To those who have found this page!
May you find your story in my writing. May you begin to question your beliefs, and may you find joy in the mystery of life.
"Water is the driving force of all nature." – Leonardo da Vinci
Hydration: Water is Life
If you follow anything I do, you’ve already heard me talk about the importance of hydration. It’s one of my core principles, and I’ll keep talking about it until the roosters come home. Why? Because water is life, pure and simple.
Our bodies are approximately 60% water, and nearly every function in the human body relies on it. From flushing out toxins to regulating body temperature, water is at the heart of staying healthy and vibrant. Yet, despite its importance, many people are walking around chronically dehydrated.
It might surprise you, but there’s a good chance you’re dehydrated even if you’re drinking what you think is an adequate amount of water. Here are a few reasons why:
Poor Water Quality: Not all water is created equal. Tap water can contain chemicals, heavy metals, and other contaminants that your body has to filter. Even some bottled water lacks the essential minerals your body needs for proper hydration. Check out ewg.org for resources on water quality and filtration systems.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Hydration isn’t just about water—it’s about the balance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Without these, your body can’t effectively absorb and utilize water.
Chronic Stress: Stress increases your body’s demand for water. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to become dehydrated, which can lead to a vicious cycle of fatigue and poor focus.
Overconsumption of Dehydrating Drinks: Coffee, tea, and alcohol are diuretics, which means they can dehydrate your body if not balanced with sufficient water intake.
If you want to experience the full benefits of hydration, it’s time to level up your water game. Here’s how:
Choose High-Quality Water: Whenever possible, drink spring water or water that has been filtered to remove impurities. A great resource for finding clean, natural spring water is findaspring.org. Spring water is rich in natural minerals that help hydrate your body more effectively.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Adding a pinch of high-quality sea salt or Himalayan salt to your water can replenish essential electrolytes. This simple hack can make a big difference in how your body absorbs and utilizes water.
Eat Water-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery are packed with water and electrolytes. Incorporating them into your diet is a delicious way to stay hydrated.
Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a late-stage sign of dehydration. Pay attention to other cues, such as dry skin, fatigue, headaches, or dark urine.
Create a Hydration Ritual: Start your day with a large glass of water, preferably with some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, to kickstart your hydration and metabolism.
Hydration isn’t just about quenching your thirst. It’s about optimizing every system in your body so you can feel and perform at your best. When you’re well-hydrated, you’ll notice clearer skin, improved digestion, better energy levels, and sharper focus.
Water is the foundation of life, but in today’s world, it’s easy to take it for granted. By making mindful choices about your hydration, you’re not just supporting your health—you’re honoring the life force that sustains you.
So, let’s raise a glass of high-quality, mineral-rich water and toast to life—because water truly is life.
I was born in Western Alaska during a winter storm on the Kuskokwim River steeped in the wisdom of knowing where my food comes from - catching salmon, gathering berries in the summer, and hunting Caribou and Moose in the fall and winter.
For many years I lived as a wanderer, finding work as a carpenter, welder, and mechanic throughout the West until I stumbled upon The Wilderness Awareness School which grounded me and reminded me of the old ways of living. Remembering that my purpose for being on this planet was to bring ceremony back to his lineage.
I found a home in Port Townsend Washington where I am currently reside, and work as a Structural Integrator (Rolfer), Holistic Health Coach, and a Rites of Passage guide running Wandering Bear Wellness.
In my spare time, you can find me singing rain down from the sky, meditating, studying, fishing, and midnight flower picking.