Water is an element that is strongly symbolic in many different spiritual traditions. In Shinto shrines water is often kept in basins for people to wash their hands and feet before entering the sacred space. Zen Buddhists will pour water at funerals as a reference to the oceans and the symbolism of infinity, and in many Pagan traditions water symbolizes creativity, intuition and purification. In fact, water can be symbolic of many things including dreams, desires, healing, courage, friendship and balance.
No matter which spiritual path you may follow, water is an element that can bring you solace and revitalize your spirit. You can easily heighten your spiritual well being by keeping the energy of water close to you in your everyday life. One common way of connecting with the energy of water is with a purification bath. Simply add sea salt, a sprinkling of herbs or a touch of essential oil to your bath water and spend time in the warm water focusing on purification and rejuvenation. A ritual bath can bring calm and balance into your life and your spirit.
There are also many other simple ways to draw the various helpful energies of water into your life, such as:
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Keep a tabletop fountain on your desk, in your bedroom, a room where you commonly meditate or any room where you'd like to draw on the energy of water
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Keep a birdbath, small pond or fountain in your yard
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Place river stones, sand dollars or seashells in your home or office
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Use colors in your home or office that correspond with water, such as turquoise, aquamarine or deep blue
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Keep water plants such as lotus plants or ferns in your home or office
- Play nature CD's that include the sounds of water such as falling rain, waterfalls or the sound of the ocean
One of the best ways to connect with the element of water is in nature so, whenever you can, visit a stream, lake, pond or seashore. Spend time meditating near the water or just walking near it and visualizing the energy that you wish to draw from it.
A meditation in which you visualize the energies of water can be a good way to heighten your spiritual experience. As you meditate, envision the element of water as a cool spring, a flowing waterfall or a powerful ocean. Feel the energy of water washing over you and bringing you into a place of centered calm and focus. If you are feeling the pain of grief or emotional upheavals,visualize the energy of water washing away your sorrows and leaving you with a sense of peace.
