Ever since I was a child, I've had a thing for water. I love the ocean, love to be in water, love to swim. I'm a scuba diver, and have a deep abiding love for marine life, especially sharks.
About a decade ago I became a Taoist, and realized that my connection with water was also a spiritual one.
Alan Watts has said that we are a function of the whole universe in much the same way as any one wave is a function of the whole ocean.
The Tao te Ching has much to say on this too.
8
The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.
I feel all these lessons so deeply. Water is yielding, yet at the same time, the most powerful thing on the planet. It carves valleys, grants life, changes the shape of things.
I am grateful for water's example, guidance, and gifts to me, each moment of each day.