Water

• 

• 

details from the paintings on http://www.sandyburch.com, described below. My photos, my artwork. SGB.

I painted the first four canvases, listed in this series, during the first part of the 2020 “pandemic”. It was also the beginning of a second round of chemo for my husband. I wanted to try a different style. I needed refreshing. I wanted to encourage myself. I needed to shake things up a little. I wanted to explore the various forms water takes. I needed to be reminded of the different ways blessing can come.

Water is essential to life on earth. It is life-giving and nourishing. It can also be destructive, as in a flood, stormy sea waves, or steadily wearing away over centuries. Water often speaks of cleansing, refreshing and blessing. We need water. Without water, we become weak, faint, dizzy, unable to function because our brains are mostly water. Did you know your brain can become dehydrated long before you even notice that you’re thirsty? We need water! Animals and plants need water, too!

Water comes in many forms. It falls down- as rain, snow, hail. It bubbles up-in wells and springs. It flows- in waterfalls, creeks, and rivers. It is still- in ponds and lakes, as ice. It is gentle- for bathing a baby. Or it is powerful, cutting a 4” piece of stainless steel in half.

The last three canvases listed here were painted over the course of several years, but their subject matter begged inclusion and I really like the contrasting styles.

What of water do you need in your life?

“The River”, flowing peaceful and steadfast to the sea?

“The Waterfall”, bringing refreshing and creating an environment in which to grow strong?

“The Well”, where the water is cool and fresh, coming from deep inside the earth, bringing wisdom and security?

“The Rain”, bringing nourishment and restoration to a dry weary soul? Rain bring growth as well.

Or perhaps you like “Wave”, the refreshing feeling that you are under water, being washed in the water and the sunlight that shines through the waves.

“Dusk Lake” is just that, dusky, soothing, an invitation to deep, peaceful sleep.

Finally, we have “Flowing”, reminding us of the way water flows from rivers and basins, meandering across the land, bringing growth and nourishment wherever it goes, causing the land nearby to flourish with productivity.

I don’t know about you, but being around water, whether a mountain lake, a country pond or the ocean, is refreshing to me. When stress builds and life gets to be overwhelming, water is restorative. Even a rainy day can sometimes quiet my anxieties and feel like some of the “grime” has been washed away. As I’m writing this, I’m taking deep, cleansing breaths, remembering how water can restore me. Drinking a glass of water is a simple act yet that too can often bring peace to your body. Yep. Water restores.

What do you feel you need most in your life right now. There is still so much uncertainty and division in the world. What bring you peace? What encourages you?

To see each individual painting, with it’s description, please go to http://www.sandyburch.com. You will be able to see the complete canvas, along with it’s description and price. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks so much. Be refreshed. Be a peace, friends.

Have a drink! Self-care week 3

If you want to take care of yourself, drink water!

I know. I can hear you now. “I drink plenty of coffee… or tea… or juice… or soda”. But no matter how tasty and wonderful those liquids are, they are not WATER.

Different “experts” tell us we need differing amounts of water each day, but the good ole 8-glasses-a-day is a good place to start.

I drink a glass of water with a couple of drops of lemon essential oil first thing in the morning. Water in the morning helps wake up your body, especially your digestion. I have to work to get those 8 glasses per day, but I’m trying hard! I still forget to bring water into the studio/office when I’m working but I really need to do it.

I’ve found that water, like moving around, can be an easy and small catalyst for changing my thinking or recharging my flagging energy.

When I begin to wonder if we have any cookies, or candy, or if it’s lunch time, I realize that a glass of water will get me through that energy dip. Or at least help me make lunch without snacking on everything in sight.

A drink of water can also be a good pause in a difficult situation, giving you a minute to move away, take a deep breath and come back to it refreshed.  A glass of cool water is very refreshing. And did you notice? You used all three of our self-care tools at one time! There ARE times we need more than one tool.

Need more reasons to drink water? I’m so glad you asked!

Did you know your body is about 55-60% water, depending on your age, gender and weight?

Your heart and brain are about 73% water, lungs are 83%, muscle and kidneys are 79%, skin is 64% and even your bones are around 31%!

Water is the major ingredient in cells.

Water insulates your body, helping regulate body temp. Remember, humans use perspiration and respiration to regulate our temperature. Both involve water.

It also insulates the brain, spinal cord, and organs, acting as a shock-absorber within our bodies.

We need water to metabolize proteins and carbs; it’s the primary part of saliva, which is where digestion begins.

Just a few more things about water:

It’s used to flush waste and toxins from the body; it’s a solvent, dissolving minerals, certain vitamins and other nutrients; and of course, water carries oxygen and nutrients to our cells.

BUT HERE’S THE THING, we don’t feel thirsty until we’ve lost around 2-3% of our body’s water. Doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, mental performance and physical coordination start to be impaired BEFORE we’re even thirsty, usually at around 1% dehydration. That piece information sure gets my attention! *

Lots of people say they don’t like water. I do like water, but I understand. (I’m not wild about veggies, but that’s another topic!) While plain water is really the best choice, there are alternatives. Add sliced cucumber or pear to a pitcher of water and put it in the refrigerator. You can use other fruits or veggies as well. Experiment. And remember, all taste is acquired. If you keep working at it, you can not only get used to plain water, you can actually enjoy it. One word of caution: Please stay away from the sweet- artificial or sugar- “flavorings” for water. They are really not a good choice.

Drink it plain or flavored . Either way, you will feel better and your body will thank you. It doesn’t take a long time to drink a glass of water. Just do it! Eight times.

Are you going to add WATER to your self-care tool box? I hope so. And let me know how it goes. Maybe we can encourage each other to have another drink- a drink of water.

*info based on the article, “How Much of Your Body is Water?”, by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., from http://www.thoughtco.com, September 28, 2018