. Completely at peace. I make it to the opposite edge of the lake. Hundreds of turquoise dragonflies populate this area which is shaded by the mountain above. All of my senses are fully awakened.
How it feels other times...
A congregation of my species around a spot in the earth where water pours out. The city park in Mt. Shasta is dedicated to this spring. This spout in the rock-face where life emerges, 50 year old snow-melt from the mountain above, free for your drinking pleasure. People tactfully hop from rock to rock to get closer to the source. Filling bottles, filling their hands like cups, even sticking their face right into the icy cold water, their cheeks pressing against the rocks at either side of the opening. Filling their bodies with liquid consciousness. It is truly a sight to behold. All different "types" of people, families, hippies, hobos, motorcycle riders, elders, and youngsters of the community gather in this sacred spot to share the gift of life. Instruments play, people sing, dance and celebrate, all with the constant sound of flowing water, like a peaceful reminder. Stay true. Run free.
How it feels most of the time...
Life is ever changing. Especially it seems in this time in our lives, when things are conceptual. We are capable of creating our own destinies, our realities. It is exciting and sometimes scary, like diving into the unknown. But you must realize that this is your life. There is nothing to be afraid of. Be joyful. Ride the wave. The water will flow on, like time, and before you know it you'll be downstream in another part of the world, or on the ocean looking out onto a brand new horizon.
So for now, as the wise man John Lennon once said:
"Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream
It is not dying, it is not dying
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void
It is shining, it is shining
Yet you may see the meaning of within
It is being, it is being..."
With love, MH
