Water Wisdom: Purpose is Power

A global pandemic, job loss, raging wildfires, record-breaking heat and drought, and a slew of other equally daunting challenges is exacerbating what already seemed to be a growing sense of disconnect—from ourselves, each other, and the natural world—gnawing at the fabric of society. We seem to be adrift in a crisis of purpose.

And, in looking for answers, many of us don’t know where to turn nor whom to trust. Yet, the rhythm of the planet—and the rivers, the sea, the waters—continues to offer guidance.

As water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, we, too, can and must adapt to our circumstances. At the same time, adaptation to challenging circumstances need not imply accedence. The fracturing of so many of our systems is a long time coming. In so many ways, we have collectively ceded our voices, our passions, our integrity to follow paths and systems and structures that offer convenience, a way to “fit in” (rather than “belong”), and that require less creativity, vulnerability, and courage from us.

Yet, as Paulo Coelho so beautifully wrote,

“The waters of a river adapt themselves to whatever route proves possible, but never forgets its one objective: the sea. So fragile at its source, it gradually gathers the strength of the other rivers it encounters. And, after a certain point, its power is absolute.”

Purpose and meaning go beyond your job, responsibilities, and goals. They are about what makes you feel most alive. Psychology shows us that finding purpose and meaning helps us feel a part of something and simultaneously, less self-absorbed, enables us to enter a state of flow—where we are completely involved in an activity for its own sake and our egos fall away, and leads to greater caring, integrity, and personal growth.

Now is a good time to explore questions of what makes you happy, what activities bring you the most joy, when, where and how you feel most fulfilled. Today is the day to begin excavating your truths, reclaiming your soul purpose, and trusting yourself—and then, acting on this wisdom. And, in doing so, you will be weaving your threads to rebuild the kind of connection we all so desperately need.