Working with water when life doesn’t go to plan by Sarah Boyd

When life feels complicated, overwhelming or confusing, where do you turn? For me, I’m often drawn to water. But why?

Water has long held spiritual and cultural significance, symbolising cleansing, renewal and transformation. From ritual bathing and baptism to pilgrimages along rivers, people have sought out water for its capacity to restore, while offering space for reflection, release and reconnection.

I connected with this myself last month when two big disappointments unfolded within weeks of each other. Exciting projects I’d invested months of time, energy and heart into were both cancelled. Water became a place for me to sit with the emotional and physical impact, let go of what I’d hoped for and explore a new way forward.”

This is much more than just relaxing beside a lake or enjoying a walk along the beach. When we spend conscious time with water, it can nurture connection and spiritual wellbeing, shift how we feel mentally and physically, and help us find answers and insight.

So why is water so mesmerising and magical?

Water captures our attention

Water is constantly changing, but never quite repeating itself. Light catches its surface, ripples overlap, reflections distort and reform, and currents move in unpredictable patterns. It gives our minds something to follow, while allowing space to wander.

Water speaks to our senses

We don’t just see water. We hear its trickle, rush or roar, feel its coolness on our skin and smell the earth after rain. Its texture shifts from mist to droplets to waves, while its temperature can startle us into the present moment. It’s an immersive sensory experience.

Water helps us feel present

Water offers a natural anchor for grounding. We might follow the movement of a current, listen to the rhythm of waves or notice changing patterns of light. Unlike a static object, water continually gives us something new to notice. We can watch for minutes or hours and never quite see the same thing twice.

Water evokes emotion, memory and meaning

Water is woven into our lives. We swim in it, drink it, bathe in it, play in it and depend on it for survival. It holds powerful memories and rich symbolism. A flowing river can remind us that life keeps moving, oceans evoke possibility, while rain brings literal relief and a sense of cleansing.

Water inspires awe

Water can be gentle and soothing, but powerful enough to reshape coastlines. It’s part of vast natural cycles, connecting ocean, atmosphere, land and all living things. It reminds us we are part of something larger than ourselves. For some, that is spiritual; for others, it is simply wonder. Either way, it can shift our perspective and make everyday concerns feel less all-consuming.

Water both controls and surrenders

Water flows around obstacles and takes the shape of its container. It can be calm or turbulent, gentle or forceful. We can hold it in our hands for a moment, but we cannot hold on to it. We can watch it, enter it, work with it and sometimes navigate it, but we cannot entirely control it.

Water energises us

Moving water generates negative air ions – tiny electrically charged particles formed when droplets collide, break apart and scatter into the air. When we sit beside a rushing creek, stand near a waterfall or walk along a breaking surf beach, we breathe in this ion-rich air which can help improve mood, reduce stress, sharpen mental focus and leave us feeling more energised.

So, is water actually magical?

Its effects can certainly feel magical, but there are understandable reasons for them: sensory richness, attention, memory, emotion, our biological dependence on water and our capacity to experience awe and connection.

While spending time with water during my recent disappointments didn’t change what had happened, it did help me make space for my feelings, clear my head and consider where to put my energy next.

Perhaps water’s magic lies partly in its ability to bring us back to something fundamental: being alive, being present and belonging to a world that is always moving.

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Want help working with water for your own wellbeing?

Contact Sarah to work together 1 on 1.

Join one of Sarah’s public walks – dates, locations and bookings on her website.

Or learn more about nature therapy on Sarah’s Facebook, Instagram, or her articles and notes on Substack.

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