Water

So what is it about water? This is a question that occupied my mind as I sat staring out the balcony window of a condo on Navarre beach Christmas eve morning. I began thinking that people are attracted to water whether it be an ocean, lake, pond, bay, or any waterway. Getting closer to bodies of water generally means real estate gets more expensive along with food, gas, and other amenities. While being able to live in a reasonable proximity of a body of water is doable for most, being able to live ON the water with a view is often considered by most a box that is difficult to check but still remains on the bucket list.

So why the fuss over water? I began to think about the possible reasons why others may feel the need to seek out the comfort of a view that includes water. Could there be a natural attraction due to the fact that water is essential for all life and a large part of what the human body relies on to function? Is it the sounds generated by perpetual waves crashing into the shore that brings a calm and inner peace in the midst of personal chaos? Can it be as simple as enjoying the aesthetics of the sun glistening off the water like a thousand light bulbs flashing at once? Does it provide the opportunity for activities that reach beyond the norm of things to do on a typical day away from the water? Does the mystery of water and what could exist under its surface lure many to find ways to explore its contents?

It was the lure of water and white sandy beaches that were at the forefront of the reason our family moved from Oklahoma to the panhandle of Florida seven years ago. As we visited the area over several years prior to our move, it became clear that we had developed a longing to be closer to…….yes…….the water. Every condo that we stayed in we would catch ourselves admiring the view of the gulf from our balcony, living room, and sometimes the kitchen. On occasion we were able to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing outside the bedroom door. There was just something about it that brought an inner peace that helped bring about a present moment awareness that provided a distraction from any outside “noise” that may be playing in the background of our life. Being able to sit in a beach chair with your feet in the sand, sun hitting you in the face, listening to the therapeutic rhythm of waves continually churning up sand and a multitude of shells was an experience that was greatly anticipated as we made the annual trek to the Florida panhandle area.

Even after almost seven years of living in the proximity of the gulf, we still look forward to opportunities to see and hear the waves as we marvel at the various gradients of color from shades of green to deep blue. Every year starting in March, there are droves of people that make their pilgrimage to these types areas for reasons that are unique to them but have a common denominator of water.

Water is needed to sustain life but it can also take life, it is powerful yet can be so beautiful. On the surface, water seems so simple but under the surface, it holds many mysteries. Even the great Bruce Lee makes reference to water. The reasons and motives to find your way to a body of water vary greatly from person to person but one thing I think we can all agree on is the simple fact that we are all glad it exists.

So what lures you to the water?? Let me know in the comments.