How Water Beautifies You and Your World

Audio Version

Sometimes Your Workday Is Far from Pretty

Listen—at a time when the stats show that workers, especially black women, face an ongoing fear of layoffs, firings, or substandard salaries even if they find other jobs, the effects of economic stress on our purses, minds, and bodies are apparent.

Even if you’re fortunate enough to remain employed or self-employed during the summer, you may face hassles and delays when making or changing travel plans as airlines navigate staffing shortages, computer reservation glitches, and other headaches such as "random" pat-downs in the security lines. And how many times have you been there? I know. Once is enough.

?Why Focus on the Water?

That’s why I thought a reminder of simple pleasures like the blessing of water in our lives would be timely. Whether it's a vacation, a staycation, or a hybrid— time off often allows us to visit large bodies of water to cool off and feel the reassurance of a summer breeze.

Even if it rains during your vacation, look around you and, instead of feeling disappointed, notice how the color of the leaves glows a vibrant green against the gray sky. And when the sun returns, the water gleams as it sits like oval beads on the thick foliage.?

?The Subject of Water Flows Deep into the Psyche

You can enrich your life just by looking at the blessing of water in different ways. It’s holistic thinking at its most refreshing.

?Different Ways of Viewing It

I remember going to a powwow in Colorado and meeting a friendly Lakota native. She talked to me about her concept of water in the world. The way she described it was that her people believed that the Earth was their mother and that the water represented her blood. That's why it was considered sacred.?

She shared this with me as we gazed at a small lake sipping lemonade, and I remember the sun shimmering upon the water as she spoke. I then told her that in my faith, Jesus, whom Christians like me worship as our Savior, was often called the Living Water.

?Water Is a Vital Part of Us

I thought about how many ways this liquid, which is so essential and such a large part of who we are as human beings, brings beauty to our lives. And how much of the human body is water? This is a typical range: you are 45-75% water or an average of 60%, a number affected by your body’s age, gender, and natural water levels.

We Look at It, and It Enhances Our Looks

I remember enjoying lunch at a restaurant with a friend of mine. I noticed that her skin, which was a deep ebony hue, was dewy and smooth with no visible pores, and I complimented her on her complexion.

But did she start spouting cosmetic tips? Nope. She thanked me and revealed that her beauty secret was water. That’s right. All she did was drink the recommended daily intake of 8-10 glasses. I was surprised to hear that without that discipline, her skin tended to break out.

Nature’s Visual Treat

And as for the beauty water gives us in nature, this is where focusing on awareness of your surroundings really pays off. When I get the rare opportunity to enjoy it on a summer day, I love seeing the waves build against the backdrop of a blue sky before settling down and spreading out to form a hissing white foam on the sand.

A Variety of Sights

Of course, it's not just the ocean that pleases us. Some waterfalls are gorgeous because they catch the light of the sun as they stream downward, and they look like they are dripping gold or silver tinsel.?

I love it, too, when I watch films that showcase the astronauts’ view of the immense amount of water that covers nearly three-quarters (71%) of our planet. We inhabit a uniquely beautiful place in the solar system.

The Sounds of Health

Water is such a marvel that the sound of it can help heal you. One of the best holistic practices I recommend is that if your location is too far away for you to hear water tapping or flowing, get one of those apps, videos, or CDs with sounds that are recorded in natural surroundings so they can either relax you or lull you to sleep.?

?Drinking Water Tips

It should give your spirit a lift, too, when you realize what a privilege it is to drink water from a clean and reliable source that nourishes your body and maintains your health.?

• Try using a filter on your tap at home. It allows you to stop buying plastic bottles, which is critical for the environment.
• If you swim in a pool, take care to avoid swallowing the water. The amount of chlorine it contains can be toxic.
• If you’re really thirsty, choose water over a beer or other alcoholic drink. Alcohol dehydrates you.
• Even if a stream or creek looks clear enough to drink water from, heed warning signs posted by local officials.
• Enhancing the flavor of water can help you stay on track with your hydration schedule. To keep it from tasting monotonous, add squeezes of lemon or lime or sprigs of dill or rosemary for a little extra flavor and vitamin C.
• Most people know that a proper amount of water, which is usually eight to 10 glasses a day unless your doctor provides alternate instructions, not only enhances your health but it boosts your metabolic rate for better weight control.
• Never chug large amounts of water at one time. You can actually intoxicate yourself with it and cause headaches, serious harm, or even death.?

Summary

When you look at the difference water makes in your life, no wonder you never take your untainted, reliable source of drinking water for granted, let alone stunning views of the world’s oceans, seas, rivers, or streams.?

And after you thank your Creator for what water does for your physical and mental health, relax and immerse yourself in your enjoyment of it.

#water #healthandwellness #hydration #healing #oceans