Be Like Water
We’re all just drops in the larger ocean of humanity
Perhaps my new favorite mantra to tell myself, is to “be like water.” One of the most powerful elements that exists: it can move through any obstacle, it’s an essential giver to all living things on the planet. It is both a destroyer and giver. It’s malleable, able to move through seasons and take on new forms. During this season of my life, I aim to be like water.
Life is completely unpredictable, and we know that we know nothing. People come and go. Friendships that were once active, become dormant from time to time. The ebb and flow of connection making itself loud and known. To be like water, means having the ability to move through these phases flowingly. To not be stuck in a dam, but rather, move around the dam. To cleanse the roadblocks with a gentle nature and continue moving forward, swimming downstream. I’m writing symbolically but keep up with me; you know what I’m talking about.
To be like water, means flexibility. No matter which changes come to your door, you’re quick in moving forward and getting on with it. Embracing the newness of each day and allowing yourself to not take things so seriously. Moving with ease despite any difficulty; flexibility can be an incredible strength.
I’ve always had an issue letting go of people, places, things. I’ve had such romantic attachment, that anything leaving my life felt jarring. Maybe it’s because of how committed I am — particularly in relationships. Maybe it’s because I go through transitional injuries when change happens. Whatever it is, it’s hard for me, often surprising me just how much it’s hard. Unironically, when going through these hard times, I listen to ocean waves, and the sound of water, will provide enough therapy in and of itself to calm my nervous system. Further proving its healing properties. Even more unironic, and perhaps even comedic, is that our bodies are made of up to 60% water. Could it be our very biology serving a huge reminder to be like the element itself characteristically? It’s a stretch, I’m aware, but the analogy does me good.
Lately, I’ve been loosening my grip. “The only constant is change,” is an old adage for many reasons. If I can’t depend on anything in life, except life’s own impermeability, then I may as well accept it and make friends with impermanence. Allowing it to absorb deep into my bones and soul; the general and very hard truth: nothing lasts. And since nothing lasts, we’re all here (be it relationships, friendships, homes, careers…life) for a short time, not a long time. If it’s all so temporal, the only thing that would benefit me is being like water. Flexible, flowing, gentle, slipping through each moment with appreciation and alertness. Free.
I’m here, I’m alive. I’m just floating on by. Water teaches us a lot. No doubt about it, being like water inspires me. It’s the ultimate freedom to swim downstream, and allow circumstances, chapters and connections to change. Unphased by it all but knowing that I appreciated everything while it was happening in real time. That’s what matters most — how much I appreciated and loved. How present we all are. The freedom of gliding through life with ease. Crashing, like a waterfall, into the next season, and the next, and the next. How beautiful it is to just let go of the oars. How beautiful it is to be like water, free from attaching so firmly. Malleable enough to change shape when needed. Strong enough to withstand the weather. Cleansing enough to know the wisdom of just letting life — be.
