Water Element and Spirituality

 

Photo Credit: Gaia

Water Element and Spirituality

Life begins in water. Our first nine months are spent in our mother’s womb surrounded by warm fluid. Water is a representation of wisdom, peace, and purity. The spiritual meaning of water lies in its reflection of the human spirit and the interconnection of all creations.

We are all well aware of the necessity of water. From keeping us alive to quenching our thirst, to washing the dirt from our bodies and our food, not to mention its role in producing that food, our survival depends on water. But what does such a valuable life force mean spiritually?

As a symbol of life, water represents divine generosity. Indeed, it’s a personification of healing and suffering, protection and vulnerability, change and constancy, stillness and rage. Water in all its glory is considered a purifier of the soul.

Water is the basis of purification in multiple religions, and many cultures use water as a sacred practice to heal internal turmoil. For instance, Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the river Ganga to purify the soul. Likewise, other cultures use water to cleanse the spirit and eliminate impurities from the soul.

The spiritual meaning of water is evident in its form and sound. Like the crashing ocean waves, the serene river, the roaring waterfall, and the drizzling rain. It’s all something to marvel at and use as a basis for meditation practices.

Swamiji in his discourses tells us to become like water, it is transparent and pure, it is formless and shapeless, it is flexible. When we put water in a cup, it becomes the cup, in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. Water can flow or water can crash – we should aspire to become like water.

All of us have an affinity at least two elements, if not more, and this is also said to be influenced by our sun signs. I have a definite affinity to earth, air and water. Those who are influenced by the water element live in the realm of emotions. Their world is focused on feelings, intuition, and family. They also often feel a close connection to animals.

What we perceive the water to be is what we want to instil in our hearts. Try meditating on the source of water. Take a deep breath in and out and bring your awareness to the sound or form of the water. Then visualize the water and its features. Accordingly, form a connection with the water and your true self. This leads to a sense of clarity and peace of mind.

70% of the earth comprises of water and so does our body. When we meditate, we purify the water element within us. In essence, water is the life force that centres our spirit and our body, signifying wisdom and conscious awareness. Take time to ponder the spiritual meaning of water and celebrate its gifts on earth.