tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529644.post-55172179232787588522008-05-11T19:33:00.004-06:002008-05-12T08:17:21.194-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jimandchris.com/weblog05/20051001_barton-springs-pool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.jimandchris.com/weblog05/20051001_barton-springs-pool.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We Earthlings are blessed with an abundance of water. Water covers 75% of our fine planet and makes up about 78% of the human body. Perhaps because I was raised in a family where a sailboat has always been one of our prized possessions, I have a natural connection to and adoration for being around and immersed in H2O. To me, the term, "holy water" is redundant: all water is holy, whether it's "officially" blessed or not. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church. Water was sprinkled on my forehead in a rite practiced to save my soul from limbo should I die as a baby. Now, in adulthood, diving into a lake or pool is like being baptized in the best way. Natural, immediate, present-moment connection to the universe!<br /><br />Here in Austin, there is a special place called <a href="http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm">Barton Springs</a> in which thousands are baptized and re-baptized all summer long. Some brave souls even take dips in the natural spring-fed body of water in the chill of winter! According to the City of Austin, Native Americans called it the Sacred Springs and went there to heal their wounds. Spanish friars believed to be the first European settlers in Austin set up three temporary missions at the springs in 1730 before they moved to San Antonio. Devotees relish swimming in the expanse of spring water that averages 68 degrees year round and is framed by century-old pecan trees. Those who plunge down under the diving board to look at the main spring, which pumps an average of 27 million gallons of water a day, say that the pulsating action reminds them of a steady heartbeat. <br /><br />It is a soulful, beautiful place where sunbathers, readers, yogis, snorkelers and floaters of all ages cohabitate in harmony. Admission is $3 for adults, but it's free from 9 to 10 o'clock each night for brave night swimmers. I went there last night with my roommate. As I stood at the edge counting down to jump in, I really wanted to chicken out. All my poetic notions about Barton Springs baptism of 2008 dissolved into the cool evening air. But, I did it, and I screamed, and I swam my heart out and warmed up after about 5 minutes. And it was wonderful.Michellenoreply@blogger.com