Relaxation and Waterfalls
We just got back from a vacation trip to Niagara Falls in upstate New York. Although no picture can ever completely capture the power and majesty of the falls, I’ve posted a picture to the right of the American Falls. You can see part of the horseshoe shaped, and much larger, Canadian Falls in the background. Although I still had aches and pains from the cross country drive we had made to get there, they were quickly forgotten as I gazed at the amazing sight of the entire Niagara River dropping over the cliffs to the bottom of the gorge, over a hundred and seventy feet below. All of a sudden, I felt refreshed and fully alive.
Ever wonder why just being by a waterfall instantly soothes your spirit and makes you feel relaxed and energized?
There are actually several reasons for this. The first is the rhythmic sight and sound of the rushing water as it gathers speed, spills over the falls, and crashes into a pool below. The motion of the water is almost hypnotic and the sound is like a lullaby that sings directly into your soul.
The crashing water of a waterfall also creates quite a bit of mist, increasing the humidity and cooling the surrounding area. A lot of mist in the air tends to create rainbows when the sun is at the right angle, another item that is pleasing to the eye and that helps to calm the spirit.
Waterfalls also create significant levels of negative ions. Negative ions not only clean the air (which is why the air around a waterfall always smells fresh and clean), they make you feel relaxed, refreshed, and energized.
Lastly, waterfalls are just plain cool. Who can watch water come crashing down from a high cliff and not be moved to amazement? Who can feel the cool mist on their face and not experience a deep connection with the Earth? Who can possibly come up with a better way to describe a waterfall than to just stare at it and say, “Cool!”?
Balanced health means more than just diet and exercise. Although diet and exercise take care of your physical body, you have to also balance your mind and spirit. Sitting near a waterfall is a great way to do that.
So whether you’re sitting near a waterfall as massive as Niagara Falls or one as small as a tabletop waterfall, take the time to really watch the water flow over the edge. Hear the water splashing on the rocks and hitting the pool below. Then take a slow, deep, cleansing breath, and say, “Cool!”
Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy
Technorati Tags: balanced health, waterfalls, negative ions, water, mental health, spirit, relaxation
Related Reading:
Unusual Ways to Market Your Greeting Cards and 22 Places to Get Your Designs FeaturedA 20 page booklet on how to get your cards noticed in non-traditional ways. Everything from why you should send cards to your dentist, to how to get s... Read More >
Quiet Moments: Story featured on A&E's Cold Case Files as "The Pastor's Wife""Quiet Moments" is the lifelong story of Patty Jo Riddick-Pulley. She was an amazingly talented, loving, and giving person. All who met her soon loved... Read More >
TIP: If you enjoyed this post, please rate it below or leave a comment. You can be notified of new content by subscribing to our No related posts.
Good points. I always feel a profound sense of serenity whenever I’m around a natural waterfall. The sound of the water is so soothing and relaxing. It makes it really hard to leave!
jackie-o
Here in Zimbabwe we have the Victoria Falls, and I fully agree with you on the peace you can find just watching. It clears the mind and soul.
Loved the post Hiram.
Hi Sheryl!
Not much can compare with Victoria Falls in terms of size and volume of water. You’re lucky to be able to see it in person. I have to settle for the Travel Channel!
Hiram
I’m going to Niagara Falls – from the Canadian side – in mid-August. I’ve always loved being near water falls and watch them. I knew of the benefic effects, but it’s always nice to be reminded of them.