Skip to main content

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.


Popular posts from this blog

This Question Has Plagued My Existence for the Last 5 Minutes....

Does my obsession with the Royal wedding make me less of the educated woman I once thought I was? I think not! We women often talk about the endless search for our own brand of unobtainium--the mysterious work/life balance. Perhaps the answer requires a little escape from both work and life. When one has had a particularly bad day or week or 14.3 minutes, why not partake in a little frivolity to make your problems at least appear frivolous? After a day full of the mental equivalent of shoveling dirt to fill in holes left by the previous shift, I find nothing wrong with plopping on the couch, glass of red in hand and soaking up the culture our forefathers fought so hard to dispel from our shores. Well, Eastern seaboard, at least. Don't think they had ventured too far west as of 1776, but then again, history is not my strong suit. By watching the recap of the Royal wedding, I am reminded of all the dreadful worries that I do not have to worry about. For instance, I think it is safe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Who Needs Gold When You Have Silence

I can talk. What would you like to know? Pick a topic. We'll discuss. Yes, I can talk. The problem is that so can my husband. And he is much better at it than I. But I don't mind. His love of conversation--and his skill at it--is one of the things that drew me to the big lug in the first place. But just as capable as we are at talking, we are capable of sitting in silence. And we don't think there is anything wrong with that. One of my favorite movie quotes is from When Harry Met Sally: (Harry, to Sally) "It is so nice when you can sit with someone and not have to talk." How true is that? I often joke with my husband when we are dining out that people can probably tell we've been married a long time because we are usually the only couple in the place not talking. Take note, fine, young newlyweds--some of the best conversation you will ever have will come from not conversing at all. Yes, as the old saying goes, silence is golden. After perusing other quotes a...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Universal Language of Fish

The shoreline in the south loop of Chicago is marked by a concrete walkway that spans the perimeter of Museum Campus, smoothly curving around the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. It makes for a nice, long walk that puts you as close to the ocean in Chicago as you can get without hopping on a plane to either end of the country. If you walk along there in the morning, you will pass a community of joggers and dog lovers. You'll witness ducks and geese pecking at moss covered rocks and diving for water. I have yet to see a fish jump, but am sure it will happen some day. Today, near the bend by Adler, a man and whom I will assume were his teenage sons, were gearing up for their morning fishing expedition. Watching them reminded me of my own Dad and brothers on one of their many fishing outings, when they would leave before dawn and come back smelling of crappies and night crawlers. The dad in today's exhibit was the first to cast and trolled the coastline for the target of th...
Read more