The Mayans know water is one of the most essential elements in existence, as it is a life-giving substance.
It has been present since the very beginning of our Earth, giving form to the great oceans before the emergence of volcanoes and land. Within itself, it carries the wisdom and the story of our whole existence and creation, and it was a vital part of it. It was present when our creators wanted to make land; it heard the first howls and chatters of the animals entrusted with caring for the Earth, as well as the song of the wonderful Quetzal bird as it welcomed the sun for the first time. It witnessed the first seedlings sprout and watched as they formed their root systems, eventually growing into immense, millinery trees. All this time, it has cared for us, nurtured us, and filled this planet with vivid colors and magnificent sights.
WATER IS ALWAYS AROUND US, IN OUR RIVERS, LAKES, AND OCEANS. ON DAYS WHEN THE SKY IS FILLED WITH BIG GREY CLOUDS, IT CAN EVEN COME AS TORRENTIAL RAIN OR SIMPLY A GENTLE DRIZZLE. IT GIVES SO MUCH TO US, SUCH AN ABUNDANCE, AS IT QUITE LITERALLY IS THE LIFE FORCE OF THIS EARTH.
The Mayans were well aware of this and used the most powerful tool they possessed to relate to it: gratitude and reciprocity. They understood that water cares for us, which is why we must care for it and watch out for one another.
Everyone understands that we cannot survive even a few days without this vital element, yet it is unfortunately not well cared for or revered today as it should be. Our lovely bodies of water, which have been present and have cared for us since our beginnings, encircle us with a loving spirit but have become tainted. They are full of toxins that we aren't even aware of a lot of the time, such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, chemical waste, and so much more. This sacred element, as well as our own health, are now calling for our help.
It is a bit difficult today to find a good source of clean and fresh water that comes directly from nature. However, one of the things that we have to understand is that all water is worthy of love, care, and respect. Whether it comes from one of the most sacred and untouched sites in the world or from the faucet, we still must tend to its well-being. Some might say that it is even more important to care for the waters that are not in an ideal position because it is our duty as human beings to bring its health and vitality back. We must do this while still protecting the sources that have fortunately not been contaminated.
IN OUR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, WE CAN REVIVE THE HEART OF WATER BY SHOWING THAT WE STILL CARE AND THUS SLOWLY SOWING THE SEEDS OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS BEING. LET US RECONNECT WITH THE ANCESTRAL WISDOM OF BEING GRATEFUL BEINGS.
There are many things that we can do to support water, such as speaking words of kindness or singing to it. We can also place it out in nature so that it can reconnect to where it is supposed to be and receive some of the sun's warmth and the moon's calmness. We can even do this with just one cup of water, and if we decide to drink it, we will definitely feel the difference. This is because this water, given the opportunity to be reborn and find its vital energy, will also bring these qualities into your being, soul, and body.
Even the simplest act of just realizing the blessing of having clean water running in our homes and not having to go through droughts or scarcity can go such a long way. In our spiritual practices, we might want to use the best quality water possible, knowing the impact this can have on our body and spirit is wonderful. The Mayans have the practice of always using and preparing medicine containing water with the most natural tools possible, such as jicaras, wooden molinillos, clay pots, and more. This was done so as not to disturb its essence. Although it might be a bit harder to do today in our modern world, we can still try to do this for long-lasting benefits and a deeper connection to the healing properties of this element.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE INTENTION WE PUT IN IS WHAT ALWAYS MATTERS THE MOST.
Even if our water originates from metallic pipes, we don't need to worry too much since we can still infuse it with the energy of love and healing. If the practices we have to revive this element come from our heart, we can be certain that it will know. It is not always possible, however, to obtain our water directly from a natural source. In fact, there are many brands that sell natural spring or mineral water in plastic or glass bottles. Although it is nice to know that we might be putting quality water in our body, actions such as exporting it from sacred areas might have a long-term and harmful impact on our Earth due to carbon emissions. For this reason, whenever possible, let us use the water we have and be grateful for the blessing of having that one-on-one connection with this sacred element. Let us constantly love and defend it, trying our utmost to keep it in the greatest condition possible and demonstrating that we care.
Action to support this element can look different for each of us. We might take care of just one glass of water, or we may decide to join groups and communities working to safeguard our wonderful oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water. No matter what we decide to do, we should consider that in the same way that water has supported us in our best and worst moments throughout history, it is our turn now to support her and give her her essence back.
By Eline from the Mayan Wisdom Project.