I just realized that this mornings conversation about water being a medium for cleansing foreshadowed the events later in the day. A friend and I chatted about how walking in the rain cleared energy that was stuck or heavy. Really, being in any body of water or even standing under the shower head could have the same effect. We came to the topic simply because the weather forecast included rain and we were both happy that this was a possibility for the day.

As we walked and talked, we came to a conversation that revealed an old pattern of mine. I felt that I had shed this one, but as the weight of it set back onto my shoulders, I realized I was not finished sorting it. My friend has been a mirror for me. As I stared at my soul through her words, a familiar feeling came upon me. I felt as if I was going through the legendary “day 3” of an MNRI conference. By day 3, I am deep in processing the emotions and patterns that have surfaced as my nervous system becomes more balanced and free. This results in a return into myself, and a deep feeling that is sometimes like despair. It is always followed by an explosive jump into a higher level of positive outlook and energy, however, so I’ve learned to embrace and love it.

This time, I blew through day 3 in only a few hours. I had the assistance of an unexpected helper (I usually avoid help during these periods). The river running through Ponte De Lima, Portugal flowed past me, inviting me in. Years ago, I noticed the clearing and freshness that dunking into icy waters provided for me. It started as a ritual with myself to jump in every body of water I hiked to, but now I like to swim when I feel weighed down by old energy.

I swam. I skipped a few rocks. Finally, I swam up the small current to the man made water feature and sat with my lower half in the faster flow. I closed my eyes. The weight was gone, but intense feelings remained. I let the water take some of it, and the rest I spread throughout my body. When I felt clear, I swam back to the shore to join my friends.

I was surprised by the result. I felt like I had moved fully through “day 3”. A simple swim had cleared what usually would take 2-3 days to clear. So much relief! I felt confident again.

“Day 3” is still only day 3 though. There is still plenty to…do. Actually, I’m moving from doing to being, so there is less to do and more being to…be? Anyway, my friend gave me the gift of clarity today and the water gave me the gift of release. Let’s see how “day 4” goes.