Water is the communal thread that unites all life. Its current bonds mountain tops to river beds, connects cities upstream with communities along the coast, and transports the external world into our bodies. From our toenails to our hair, water flows through us; protecting organs, delivering essential nutrients to cells, lubricating joints, and cultivating vital energy. Our health and well-being depend on this fundamental element of nature, just like our fellow humans and all pets, gardens, forests, insects, and other life forms do. To truly appreciate how water connects us all, consider the following facts about water:
- Approximately 70% of our planet is covered in water Canada is home to the largest wetland area in the world
- Our bodies are made up of approximately 60-70% water; our lungs are around 90% water Newborn babies have more water in their bodies than adults do
- Most of our food is water: Apples (~85%), Spinach (~91%), Potatoes (~80%), Plain Yogurt (~88%), Egg White (~90%), Tofu (~80-90%)
- Water is vital for the microorganisms that live inside us, as well as for those that live outside us
- Water on the outside of our bodies (i.e. swimming) can support our health just like water inside our bodies does
- Mild dehydration may cause our bodies to release histamine, resulting in symptoms similar to those experienced by allergy sufferers
- Water helps regulate body temperature; this is why it’s important to drink lots of water if you have a fever or when out hiking in hot weather
- A bath can use approximately 70 gallons of water; a five-minute shower uses around 10 to 25 gallons At one drip per second, a leaky faucet can waste up to ~3,000 gallons of water per year
- Water is the only substance on earth that is found naturally in three forms: liquid, solid, and gas Around 10 billion pounds of garbage, mostly plastic, is dumped into the water of our oceans every year
- According to the World Health Organization, “1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water”
Water is universal. It is the miracle upon which all life relies and a portal for connecting us with the external, as well as for deepening a connection within. Have you ever paid attention to how your body feels when you’re hydrated versus dehydrated? Ever paused to consider whether that restless sleep was the result of a lack of water? Or whether that elated mood was caused by drinking enough water? When we take the time to notice what’s happening below our surface, we connect with a deeper sense of ourselves. To strengthen this connection, consider taking some time to truly appreciate what it means to be ‘filled’ with 60-70% water. Or challenge yourself with one or more of the following ideas:
The Water Challenge
- Each time you pour yourself a glass of water, take a few moments to express gratitude for having access to clean drinking water, then truly ‘feel’ water’s benefits as you drink
- Collect excess water when watering indoor plants (or runoff from a de-humidifier) and use this to water outdoor plants
- Limit shower times to five minutes or less
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or soaping your hands
- Visit a body of water and spend a few moments admiring its elegance and power, appreciating its necessity, and reflecting on how water connects us all
- Spend some time considering what it might feel like (or does feel like) to not have access to clean drinking water
- Consider using only eco-friendly, re-usable alternatives (i.e. a glass or stainless-steel water bottle) for water consumption, and avoid purchasing single-use plastic water bottles
- Eliminate coffee, pop, sugary juice, and alcohol for one month (while also increasing water consumption), then notice whether you feel any different
- Monitor your daily water intake to ensure that you’re drinking enough water; a general rule of thumb is to consume, at minimum, half your body weight in fluid ounces
- If you found that you’re not drinking enough water, commit to drinking one more glass every day for a week, then note how you feel
- If drinking enough water is challenging, try infusing your water with natural flavours
- Looking for ideas? Check out superfood expert, Darin Olien’s Minty Citrus Burst or Sage & Strawberry Relaxerwater infusion recipes
- Consider volunteering your time at a beach, stream, pond or wetland cleanup, or organize a cleanup in your community
- Become a water advocate in your community, or share your thoughts on how water connects us all with friends and family
Written By: Zoë Tomichich
