The dog days of August are upon us
What to do?
Don’t hide in the cold mausoleum of air conditioning! In these last summer days before school begins, let’s immerse ourselves, our children, the family dog and other hot neighbors in the wonder of water. Here is a simple water story that, like any true story, is for open minds and hearts of any age. Let’s also celebrate the healing shade of trees and the sweet perfume of plants. You’ll find water and tree activities for the whole family below!
The Water of Life
Once, in a faraway land….or was it right here, where we are today?....there lived a young shepherd. His life was simple and he was content among the hills, singing or playing his wooden flute as he kept watch over the flock.
Now, he knew the land in which he lived as well as if it were his own skin. He knew the times of the day and seasons of the year as well as he knew his own breath. It was in this way that he knew the moods of the weather and the perfect time each morning to open the gate as his sheep flowed into the day. He knew where in spring the early greens would appear first. He knew the places with deepest shade and brought the flock there when the sun shone hot and bright. He knew the folded hills and where to find the richest grasses. He knew to take the flock to the high meadows in the hot months; while grasses scorched below, they were still fresh among the hollows. Each day, regardless the season, he brought the flock to drink and rest beside a narrow brook at the foot of the mountain. They escaped the heat while listening to the song of the water and the wind among the branches. The brook brightened and ran more quickly, to hear the voices of the sheep and the shepherd’s music approach. In the autumn the shepherd harvested fodder to keep the sheep through the winter months. Each spring he sheared the flock and brought his wool to market.
At market, his wool was the first to be bought and always brought the highest price. People marveled at the high-quality, and word spread to arrive at market early, to procure his best. This cycle persisted for many years. He cared well for his sheep, they drank the sweet water and rested each day beside the streamlet; the wool from his sheep was the best in the land.
As years passed, people noticed that not only were this simple man’s sheep fat and healthy, but he, himself seemed to never age. When asked, he simply smiled and said, “We live among the hills. We drink the pure water.” Soon people came to him asking for a cup of this magical water for an ill child, or a pitcher-full to bless a wedding. The small brook joyfully gave her gifts away, and everyone this water touched flourished with well-being.
A small village sprang up not far from the hillside brook. The people lived in happiness and brought gifts of gratitude to offer the pure water for its blessings. People floated flowers downstream, some balanced favorite stones by the water’s edge. Children splashed in the clear shallows; they grew strong and kind. The water of life was plentiful and joyfully gave of her blessings!
Word of these waters of life eventually reached the king’s ears. Quickly he sent messengers to verify these accounts. Upon their return he gathered a great party of courtiers and soldiers, and set out to see this wonder. At their arrival, the villagers ~ surprised but honored ~ hurried to guide the king to the hillside stream. Children played, the sheep bleated in the cool shade of trees, the shepherd played his wooden pipe.
Seeing this idyllic tableau, the king wanted this goodness for himself. A great silken tent was erected nearby, and he sent for the queen. He proclaimed, “As this water flows in the midst of my kingly lands, I claim all rights.” A summer palace was built. He gathered his greatest thinkers to plumb the depth of this mysterious water. A high fence was built around the springhead and pool; guards stood nearby night and day. The royal doctors set about examining the properties of the healing waters, and soon a university sprang up. Students from many lands paid highly to come and study the water. Philosophers debated the meaning of the waters, while artists came to paint and sell their canvases at a high price. Chefs set up eateries and entertainers sang and danced upon a stage. People traveled from far and wide, waited for hours ~ sometimes days ~ to pay for a single sip.
But without the shepherd and his sheep, without the children’s laughter and the flower offerings, the water of life was lonely. The high fence kept her old friends away. Now she was accompanied only by the guards who rolled dice in the shade, or those who poked and prodded her banks, who took her waters without a glance of gratitude. Now she bubbled and sang hurrying down the hillside no more. Her waters ran slow, flat and murky. The doctors, the professors, the philosophers….no one noticed that though this water still flowed, it no longer held life within its appearance.
Crowded out of their village, bothered by the dust and noise, the shepherd, his flock, and the poor villagers had packed their few belongings and walked away, to find a new home. A long while later, they saw a green hill with trees fruiting and birds calling. Here they planned to stay the night, before moving on. As they ate their journey-bread and settled among the bundles for sleep, the shepherd took out his wooden pipe and began to play a sweet haunting melody. Suddenly, a bright gurgling sound was heard; a crystalline stream of water poured from between two nearby boulders. It sparkled and sang as it tumbled down the hillside. People, sheep, children and the water of life all rejoiced again in each other’s company. The people settled down in this place, living their simple lives, close beside the banks of the once-again shimmering generous waters.
Water Activities
---The simplest is to go out into summer rains and celebrate: Stomp through puddles, sing, catch raindrops on your tongue! A cozy bath and dry towel finish the delight.
--Place a tub of water distant from your sandbox: carrying water in small buckets and bowls is great for your child’s balance.
—--Be sure to have a back-yard slip’n slide or an old-fashioned water sprinkler.
---Create a Washing Day together: Bring buckets, soap, old cloths and wash the picnic table and outdoor furniture. Bring hand washing out to the picnic table: napkins, doll’s clothing, wash cloths and such; place them first in a tub of soapy water, then rinse water. Tie a string from a branch to a chair’s back and hang them to dry.
---Make leaf or bark boats while outdoors: float them in the bathtub or down a creek in the park. Watch this video to lean how.
---Make Sister Water Offerings: take a field trip to a local creek and float flowers, leaves, beautifully shaped sticks downstream. Model speaking your gratitude in a song or in simple language.
Plant Activities
---Adopt a tree buddy: Take a morning walk in your yard or your closest park. Notice and point out the unique aspects of various trees; the quality of the bark, the shape of the umbrella and leaves, the texture of top and bottom side of leaves and so forth. Speak to the various trees and “listen”, put your ear against the bark, or sit at the roots and lean back. Have your child choose a tree as a buddy; have them ask the tree if she would like to be a special buddy. Let your child give the tree a “poetic” name. “Smooth and shiny?” “Big-leaf?” Sister Sycamore?”
--Plant greeting cards: Go for a shady walk and help your child choose a particular plant. Bring crayons and paper, introduce yourselves to the tree or plant, and draw a portrait. Do this several days in a row with different plants. Use these pictures as greeting cards for relatives!
One more thing: Here is an uplifting video, in time for you to think about how you can help the organization Peace One Day make our children’s future safe and fulfilling: Peace One Day
More ways to stay in touch with me:
I’ll be teaching Rhythm is Life this fall and Kinship with Nature is a Family Affair this coming spring. Both courses are offered through LifeWays!
Wild Graces website: https://www.sharifaoppenheimer.org
Rewilding Substack: https://sharifaoppenheimer.substack.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharifaoppenheimer
Photo Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash