Musing on the wonder of water

Close-up of water droplets on delicate green leaves

As the soft rain cloud settles in the valley, we are surrounded by water. Its presence on all sides. Yet what holds these droplets in place? As I wonder about these jewels on display, I realise we may have more in common. We think our contribution is a result of our doing. Our effort in … Read more

What is the shape of water?

close up of waters edge

The little ’beach’ by the bridge morphs every time the water level changes. Yesterday morning, we were post-deluge and waiting for the next, with the arrival of Storm Agnes. Yet here, we have delicate tracings in the sand and ripples in the water that frame the fine deposits.  Moving gently, caressing the edge, reminding me … Read more

What are you listening to?

dry and dusty woodland floor

Do you ever listen to your footsteps? Or are you more conscious of where you are going or how late you are? I haven’t been up in the woods for a while, and the lack of water is evident. There’s a soft crunching sound. And my feet sink slightly deeper into the surface. It feels … Read more

I am water, where shall I flow?

I-am-water-where-shall-I-flow

I am water, where shall I flow? How often do we see a need and hope that someone else will step in? Someone else will speak up, seeing the issues as clearly as we do. Maybe instead, we could cultivate being water. Flowing to the place where we can make the most difference. Doing what … Read more

And where does the water flow?

and-where-does-the-water-flow

Over the summer, I worked with the idea of beautiful questions. As I developed one of my own, eventually it distilled as ‘I am water, where shall I flow?’ But what kind of question is that? Yes, it can feel rather esoteric, yet it has become a powerful metaphor for me – a kind of … Read more

The flow of water and life

the-flow-of-water-and-life

Like water, life isn’t scalable. At least not in taking a unit and multiplying through mechanical means. Or in recreating it elsewhere, without using up what we have here, in this place. Once water is used, we have to wait until it returns naturally. Maybe in another form, or another place, because this is a … Read more

What to do when it’s dry, really dry

what-to-do-when-it's-dry-really-dry

When water levels are this low, a heavy downpour isn’t the answer. The ground is too thirsty. And it will lead to damaging floods. So why do we think there’s a simple tap-turn to make good our exhausted dryness? Instead, let’s search for sources of gentle rain to refill our drained souls. And then share … Read more

Fluent unfolding

fluent-unfolding

FLUENT I would love to live Like a river flows Carried by the surprise Of its own unfolding + John O’Donohue, from Conamara Blues, Bantam Press 2001