I long for the water's edge
A love letter to bodies of water
I feel myself soften when I’m by a body of water, the grip of life loosening by the waves.
I’m not a strong swimmer; however, I still feel a pull in my soul towards the ripples, a need to dip my feet in the freshness. To feel renewed.
Being by a lake, or by the sea, my thoughts become free.
I’m also someone who dislikes wet sand everywhere, and I have a slight fear of not knowing what is underneath me in the water, of not being able to touch the bottom. Or even when I can feel the bottom and something wraps around my feet *cue sheer panic*. Yet even with all of that, I still find myself being lured in. The sea is a siren herself.
On my recent trip to Tuscany, there was an opportunity to go wild swimming in a nearby waterfall — and I knew I had to go.
The water was so clear, so magical, turquoise ripples peeking through the gaps in the trees. It almost felt sacred somehow. A hidden gem, nestled amongst the Elsa Trail.
Being early May meant the water was rather cool, and after a steady descent from the banks, navigating fallen tree stumps, and trying to catch my breath, I soon found myself treading the water and settling into a rhythm.
My mind began to clear, thoughts drifting off to a serene place as I took in the beauty of my surroundings. Light chatter and laughter shared amongst new friends in the most incredible backdrop of nature — a memory I will cherish.
Whenever I’m by a body of water, I always wonder how long it might be until I get to witness the ripples again, the sound of the water lapping against the shore. Being right in the middle of England, I don’t exactly live near a large body of water. So when I feel the need pulling at me, gnawing underneath my skin, I’ll wander the trails by our house and around the nearby pond.
The pond water is far from the luxurious azure tones of the Diborrato Waterfall ( I certainly won’t be taking a dip anytime soon), and yet I still feel a sense of calm wash over me.
I recently came across a theory called Blue Mind, by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, about how being in the presence of water can make you happier and more connected to life. I instantly added Nichols’ book to my TBR list.
Being in a Blue Mind state is said to have a whole host of benefits on wellbeing, including enhanced creativity, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and prolonged feelings of contentment.
Since returning from the retreat, I have been making a list of ways in which I can still reach the feelings I felt whilst I was there, and how I can incorporate ‘retreat life’ into my daily life. And being in a Blue Mind state, like I was at Diborrato waterfall, has certainly made it onto the list.
One day, I hope to live by a body of water in some form… maybe even only for a short space of time, who knows. But for now, I will keep allowing myself to be lured in by the calm, clear blue ripples.
Let me know if you have any novel recommendations with this kind of vibe!
Want to read more about my recent retreat and solo travels?
Read my long-awaited collab post with Departure:
Have you read Ebb & Flow by Easkey Britton? I think you would like it. I also recommend She of the Sea by Lucy H. Pearce.
I can so relate to that feeling of calm when I’m near or in the water. I too have a lifelong dream of either living by a lake of the ocean. 💙