Respect for Water

Because of water, life flourishes. Life evolved in the ancient waters of the planet millions of years ago. Humans mimic this evolutionary journey in the watery-world of the womb over the nine months of gestation. The worlds first civilizations developed along great rivers. Waterways separate land, but have connected us by allowing cultures to travel and to trade across great distances. Water has an ability to hold things, to store and to carry. It is dark, deep, and mysterious. In ecology, we understand that the water of the planet is part of a closed-cycle. Water from land evaporates to form clouds and eventually falls back to earth. There is unity in water. All rivers lead to the sea. It readily transforms between liquid, solid and gas.

In modern times, we have in many ways lost respect for water. It is easy to take it for granted, especially when it comes straight from a tap. Having clean drinking water and hot water at will is not a guarantee, but a luxury. Unfortunately, many people have seen their water sources become contaminated. Less and less water is available as a fresh-water resource for the humans and other beings that need it. Our oceans have seen loss of estuaries and coral bleaching as it warms and acidifies. Sadly, we have polluted, over-fished and filled-in what could be considered sacred and precious waters.

I like to imagine a world where water is valued, not as a commodity or even a precious resource, but as a sovereign elemental being. How would our decisions be impacted, if we respected the water of the world as if it were a part of our family? As if it were ourselves? When we go to the rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans for recreation we can send a prayer for the waters of the world. We can feel appreciation and love in our hearts, as if we are visiting a beloved ancestor, and pray for healing and restoration of our planets sacred waters.