We live in a hectic world with busy lives, and sometimes we need to calm our minds and souls from the constant barrage of noise and distractions that threaten our peace.
What soothes my soul and calms my mind?
Water. Water soothes my soul and brings me peace.
The power and majesty of ocean waves. The calm of a still lake surface. The fascinating trickle of a babbling river as it cascades over rocks. Watching the waves can be mesmerizing and relaxing. Wonderful water memories also bring me peace and joy.
As a little girl, I grew up going to my grandfather's cottage and swimming in the lake was a thrill and a joy. My brothers and I could spend all day splashing in the cool water, playing on the sandy beach, with the beautiful sunny heat of the day to warm us when we came out and threw our towels onto the grass to dry ourselves off.
Our blue lips and shivering bodies embraced the heat as we rested in the sun, stretched out on our towels and listened to music on our radios. Once we were dry and hot, we would run laughing into the water, plunging ourselves into its fresh coolness again.
As an adult, I’ve travelled to many beautiful places. I have seen the wonder, beauty, and majesty of many types of water.
I love to stand with my feet bare in the northern rivers, bracing myself against the ice and snow as the current pulls past me to tumble over rocks and branches as it travels from mountain ice caps towards the sea.
Or perch on a sandy shore, my toes wiggling in the wet sand as the pounding, foamy waves crash into my legs and the salty water sprays onto my body.
Or quietly rest on a hot sunny beach with the sound of waves rolling in a steady rhythm onto the shore and feeling the salty brine on my lips.
Or peacefully sailing on the calm water of a lake as the sun sets over the surrounding land with the quiet sound of water birds circling overhead in the breeze.
Swimming, fully immersed, with the sounds of the world muffled in my ears, the cool water encasing me as I glide through the water like a fish before finally coming up for air.
For many years I had the benefit of living across the road from a large lake. Every season holds the awe and mystery of that great body of water. Warm enough in summer to swim in and frozen deep in the winter to skate on.
Nothing could calm my mind and spirit more than sitting on the large boulders by the banks of the lake, watching the waves repeatedly lap at the shore.
Now I live in western Canada, known for its flat farmland. But even in the prairies, there are many fantastic freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, including several saltwater lakes, a phenomenon created by receding glaciers after the last ice age.
I love water.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23: 1-3a (NIV)
What soothes your soul and brings you peace?
