Our most precious resource on earth is the life flowing water that makes up almost 80% of our body. Water is our common bond with all living beings and should be given our greatest reverence.

Throughout the ages water has symbolized the very essence of life. We have looked upon water as a means to cleanliness and mercy; using it in holy rituals, rights of passage and rebirth. From our earliest accounts of civilization, we have built up settlements around large sources of water because water is the life source of the community. However, with the introduction of modern technology in our society, and a seemingly unending supply of free flowing water from the taps throughout our homes and businesses, we seem to have we lost our respect for this most precious treasure and see it as being something owed to us more then the wonderful gift that it is.

The true value of water is often not fully realized until it has been removed from our lives. Therefore it is important for us to find new ways to re-connect ourselves with this vital treasure giving it the respect that it so richly deserves.

We can start by observing how we consume our water. - Think about how much you use, and how much you waste. Keep in mind that there are people in this world that live on as little as three liters of water per day or less. Compare that to the amount you use on a daily basis. By consciously becoming aware of how we consume, we can become better and more educated consumers.

We need to drink more water. - While conserving water is important, you do need to drink it to survive and drink plenty of it. Your body can handle going without food for several weeks; however you can not go without water for more than a few days. Keeping yourself well hydrated helps your body to eliminate wastes and toxins from your system, it also helps convert food into energy, moistens oxygen for breathing and promotes healthy skin. If your energy starts to falter towards the end of an afternoon, drinking a full glass of water will help to restore it quickly.

Watch what you put down your drains. - While the most obvious things you don't want to put down your drain are toxic chemicals, many people do not realize that fragrances may also pose a threat to our water supply. More than 80 percent of all fragrances made today come from synthetic compounds derived from petrochemicals. Fragrances can be found in everything from shampoos and shower gels to things like dish soaps and laundry detergents. While most of the materials that make up the fragrances may be removed by wastewater treatments; up to 10 percent are possibly non-biodegradable and continue on in our waters. As an example, a recent study has shown that synthetic musk's have been showing up in animal tissues, blood plasma and even breast milk.

Take a bath. - While showers are typically preferred over baths as baths tend to use up more water; bathing can be a very therapeutic experience and a wonderful way to appreciate one of the many benefits of water. Bathing is especially healing if you add essential oils and sea salts, for example those from the Dead Sea that are rich in minerals. Hydrotherapy, which is basically "therapy through water ?, is often recommended for aliments like muscle pain, arthritis, insomnia, migraines, psoriasis, and other skin disorders. From biblical healings in the Dead Sea to Roman bath houses, therapy through water has long been a respected healing practice. The simple sensation of being immersed in water alone can be a very renewing and uplifting experience that connects you to the life force of the water that flows within.

Find natural sources of water. - One of the best ways to re-connect ourselves with water is to find a natural source. Weather you live near the ocean, in the mountains, on the plains or in the desert, where there is life, you will find water. Observe everything that surrounds this natural source, from plant life to critters, or to fish and birds. See what a wonderful gift of nourishment this liquid treasure is to the life that depends on its very existence.

By becoming more aware of how we use water, and allowing ourselves to get a little closer to its natural source, we can gain a new appreciation and respect for how vital this precious element it is to our very existence. We will also come to understand that even the slightest changes that we make in our life can protect this gift for others.