Words and photos by Erica Hartnick, Founder of Yoga Trade

Water is the source of life and is essential for our continued living and evolution here on Earth.

Humans are mostly water, the planet is mostly water. Water is the original mirror and teacher.

Growing up in the Sierra Nevada foothills, I have been lucky to live nature rich and seasonal amongst rivers, streams, and lakes. The fresh, cool, crystalline waters flowing over granite and through pine covered canyons help ground my body, clear my mind, and hydrate my soul. Immersing in wild waters has been a regular practice to cleanse, purify, and remember that we can always begin again.

As a child, waking up to look out the window in winter to see a blanket of sparkling snow was the best and most exciting thing ever! Through my 20’s, I prioritized exploring the mysteries of winter by spending many days schussing down slopes, studying snow science, backcountry snowboarding, creating numerous snow angels, and wandering and frolicking in the many variations of frozen water. The snowy mountains have taught me much about strength, humility, respect, and magic.

In my 30’s, almost simultaneously as I began to deepen my yoga practice, I also became very intrigued with the ocean. Coming from a mountain background, I was quite comfortable with many natural waterways and swimming, but the ocean was a whole new world to unravel. Alongside teachers, books, and personal practice, the ocean paralleled as an inspirational guide on the yoga and spiritual path, as I learned to soften, flow, surrender to cycles, and deepen my relationship with water. With a fiery sun sign (Aries) and a mountain upbringing - the salty seas and therapeutic yoga have been the most inspirational guides and blessings to infuse more harmony, peace, and balance into every moment.

Now in my mid 40’s, I continue to explore internal and external waters with a beginner's mind and gratitude. Everything we need is within ourselves and it is my hope to inspire others on the path to gracefully wade, dip, and/or dive into the teachings of water.

Connect With Water as Teacher

**Observation + Relationship**

One of the most simple ways to foster connection is by observation. Water is fundamental to our survival, well-being, and happiness. It is where life begins and is the major element within our physical body. Are you in touch with your internal waters? Spend time near waters in nature and in solitude and witness without judgment. Utilize the power of the senses to see, listen, taste, touch, smell, and feel the wonders of water. Experiment by visiting some of the same places regularly through all seasons and different times of the day to learn and form relationships. Communicate with water as you would with a dear friend.

Get to know your local watershed. Do you know where the water you drink and bathe in comes from? Every time you encounter water, spend some time pondering its health, cycles, and journey.

**Curiosity + Exploring Edges**

What kinds of water make you feel alive and possibly at an edge? When I first began to spend more time at the ocean, I was definitely curious but also had a bit of fear. I felt called to mindfully explore. Most fear arises because of the unknown. I decided that I wanted to cultivate more knowledge of the sea and to be able to dance with her tides, swells, and moods. Slowly over time I began to explore the edges; swimming further out in deeper waters, knowing my boundaries and limits, learning to surf, taking free-diving classes, countless hours of wave and wildlife watching, finding infinite thanks for mama ocean.
Water is said to reflect emotions, and in mythology, deep water is where our subconscious fears can lie submerged. Immersing ourselves in and through water can help us resolve these deeper fears and limitations and can create space for trust and expansion. Water is the greatest teacher of flow and shows us the truth within. It can help us see more clearly and provides an honest form of self inquiry and love.

“Water is our past and our future. It is our source and our destination. It is both our ultimate limit and our ultimate freedom.”

— Bonnie Tsui

**Reflection + Reverence + Reciprocity**

Water connects us all. Water is a teacher that shows us the way back to the places where we may have lost connection. Water carries ancient memories and spirits. Some believe that water is alive and has consciousness. It is possible that sea creatures that lived millions of years ago may be human ancestors.
By finding compassion and reverence for water, we add a new level of insight regarding our responsibility to take care of our home and develop a greater appreciation of our interconnectedness.
Water shows us everything - it is our lifeblood. How can we give back to something that gives us so much?
We all have the ability to be water wise. We tend to protect what we love - so it makes sense that we all choose to love water!

“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the ocean in a drop.”

— Rumi

A beautiful compliment to the lands and waters of the Sierra are the warm tropical waters of the sweet Pacific in Costa Rica.

Discover your depths and flow with aquatic rhythms and tides. This is a space to connect with water as a source of joy, a therapeutic wellspring, a healing element, and a fountainhead for creativity. Hydrate your soul in the tropics!