Water is the element of fluidity and flow – the healing, purifying and nurturing element that connects us to the Source of Life. 

This essential element makes up 70% of our bodies by volume, similar to Mother Earth’s body. Our planet is extremely unique because of the presence of water. Life on our planet came from the waters of the ocean just like human life starts in the waters of the womb. 

Soothing, nurturing, purifying and hydrating, water relaxes and replenishes us. It keeps our skin moist, supple and flexible. It provides our bodies with electrolyte balance, transporting vitamins and minerals. Water keeps the immune system strong and healthy by purifying the lymph. The lymphatic system is a great waterway in the body, a river with many tributaries, that needs stimulation like exercise, dry brushing or massage in order to flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body. Purifying the water element is essential to a healthy body and overall immunity. 

Our ancestors were intimately connected to sourcing water and thus, likely interacting with it. The growth of all human civilizations has depended on access to water. Historically humans have built their villages and arranged their lives around a water source, such as a river. Many of the most basic tasks that sustain human life both past and present involves water, such as growing food, cooking, washing the body, washing clothes, sanitation, hydration. Water made it possible for cultures to trade goods, to explore and invade foreign lands. Water is a neutral medium that will transport whatever enters it, regardless of nature. She is like a great mother, unconditionally holding us and offering the possibility of Life.  

Throughout history, water has held a place in our ceremonies and celebrations, religions and rituals. It been used for anointing and making things holy, making offerings, blessings and prayers. Its reflective qualities upon a smooth lake offer us a mirror. When bathing in the warm waters of a bath or hot springs, water offers soothing comfort and an opportunity to release stress and tension. Bathing can also be a practice of entering the deep emotional waters within and thus receiving support through self-care.

Water holds the vibration of our thoughts and feelings, carrying the imprints of our minds throughout our cellular structure. When we cry, we release stress hormones that carry emotional energy, freeing us up to be present. 

In Ayurveda, the water element (apas) is related to taste, the tongue and the organs of the reproductive system. It makes up rasa dhatu, or the plasma part of our blood and is considered to be the juice of life. Contained in water are our six tastes – sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent – each holding a combination of elements. Water makes up the sweet and salty tastes. 

The qualities of water are cold, heavy, fluid, stable, smooth, dense, soft and cloudy.

Water is connected to the releasing times of the day and Life – the setting sun in the West, the waning moon, letting go, surrender, the archetype of the nurturing mother, always caring for her young. 

What waters nurture you?

—How will you care for water this month?—

Eco-Activism Challenge

Give back to water this month by observing and perhaps challenging your usage of this precious element, as well as supporting organizations that care for keeping water clean and safe. The list below is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to share ideas to our Facebook group so that we can grow this list and this work.

1. Reuse Water
   Visit greywateraction.com
   
   Greywater Action educates people about affordable and simple household water systems that dramatically reduce water use and foster sustainable cultures of water. Learn about diverting your water “waste” to water “reuse” and creating a sustainable water culture in your home through presentations, workshops and webinars.
   
   Greywater Action also teaches about rainwater harvesting – utilizing the gift from Mother Nature to water your yard and prevent runoff storm water pollution, as well as other sustainable practices, such as home food production, growing plants that shade buildings and reduce energy consumption and reducing domestic water use.
   
   

2. Use less water
   
   Harvest water in a rain barrel.
   
   Turn off water while brushing teeth.
   
   Keep showers to less than 5 minutes.
   
   Cook a vegetarian or vegan meal. It takes nearly 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef when compared to corn, which takes 108 gallons. Plant foods that are grown with sustainable practices use even less water so purchase food from small-scale organic farms that use sustainability practices when possible.
   
   Run dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
   
   Use old pet water to water plants.
   
   Offer dishwater back to the earth or use it to water houseplants. You can strain it through a large sieve if there are food particles in it. 
   
   Follow, support, donate to the Surfrider Foundation at surfrider.org.
   The Surfrider Foundation is a powerful activist network dedicated to protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people. Find your local chapter, get involved and give your support.
   
   

3. Don’t pollute the water
   
   Waters everywhere are threatened by the widespread use of pesticides, herbicides, beauty products, plastics, diapers, trash, toxic chemicals and oil. 
   
   Reduce plastic - Use glass, reusable containers or compostable products to keep plastics and Styrofoam out of the oceans. Try wooden or cloth toys instead of plastic ones.
   
   Do not pour fat, oil or grease down the sink – save it in a container and discard with solid waste.
   
   Find a center that will dispose of hazardous wastes, cleaning products, motor oil, paint and medications rather than throwing them down the drain.
   
   Install a water efficient toilet, or place a brick or half gallon container in the toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
   
   Compost food scraps rather than using the garbage disposal – keep solid waste solid and avoid introducing it into the waterways.
   
   Use a minimum amount of detergent when washing clothes or dishes. Use only phosphate-free soaps and detergents; try an enzyme or hydrogen peroxide or oxygen- based brightener instead of bleach.
   
   Avoid pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, which end up polluting the rivers. Support organic farmers, explore permaculture and sustainable farming when gardening, use natural products in the home garden and yard.
   
   

4. Vote for clean water
   
   Visit cleanwateraction.org!
   Clean water action is an environmental advocacy group that focuses on gaining support for political issues and candidates. 

   Watch the movie Seaspiracy to educate yourself on the harmful realities of current fishing practices.

~How will you honor and protect water this month?~