Now that you’ve gotten to know your bird and animal neighbours, let’s return to the water. A few weeks ago I asked you to get to know your watershed - where the water flows in your place - and to “walk the creek.” This week, we’ll practice being still by water.
I’m lucky to live within walking distance of Lake Ontario and I visit there almost every day. I’ve been photographing the lake for ten years now and have witnessed its many manifestations. My relationship with this body of water has most definitely deepened and this gives me a greater sense of responsibility towards keeping it healthy.
Blue Mind
I love being near or in any kind of water. It makes me feel happy, calm, and connected, what Wallace J Nichols calls “blue mind,” in his book of the same name. Water can make us feel awe and wonder, calm and peace. There is a sense of resonance we feel with the sound and flow of water.
“Blue Mind is a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment. It is inspired by water and elements associated with water, from the color blue to the words we use to describe the sensations associated with immersion.” ~ Wallace J Nichols, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do
I’ve been away the last couple of weeks, on my way home now. A lot has gone on in the world during this time to up the anxiety levels. Luckily, I’ve had lots of ocean watching and beach-walking time to help me process. Blue mind helps and I hope it does for you too.
Practice
If you’re able to, sit for at least 15 minutes by a creek, stream, pond, river, lake, or ocean to look and listen and experience blue mind. How does it make you feel?
There is an organization called Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, which is devoted to protecting the lake. They started a project called My Watermark, where people can write or share a video about a body of water that is special to them, their watermark. Is there a river, creek, or stream in your life with which you’ve had a special relationship, whether in your place or not? How does it make you feel? When have you experienced “blue mind”?
The edge of a body of water is called a riparian buffer. The plants growing on the edge need the water to grow but they also contribute to the water quality. They slow the flow of water over the land and provide habitat for other creatures and serve as filters for chemicals, pesticides, and bacteria. What do you see along the edge as you sit? Is there evidence of animals or insects? What’s floating in the water? What does it sound like? Touch the water.
Draw, write or photograph about this experience. Share in the comments or on Instagram (add the hashtag #seeingyourplace2022).
Resources
Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols
Loving Lake Ontario - my photo project