The Water Challenge: A New Perspective for your Mind, Body & Soul

rainmaking
Feb 14, 2017
5 min read

I’m sure you’re all aware of the water challenge-- you may have even seen people carrying around gallon jugs of the stuff on campus or at work. Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in water in the health and wellness world, and it’s no surprise given the amazing benefits that recent research has promised. Turns out hydration can increase your energy and relieve fatigue, flush out toxins, promote weight loss, improve skin complexion, maintain internal regularity, relieve and prevent headaches/cramps/sprains, and improve your mood and focus.

Hell yeah, I want clear skin, increased productivity, and better sleep! Who doesn’t?!

But when I planned to take on the water challenge for February, I was talking about a different kind of H2O love:

In the 1990’s, a Japanese author and researcher, Dr. Masaru Emoto, performed a series of experiments with water. Have you heard of them? (If not, I'm about to rock your world!)

He wanted to observe the physical effects the water’s environment had on its crystalline structure. Essentially, how words and thoughts influenced the makeup of the water.

After exposing the water to different variables, Emote froze the water and hired photographers to capture the results (which are nothing short of remarkable). Take a look—

Water before prayer and positive visualization:

Water after prayer and positive visualization:

Water repeatedly barraged with negative thoughts and words for an extended period of time:

Water repeatedly thanked and exposed to appreciation and love for an extended period of time:

Compare the above pictures to the polluted water of the Biwako Lake and the clean water of the Shimanto River:

Um... WHAT. This is crazy, isn't it??

Emoto's experiments prove that emotional energies and vibrations have a real impact on the structure of water. And let me just add one more little detail to the significance of this study…

Our bodies are 60% water. Try to get your mind around that.

If Emoto has taught us anything, it’s that the way we speak to ourselves and feel about ourselves matters because we literally become the very energy we give off. If we want our bodies to feel as good and beautiful as those snowflake crystals, we have to treat it like the good and beautiful crystal it is rather than polluting it with negativity and hate! We must stop trying to shame ourselves into growth— we have the power, with discipline in positivity and self-love, to actually change the makeup of our body and mind.

So I’ll be drinking extra water this February to remind me of the affects my thoughts and words have on my body. With every sip, I’m going to try to say a positive affirmation and really sit in those good vibes.

Scientifically, we know that repeated positive reinforcement not only has the power to change our molecular structure, but it can also carve new neuropathways in our brains… This means that soon I won’t have to think so hard to speak kindly to myself— it will just come natural. When I drink water, my brain will literally automatically go to that positive place, because I have conditioned it to do so. How refreshing, am I right?! I’m talking about a water challenge that’s good for your body and your mind and your spirit. Now that’s what I call holistic health!

So no, I won’t be carrying around a gallon jug or trying to shove 128oz of water into my system every day. As much as I respect the original water challenge participants, research now shows I can reap the benefits with a smaller quantity of water (and not have to spend the entire day walking between my desk and the bathroom). The main benefits actually come from simply choosing water over artificial and sugary beverages, not the quantity of water that you drink!

My concrete goal is to drink two to three water bottles a day (the reusable bottle I carry around is 21oz). That’s at least 50 hydrating and self-lovin’ sips.

Alright, you may still be trying to wrap your head around it, but you know the why.

Here's the how:

Tips for drinking more water:

Keep water on your bedside table and drink a glass when you first wake up. Not only is your body pretty dehydrated upon waking (it’s just gone at least seven hours without any sort of liquid), but it’s also super important to rise and begin your positive-thinking routine. What better way to set the stage for a good day than waking up and loving on yourself?
Also, drink a glass before going to bed. End your day the way you started! And no matter what happened today, remind yourself that you are good and deserving of all the love and good vibes.
Try to drink water while you eat. Not only does it help your body to digest your food better, but it also helps your mind to slow down and be present at meal times. As you drink, you can speak kindly to your body and listen to what it’s trying to tell you, too. This is a great space to start creating some awareness of your body cues (Are you hungry? What fuel do you need? What food do you desire? Are you full?) and learning to trust and accept your body while eating rather than hating or punishing it.
Carry a (reusable) bottle with you all day and set it in visible spaces on your desk or in your car, etc.
Drink with a straw (it’s more fun, and apparently the “mindlessness” of sucking on a straw makes us actually drink more water unintentionally)!

What's a positive affirmation anyways? Here are some of my recent favorites: