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The Swirling Circle of Life


We learn in chemistry and biology classes that water is the most essential element (it's a compound, but whatever) for life. Our cells are mostly water. Our planet is mostly water. The very process by which we breathe and turn oxygen and carbon into energy ends in the production of water. This simple combination of the first element and the most abundant element in our Earth's crust is what makes us thrive. It connects us to plants in the most uncanny way--while our cells make water to thrive, plant cells break water to feed themselves.

This basic, essential element of life is what breathes life to life.

Whether you are a staunch Creationist or accepting of Evolution, the theory is the same--life came forth from water. From Genesis, we are told that on the fifth day, God commanded the seas to teem forth with living creatures; whereas the land did not receive this same commandment until the sixth day.

Tracing the story of the evolution of life on the planet, we discover that before creatures walked the earth, life had to emerge from the sea. And considering the life-giving properties of water, one should understand the reluctance to do so. (tongue-in-cheek). When planetary scientists look for signs of life on other planets, they comb the surface (albeit from afar) for signs of anything that resembles water. One of the pioneers of microbiology, Anton von Leeuwenhoek, first described microorganisms as little "animalcules" by looking where? In rain water. 

Not only is water an essential element for biological life, but also, it is a symbol in spiritual life. We baptize with water. We cleanse bodies before burial with water. Given the life-giving force of water in both the biological and spiritual sense, it should not be surprising, then that fountains offer so much joy. So much solace. So much contentment.


Which brings me to one of my favorite things to do in the city--find a nice fountain and sit. Sit and listen. Sit and watch. Sit and think. Sit and clear my mind. Sit and feel this force breathe new life to all passersby.

My favorite fountain is the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. No matter how down I feel, all I have to do is walk down to this source of serenity and I am quickly reminded of the good things in life. A simple fountain with funky looking faces spitting water at each other is all it takes. It makes adults kids again and kids the masters of Quan.

Here, every emotion is met by drops of water pouring down from its source above. They wash away mistakes and mishaps. They cleanse sour grapes. They ease the mind before rushing over a discrete drain that lines the perimeter of the fountain's playground. Surely, these swirling drops make their way somehow back up to the source.

The world is a circle.


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