A Need for Water

Water, an elemental force that captivates and entices me. The haunting melody of Landlocked Blues invokes an irresistible urge to escape my confines and immerse myself in the boundless embrace of the sea, making me wonder if I could live there forever. Living in Colorado, where the majestic mountains bask in the sun's proximity, I find myself drawn to their peaks. As I stand upon their lofty vantage of 14,000 feet, I can't help but gaze upon the sprawling rivers, winding roads, and mountains that tower over us relentlessly, one peak behind another. The proximity to nature's grandeur prompts profound reflections on the significance of elemental forces like water. It is within these moments of contemplation that I realize how water, in all its forms, captures my imagination and feeds my soul.

Amidst these wonders, an insatiable desire lingers, drawing me to Boulder Creek as it rushes down from the mountains, its torrential flow amplified after every rainfall. At times, it diminishes to a mere trickle when the rains withhold their blessing. I yearn to swim in its waters, feeling the embrace of nature's currents against my skin. However, the creek bears the burden of pollution—plastic bags, discarded shoes, remnants of lives lived along its borders, tires, and the city's spray-painted marks that define their territory. I’ve even witnessed someone shaving her legs in its once-pure waters serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of human neglect, intensifying my resistance to such actions and strengthening my longing for the pristine beauty of water.

In this essay, I shall explore the essence of water, its allure, and its significance in our lives. From the serenity of still lakes and ponds to the untamed force of raging rivers and vast oceans, water's captivating duality beckons us with both grace and power. Join me on this journey as we delve into the soul of water and uncover the deep connection we share with this life-giving element.

In Colorado, preserving natural ecosystems is critical, as without our water, the region could easily become a dead zone. Our water sources are fragile, and the careless way in which humans trash them only exacerbates their scarcity. How can people deface such beauty and neglect their responsibility to protect it? It's not just about having water nearby; it's about the ability to touch it, to feel it, and to experience its cleansing embrace, if it allows us to do so. Recently, I embarked on a two-hour drive in search of a nearby and free campsite by a body of water, but my efforts were in vain. Most of these sites are currently closed to the public, likely due to the impacts of human traffic and pollution. While paid campsites near lakes do exist, one cannot help but wonder if the divide between accessibility and preservation comes down to mere money and the lack of consideration for our natural treasures and shared civility. Of course, one can dip in the creek along the roadsides that wind and twist through the mountains, but the creeks in the mountains hold a power greater than that of a mere heart—they can halt life's rhythm within ten minutes. My heart races at the thought, and my lips turn blue with trepidation.

Bounded by my deep contemplation about water's significance and conservation, a poignant personal experience further reinforced its importance in my life. During a phase of complete atheism, I found myself yearning for water so intensely that I began to pray for it. I craved the sensation of its smooth embrace against my skin and its forceful resistance as I swam forward. Then, unexpectedly, an opportunity arose when my cousin called and invited me on a trip to Lyons. We embarked on the journey, loaded in her '92 stick shift Subaru Impreza, accompanied by my now not-so-baby cousin, around the age of six. The summer heat without air conditioning was tolerable, as the picturesque mountains and the wind rushing through the windows kept me in a poetic daydream. In that car, I continued to pray for water, unknowing of the unforgettable experience awaiting me at Lyons Creek.

Upon reaching our destination, I lost sight of my surroundings as my vision was drawn to the flowing water, unsure if I would be able to swim in it. The sun beat down, and we struggled to catch our breath. As I passed through the veil of penetrating heat, the creek was before me. Despite my initial hesitation, I met it with complete gratitude. The temperature of the creek was mild. I immediately fell into its gentle currents, which were just enough to send me downstream. If I hadn't been circling my arms and floating on my back. I let it pass over my face as I held my breath and swam against its helpful thrust. I couldn't get enough of it, but I knew I would have to, as I couldn’t stay there forever. At that moment, I realized that an honorable person respects water and doesn’t take advantage of it’s giving nature–a good person is who I wanted to be.

My affinity for water is sometimes met with fear, as depending on what form it takes, its generosity can turn on a dime into menacing turbulence. Embark on this emotional rollercoaster with me as we venture to the immeasurably beautiful land of Cabo San Lucas, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean blend into each other at one exact point. The Sierra de Laguna Mountains trickle down, saving their tail end for the tourist destination. Between the ocean and mountains, the sight is breathtaking. If we traverse the roads inside the city, we will arrive at a beach where you can not only swim but also recline on beach chairs and enjoy a margarita.

Let’s move away from the hustle and bustle, the loud noises, the drunk people, and the trash. My friend, who is a local there, pointed me in the direction of a more private beach where we had to hike up a small cliff and return to the other side. The desolation of the beach calms the nervous system, allowing for meditation through breath. I watched the waves roll in, inhaled the fresh scent of salt, and listened as the waves crashed. My instinct was to run and jump into it, but my friend held out her arm in front of me.

“They call this Lovers Beach,” she proceeded to say.

“It’s beautiful,” I responded.

“Yes, but it has a story. A long time ago, two lovers coincided on this beach. They held each other's hearts in their palms. Nothing could get in between their love. As they walked in joy along the beach, they came too close to its tide, and the current swallowed them. Because no one was around, no one could hear their cries,” she said.

I stared into the distance at the ocean, feeling a sense of betrayal by mother nature. I thought for a moment that my wish could come true with just a couple of steps so that I could become a part of the sea. In an instant, I pleaded with Havayah for I wasn’t ready. This is what water can do to me. When once, I believed in nothing, I found myself on my knees praying for the embrace of water and protection from water. I reflected upon the values that Christianity had instilled in me during my childhood. Since then, I've converted to Judaism, which I find to be much less intimidating. As time passed, I unexpectedly discovered a newfound appreciation and comprehension of the Christian values that began to resonate with me when I contemplated water. After all, who would revere a deity they must fear?

Water demands our respect and awe, for it possesses both serene beauty and formidable power. As we navigate its ever-changing nature, we must acknowledge its potential to shift from a nurturing caress to a turbulent force without warning. The ancient oceans and seas have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, serving as a reminder of our vulnerability in the face of water's might. However, we need not cower in fear; instead, we should recognize that water is a life force that sustains us, deserving our utmost care and reverence.

The essence of water transcends our immediate needs. It serves as our fundamental source of survival, sustaining and nurturing ecosystems, while its benevolence also grants leisure to countless communities. Water's profound impact ripples far beyond mere sustenance. Its abundance nurtures lush forests, sustains wildlife, and connects us to nature in profound ways. We cannot ignore water's pivotal role in our existence, its intrinsic connection to the cycles of life and the Earth's ecosystem. As one of the most powerful entities on Earth, water commands respect, and it is our responsibility to safeguard this precious resource.

After my profound reflections on water's significance and the emotional impact it can have, my stay in Cabo San Lucas continued to unfold with yet another unforgettable beach experience. While there, I had the opportunity to meet another friend named Layla, also a local, who introduced me to a different beach. There was no story behind this beach, but the locals frequented it more often than the tourists. I didn’t see signs that said “no swimming,” and my friend didn’t mention an ominous story. The waves were massive in comparison to me, but it didn't stop me. I peered into the distance, hoping to see a whale jumping. The water wasn’t as blue as I imagined; there was too much sand turning it; the ocean was beautiful in any color and shape.

I darted toward the waves before stopping in my tracks, aware that I had to tiptoe and approach with caution. I put in one foot at a time, feeling the sand seep through my toes and inadvertently tasting the crisp salt and the fishy, sediment-filled waters. It was magical. I didn’t have much time in my reverie as a big wave came rushing in, faster than I could run. It curled over me and knocked me over; I fell back, fell in, and held on for dear life. The experience felt like a near-death encounter, but in my reckless excitement, I couldn't resist trying again. The second time, the water pulled me in a direction without my control and threw handfuls of sand in my swimsuit, weighing me down. Only my quick reflexes and grip in the shallow water allowed me to push out of the current and run to shore. In the distance, I could hear a whistle blow as I almost got swallowed by another wave before reaching safety. As I sprinted back to the shore, my friend, who had heard the whistles too, stood up and started running towards me, her concern evident in her expression.

That night, I expressed my desire with my friend to go to a more secluded beach where I could swim. In the morning she promptly gathered our friends and loaded the car with instant coffee at 6:00 am. We embarked on a scenic drive through winding roads and mountains, heading north towards the Gulf of California. The early morning filled me with a sense of anticipation, as my friends chatted away in Spanish, leaving me eager to immerse myself fully in their conversations. Amidst the chatter, my friend affectionately held my hand and kissed my cheek, fostering a feeling of belonging. As we approached our destination, the turquoise sea peeked through the mountains, shimmering like a glossy gem. It was a sight straight out of a dream, reminiscent of those internet ads promoting paradise. Our journey took us past vigilant guards, responsible for preserving the main beach, guiding us towards a secluded spot instead. Finally, we arrived at a private beach, nestled away from the crowds. The ocean's color astonished me; a captivating shade I had never encountered before. It was as if the waves had borrowed the sky's most vivid hues. I stood there, captivated, questioning whether I was truly awake or simply caught in a delightful reverie. With childlike exuberance, I ran into the water, embracing it with open arms. Each scoop of water felt like an intimate connection with nature, as the splashes caressed my face. My friends unpacked the car, and Layla playfully signaled for my assistance. Reluctantly, I tore my gaze away from the ocean and ran back to help with the cooler and chairs.

Once we got everything set up, Layla saw how eager I was, and she took my hand again as we walked into the pristine water. 'Let me show you the world,' she said. I looked at her with love and gratitude seeping through my eyes, evoking a melting feeling in my body. The water was shallow and serene; it was so still that you could hear the fish breathing. We sat down, holding hands, forming a two-person circle, and smiled at each other. The sky was pure blue, the air warm, and a crisp breeze brushed against us. Trees lined the edge of the water, offering up shade as we needed. Our friends laughed in the background and giggled at us. 'Watch this,' she said and laid back. I saw her floating there. My mouth agape, I did the same. Though the water was shallow, its strength held me up on my back. I floated there as if some wondrous force embraced me. I let the warmth take me away, allowing the warm sun to close my eyes. In that moment, I knew there was something bigger than me, and without a doubt, it was carrying me away.

As I reflect on all my experiences with water, an underlying desire emerges - a longing for a personal connection with this life-giving element. Yet, I realize that some beautiful bodies of water have been monopolized by a few, leaving many without the chance to truly immerse themselves. Despite this yearning, I now understand that what matters most is gratitude and faith. Gratitude for the existence of these awe-inspiring waters that welcome and embrace us, and faith that water, no matter how wild or untamed, follows its intended course. Each powerful moment spent with this elemental force leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of memories, evoking feelings, emotions, and stirring our senses. Perhaps, to preserve the magic and wonder of water, we must allow it to come to us, cherishing each encounter as a gift of nature's grace.