"Thousands have lived without love, not one without water."
W. H. Auden
Born in Chicago, I grew up by Lake Michigan, having access to water year around. Although I did learn to ice skate on it, its presence was one of a comforting rhythm, a cleansing affect, and connection with nature. Rushing to shore, water presented the strength to repeatedly rise and fall in spite of a current.
With its resilience, water sustains life and can adapt to any container imaginable. It represents clarity and welcomes deeper depths of exploration. Water connects with all things reflecting unity. It symbolizes ability to be both strong and calm. Offering serenity and balance, a sense of refresh and renew lifts the spirit.
Spiritually, water is highly significant to me. It symbolizes emotions, purity and cleansing. It is a constant in cultural and religious traditions. It reflects the power to continuously move forward in spite of any current trying to impede progress. It was always available to me ... no fee or membership, available in all seasons, and present in all stages of my unfolding.
