Lessons from Water

"Put your hand in the water outside and write about what it says to your skin."

Lessons from La rivière de la Petite Nation

Water was your first home, your first protection from the grey of the world, and it will always bring you comfort. Immerse yourself in lakes (or even baths) whenever possible, and have faith that the water within you will carry you wherever you need to be.

Although water shifts from liquid to mist, to ice, and back again, it never ceases to remember what it is; it merely changes form for a time. You'll go through many transitions in life, but they'll all be temporary—water is ever in motion, as are you.

Be aware of the fact that you will change constantly, as a river is changed every time it picks up a stray twig, but your true nature will always be apparent.

Sometimes your journey will be languid and smooth, other times it may be an utter maelstrom that will lash and bite. Storms pass and smooth rides get bumpy, so enjoy the moment while it's happening, but don't shy away from change.

You must know when to yield, and when to form an icy, protective shell. There is no instruction manual to let you know when to do which, so you'll have to sort that out for yourself.

Keep in mind that water can be gentle enough to soothe a baby's skin, and strong enough to break every bone in a body. It has the potential to be a bringer of life as well as death—most life forms will die without it, but too much of it can kill.

Above all, remember that every water molecule in your body has been part of countless beings before you, and that the water inside your body right now is temporary and transient; it will be passed along shortly to become part of another for a little while. Let that be a reminder of how important it is to be a steward and protector of waterways, as they connect all life on the planet.