Drought. What immediately comes to mind? If you live west of the Mississippi River in the United States, water or lack there of is usually the first image that occurs. This morning’s news indicated that while California is getting some much needed rain, an estimated 6 to 7 inches over the next few days, they need over 47 inches to make up for the extended drought that is currently taking place in that region.
States like Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado are very familiar with drought. And even though this past year has helped – there are still areas behind in precipitation. The Oklahoma and Texas still have a number of counties that are listed as being in a severe drought. Still, it is not the worst it has ever been that distinction, for North America, is still held by 1934. (See a Science News Article) {The current United States Drought Map can be found here and current world conditions can be found here.} Water is a very precious commodity that many take for granted, yet wars have been fought over it. Boundaries are defined by it. And, movies plots are based on it – Interstellar, 2014; Leap of Faith, 1992, and The Man who Fell to Earth, 1976.
Because of this natural link to water, which is required for our very survival. The word drought is a very powerful thing. There can be droughts of kindness, droughts of thought, and a drought of feeling. In today’s society, as evidenced by just turning on the television and watching the news; there is a drought of understanding and connection to ones own neighbor, and potentially even to ones self. We have lost our sense of connection both to others and to our natural world.
It is time to reconnect. To make the links between where the water from the tap or the milk in the refrigerator comes from. It is not just a pipe or the local grocery store. For water there is a grand cycle – rain to ground to ponds, creeks rivers, underground reservoirs, and oceans, then evaporation back to clouds and back to rain. Yet, for its presence; too much can be a hazard, in the form of snow or excess rain, and too little have a huge impact. Almost 800 million people (water.org) do not have access to clean water.
During this season, let us begin to reconnect. Make links. Show connections between individuals. Show the things that we have in common, rather than our differences. Look at cycles. Look for chances to renew bonds. Look for the good and fulfilling – rather than the barrenness that drought in all its forms brings.
sophicpursuits 