"Let me be like water" has echoed through my being over the last two weeks.
Like a silent mantra that is felt more than heard.
I felt it as I lay in my bath, preparing for a surgery that would take place in my womb space.
I felt it as I was wheeled into the operating room.
I felt it as strangers undressed and washed me.
I now hear it as I process recent life experiences.
Water flows with a mesmerizing rhythm, An unstoppable force, both adaptable and formidable.
This ancient being is vital to life's embrace. Water weaves its way through cultures, connecting mind, body, and soul. Seen as the bearer of wisdom and peace. A symbol of purity, clarity, and creativity.
Life's sustainer and harbinger of tranquility, a sacred vessel, echoing the womb space.
In Ayurveda, water is considered one of the five elements that make up the universe and is associated with lunar energy, which is cooling, nourishing and soothing.
In Taoism, water teaches us to be flexible and resilient in our life journey. It flows around obstacles and always finds a way forward.
In Sufism, water is a metaphor for the love and mercy of God. Many Sufi poets, use water imagery to describe their longing and union with the Beloved.
In Buddhism, water represents clarity, calmness and purity. It helps Buddhists cultivate mindfulness and compassion.
In Animism, water is seen as a living and sacred force that sustains all life. Indigenous people respect and protect water as a precious gift from nature.
In Hinduism, water is a sacred element that represents the feminine energy, the creative power of the universe. Water is also the source of life and purification, and many Hindu rituals involve bathing in rivers.
In Wicca, water is one of the four classical elements that correspond to the four cardinal directions, the four seasons, and the four aspects of the self. Water is related to the West, autumn, and emotions. Water is also the element of the Goddess, the feminine principle of divinity, who is manifested in the moon, the sea, and the womb.
The element of water envelops so much of our earthly reality. Water covers about 70% of the Earth's surface and approximately 60% of the human body. Surely this essential part of life is precious enough to make you stop and give thanks. This realization dawns upon me as a newfound understanding, sparked by the preparation and experience of an invasive surgery. This process awoke an ancient longing to honor the essential elements of life that sustain me. I found myself being drawn to the ocean, to long bathes and intuitive prayers over my drinking water.
Throughout history, cultures worldwide have recognized what I now perceive as the significance of becoming more like water. They have woven rituals and ceremonies into their lives, carving out moments to pay homage to this ancient essence to encourage themselves to embody the qualities of water in every day life. Furthermore, modern-day research delves deeper into the mystical properties of water too. Research has revealed its responsiveness to external influences showing that water can alter its structure based on the vibrations it encounters. Remarkably, experiments involving the spoken word have demonstrated shifts in water's molecular arrangement when exposed to expressions of hate compared to those of love, highlighting the profound impact of intention and energy on this elemental force.
Ancient water ceremonies that still take place today:
Banyu Pinaruh: A ceremony in Bali that celebrates the sacred waters of knowledge. People bathe in rivers, lakes or the sea to rejuvenate their mind, body and soul.
Onsen: In Japan, Onsen is a tradition of soaking in natural hot springs, rich in minerals and health benefits.
Baptism: In Christianity this is a ceremony where holy water is used to welcome someone into the Christian church. It symbolizes the washing away of sins and the rebirth in Christ.
Chaul Chnam Thmey: A three-day festival in Cambodia marks the Khmer new year and the end of the harvesting season. which includes the tradition of dousing each other with water as a blessing. Buddhists also cleanse Buddha statues and elders with perfumed water during this festival.
Osun-Osogbo: The Osun-Osogbo festival in Nigeria , dedicated to the goddess of fertility, Osun involves cleansing and offering prayers at the river, believed to be the goddess's dwelling place.
Songkran: The Thai New Year, Songkran is famous for its water festival. People engage in water fights, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck, while also bringing blessings for the upcoming year. The festivities often include the pouring of scented water on Buddha images for purification.
Wudu: In Islam, the act of wudu involves a specific ritual of washing different parts of the body before prayers. This purification process includes washing the hands, face, arms, head, and feet, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and readiness for prayer.
Home Water Blessing Ritual: Nurturing Serenity and Renewal
This is a simple water ceremony that you can do at home. It will allow you to ignite a connection with the element of water. The below is merely a suggestion and can be adapted to your own liking.
Materials Needed:
1. A bowl filled with clean water
2. A small candle
3. Fresh flowers or herbs
4. A piece of paper and pen
5. A quiet space for reflection
Preparation:
- Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed.
- Place the bowl in the center, filled with water.
Setting Intentions:
- Light the candle and take a moment to center yourself. Focus on your breath and clear your mind.
- Think about the intentions you wish to infuse into the water, such as healing, tranquility, or renewal. Write these intentions on the piece of paper.
Symbolic Offerings:
- Place the paper with your intentions beside the water.
- Gently float fresh flowers or herbs in the water, symbolizing the beauty and purity you wish to invite into your life.
Reflection:
- Take a few moments to reflect on the significance of water in your life. Consider its adaptability, cleansing properties, and life-giving nature.
- Express gratitude for the water you have access to and its role in your daily existence.
Blessing the Water:
- With sincerity, utter words of blessing over the water. You can say something like, "May this water be a source of peace, healing, and renewal. May its energy bring positivity and serenity into my home."
Visualization:
- Close your eyes and visualize the water being infused with the intentions and blessings. Imagine its energy radiating throughout your space.
Closing:
- Snuff out the candle, symbolizing the completion of the ritual.
- Pour the blessed water into a potted plant or garden, returning it to the Earth with gratitude.
This water ceremony is a gentle and meaningful way to incorporate the sacred qualities of water into your life, promoting a sense of calm and renewal in your personal space.
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