Water Views, Wandering, and Wellbeing

Flow Like Water — Globetrotters Monthly Writing Challenge

I often long to see a water view, but I do not really have a favorite. I find that each body of water has its own unique aura and energy. I enjoy the variety of enjoying a new or tried and true water view. Whether I am wandering locally or traveling — I always want to find and explore the water. While there are many fun adventures on the water, I will focus on the vibes and views of a few of my experiences for this contribution.

Most of the time, I find water views very good for my state of mind. They either calm and comfort me, energize me, or inspire me with the power of nature and curiosity about the body of water I am gazing at. I often wonder what stories and history took place on the waters, and always take the time to read the informational plaques many waterfronts have.

Living in a city without a large body of water sometimes has me crave traveling or a spontaneous day trip just to see water again. I do appreciate the riverside views that can be enjoyed in Guelph, where I live. In my hometown, seeing the river is pleasant but a low-key feeling. I like to explore. It is a reasonable drive to several beaches and lakes, the closest being Lake Ontario. Last week I spent an evening with a friend at the stunning Pearle Hotel in Burlington, Ontario. As I gazed into the summer night sky and deep blue lake on the quiet terrace of the hotel restaurant Isabelle after dinner, I was able to imagine I was somewhere exotic and far away. The water views were really quite mesmerizing in the magical time where summer has just begun, the temperature is just right and the nights are still so long. Using your imagination to turn an overnight (forty-minute drive away) jaunt into a total vacation state of mind can be wonderful for wellbeing.

I believe that sometimes a change of scenery, often accompanied by a water view can help improve wellness and outlook. It can shift me out of a stressful headspace and into something more clear and positive.

There are also times when a spectacular bucket list water view has really wowed me in my travels. A great example for me was sailing into the broad Grand Canal in Venice in classic style in a swift Vaporetto. Following that, we enjoyed a beautiful and soothing gondola tour. Gliding through the narrow canals slowly, in a magical feeling boat was a grand and memorable experience I am truly grateful for. Especially as it was shared with some family and new friends on this tour. It couldn’t have been a more picture-perfect first of June day. This optional excursion (I was actually hesitant about) on the Wonders of Italy tour was worth every penny as it offered convenience and had us feeling like VIPs for a couple of hours. It was a low key glamourous way to enjoy a cool and must-do experience on a first visit to Venice.

As I write, I realize I have so many water views that I have truly appreciated seeing over the years. I would love to share them, look back on them and reminisce. I am inspired to better categorize and organize photos and dates of these waterfront experiences -even the most basic ones I sometimes take for granted. The photo memories of the water and wanderings will be a nice way to add a small jolt of well-being on any given quiet day.

At their best, these beautiful water views — the numerous lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, waterfalls, fountains, and more — can be a moving and uplifting contribution to overall wellbeing. A variety of water views in our journey takes us to a calm and inspiring place that can be a wonderful series of experiences in our everyday life, local wanderings, and voyages.

Copyright 2022 Nella DiCarlo