Never in my life have I seen water so crystal clear as my time here in Montana. It was almost unnoticeable when you put a hand in the water except for the distorted ripples and cold numbing sensation. The soothing sounds of flowing water, and strong, unwavering direction of the water’s movement were only a few of the many experiences I have had with water, but quickly became a comfort.
In my everyday life, I experience water much differently. Washing our hands, doing the dishes, flushing the toilet, the list goes on and on. It’s easy to take these things for granted and the seemingly unlimited supply we have access to. Despite these disposable uses, let us not forget that water is vital to our survival. Life as we know it does not survive without it. To me, it is not only vital to my function, but is a vital component to my sense of being. Its rejuvenating power, energy, and constant flow gives me more than just my basic needs, but a feeling that words just can’t describe.
I feel alive when I am in the water, and the water feels alive itself. It’s one of nature’s natural guides. I am a big believer in going with the flow, don’t get caught up, be flexible, be adaptive. Water goes where it wants to go, it never strays from its course. Not only have the countless rivers, lakes, and streams been a relief from the heat, or a refreshing source of cleanliness, but they have also been a grounding presence, bringing me back to what truly matters.
After cooling off in the glacial Josephine Lake, floating down Divide Creek, and adventuring in the creeks of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, each time I’m at the water, it brings me back to the present. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to study Environmental Ethics completely immersed in nature itself. The course has challenged even my very own idea of what the environment is and has helped solidify the why behind me pursuing an environmental career and lifestyle. The many philosophers and frameworks we have explored have encouraged deeper thinking, asking the why behind things, what values are being upheld, what are they implying, and what worldviews are they coming from. My own values are questioned, and I have had to consider where they even come from. What are we supposed to do when our very idea of the world and the environment is flipped upside down? What do we do when we start to question the institutions we are a part of? Not to mention, what do we do when we are overwhelmed by readings, assignments, and thoughts? We push through, keep going, we persevere. Looking to what is around us, our best mentor to teach us how to persevere is water itself.
Water always finds a way. A rock in the stream? Go around. A build up of sticks? Push over. It is admirable watching its relentless drive and perseverance through any challenge. Rather than just seeing an instrumental view of water, I now observe how water is just one relationship we have with nature that defines our own identity. When I’m feeling stressed out, my mind is stuck in those “back home” problems, or even when I just want to be, I find myself by the water, in the water, or even just listening for water, and its constant reminder that we must keep going, but that we also must be here in the now.
Despite the challenges and pressures I will inevitably feel all throughout my life, I will reflect back on water’s guide to life. No matter the rocks, sticks, and dams I may face, they are a part of the journey and are never a sign to give up, always push on. Now, every time I experience water, regardless of where I find myself, I’ll reflect back on these momentsand continue to persevere.
