Be Water, my Friend

“For an instant, silence, noisier than a waterfall.”   ~ Salman Rushdie

If you are lucky enough to step away from winter in the northeast, chances are you picked a warmer and sunnier destination.  If you like spending time outdoors, or were focused on spending time in nature, a waterfall visit may have been on the agenda. Why exactly are we so drawn to such a simple yet awe inspiring natural event?

We know so much more about the psychological impact of water on our physical and mental health.  Being in, around and even staring at water can calm our nervous system and reduce stress.  There is not an avalanche of research on waterfalls specifically, but you may recall trips where you went out of your way to seek out a waterfall.  When you discovered one spontaneously, it was absolutely a highlight.  What makes these so magical and why does it spark a reaction?

There is something primal and mesmerizing when we see shiny rocks, rainbows in the water’s mist, cascading, loud water that is contained and not threatening.  We can witness the sound without sensing danger, and the clean air and water that seems to surround the environment is restorative.  Rushing, powerful water has a calming effect, like the contradiction of finding thunder relaxing.  The more insular we are each day spending time indoors, waterfalls have a unique appeal in how they are associated with a special place, story or event.  We are not waking up and ‘checking the waterfalls’ each morning on dawn patrol, nor are we at a friends’ house enjoying the ‘waterfall view’ from the deck.  We do not often play or jump waves in waterfalls, or drive into Montauk spotting the ‘waterfalls’ on the horizon.  We just do not have exposure to them like we do with all the other natural beauty that surrounds us.  They become elements of surprise and wonder, while we subconsciously know there is a connection to feeling more alert, calm and happier. Waterfalls represent that special phenomenon that we cannot quite explain and can’t quite turn away from.

Offices, hotels and outdoor spaces try to recreate this artificially with running water meant to cultivate an aura of a Zen-like environment.  Even better is the real thing.  If you find yourself planning a trip that may have access to encountering waterfalls, notice how you observe it, and if you are sleeping, breathing and resting better for it.