“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea.”
The most essential nutrient to human life. Two simple little hydrogen molecules and one oxygen. The energy needed to create these bonds is beyond human capability. We can build mass weapons of destruction, send people to outer space, and build computers with communication systems that allow us to send electronic messages to people around the world instantaneously yet the ability to create life-sustaining water remains illusive.
Think of how many times a day we use water... drinking, cooking, bathing, washing dishes, to carry away our wastes, to grow crops, hydrate livestock, or even the water that was needed to "grow" our yarn. Each of these acts could be considered tiny miracles. We are so fortunate yet there are so many that don't have these luxuries... along the way perhaps we've lost our perspective on the extreme importance of water. We've come to expect it and that it will "arrive."
Having lived most of my life in the mountains near streams, rivers and a few lakes, I've not had the opportunity to spend much time around the ocean. On a recent visit to the Atlantic Ocean I walked for miles across the sand chasing the waves or rather being chased by waves and I began to ponder "water."
The lull of the waves coming in and retreating quickly becomes a rhythmic constant that comforts. In and out, in and out. A guarantee that the ocean promises that it will return over and over again.
As each wave approaches the shore one begins to wonder how long has this water been working it's way here. As the wave slips back into the ocean underneath the incoming wave, it retreats with grace into the vast depths of the sea. Will each water droplet that reaches that line where the sand and water meet, ever return to that same place again or is it a one time event?
The waves lapping against the shore soothes the soul and has been described by many as peaceful. We become convinced that this big massive body of water is gentle and nurturing. Yet the power that can be generated by the tiniest and simplest drops of water when they work collectively can accomplish great things, both negative and positive. The same can be said for people...when we work together we can be unstoppable, in negative and positive ways.
As we near the shoreline on this current journey with peace we have the opportunity to make more choices. 'Cause after all, this is your journey and your choice. Will this be a one time visit to the shoreline? Or will you be persistent and return again and again? Will you be a water molecule that joins together with others to work collectively for something grand? Or will you allow yourself to be carried away back out into the ocean and overcome by the power of everything else going on around you? C-H-O-I-C-E.
Day #19. Peace tip.
We've talked about snow, trees, birds, and oranges as symbols of peace. Now we are adding water to the mix. Pull out a piece of paper, put on your favorite music and start to doodle. No artistic ability required just put pen to paper. Doodle peace...whatever it is to you. It might be a scene, words, or a collection of colors. It might be trees, water, snow, yarn, people...the sky is the limit. You might choose to doodle a quote or two that have been in the posts or one that hasn't. No inner critic allowed.
I'd like to ask a favor of all those that are reading this blog and knitters. Please consider knitting for peace on December 21, Worldwide Knit-in for Peace Day. We began this last year and decided to continue with this tradition. It's my goal to make this day widely known around the globe.... but it only happens if we work together. Here's my request.
Place a pin on the map for your location. If you are knitting as a group, please have all group members place a pin.
Knitters from the US: If you know anyone that knits in North Dakota or Rhode Island, tell them about WWKFP Day and have them place a pin. Then all 50 states will be recognized.
Knitters from Canada: Please take a look and see which provinces still need representation... let's get all of Canada represented.
Knitters from Europe: Take a look and see where there are places that need to be pinned, reach out to folks from countries still needing some peaceful knitters.
Knitters from Asia: ok, if anyone knows someone in Asia, please contact them...we need knitters from Asia.
The list goes on... the map is looking full but let's get this map covered!
Thank you.