My Happy (and Healthy) Place

Some days, for no apparent reason I wake up and feel utterly depleted. My body aches, my heart races, and my mind just won't stand still no matter how hard I try. Employing mind-body connections can help from time to time, either deep breathing exercises or yoga can do the trick. Then there are days when heavy artillery is needed, and I find myself compelled to commit my body to the ocean. The moment I get to the beach, I'm instantly changed. Walking barefoot across the hot sand, feeling the Earth bend herself under my feet reminds me of the impact she and I have on each other. Just as the weight of my body leaves an imprint on the shore, so too does the world mark and change me. When she's chaotic, I feel myself toss and turn like her waves. When she's calm, I'm a tranquil sea. I find that when I'm sick, sad, overstimulated, grief-stricken, and lost, plunging into the water helps to extinguish that anxious flame.

Is it because I'm a fire sign that I feel so drawn to the water when things get turbulent? Is it because I grew up in a landlocked place and feel the need to make up for lost time? Did my Irish ancestors hide the truth about being part Selkie? I may never know for sure, but one thing is for certain and that is the water heals me. 

Being on the road for long stretches at a time can wear me down, physically and mentally. When I get home I immediately drink some emergen-c and hop in the water. If I'm having a cold, especially if it affects my sinuses, I will jump in and force a little saltwater up my nose. When my cycle starts and I'm experiencing cramping and pain, the ocean gives me support and relieves the stress and gravity on my body. When society feels heavy, the water is there to lift me and make me feel light. 

Saltwater has been used for healing for a very long time. I'm not discovering anything that hasn't already been touted by healers and medicine women and indigenous peoples since the beginning of time. The benefits of saltwater were recognized early on in human history and used to relieve pain and cure things like oral infections, sore throats, sinus infections, wound healing, oral ulcers, canker sores, ingrown toenails, skin conditions like eczema, heartburn, aching muscles, etc. I mean, think of all of the medicines we use today that are salt-based. We use Epsom salts in baths when our bodies are in pain. When we are suffering indigestion, we use Alka-seltzer or baking soda to relieve the pain. Hell, saline solution is saltwater and that's used in nearly all medical procedures! Puerto Rico is one of the major producers of saline in the world, which is why when Maria hit the world was experiencing saline and prescription-drug shortages. 

Clearly, we need saltwater. We need clean water. So, as always, please remember to do your part in protecting our waterways and demanding immediate intervention from your local elected officials to ensure the protection of our greatest resource.