Ebb and Flow: How to Connect with the Patterns and Power of Water

by Easkey Britton

An exploration of water's power to heal us, inspire us and offer us spiritual meaning. This is a feminist reimagining of the meaning of power through the lens of water. Easkey offers a range of wellness practices to encourage the reader to connect with water as healer, restoring a relationship of care.

Our strength lies in being soft like water. This book is about the power we gain by connecting to water. It’s about how we can restore our relationship with the world's different bodies of water, and by doing so, restore both the water and ourselves. By sharing Easkey's own experiences as surfer and marine scientist, as well as those of many of her mentors who are at the forefront of water protection and activism around the world, it guides readers into reimagining the spirituality of water and restoring our innate connection with this lifeblood of the planet.

The book also provides the reader with water-inspired strategies to restore calm, reduce stress and soothe anxiety. These range from simple breathing and visualization exercises to undertaking a journey from a water source to the ocean in order to forge a deep connection with the water. The emphasis is as much on the benefit to water as it is to the individual, and on creating a culture of reciprocity and care. By regaining this lost connection with water, we learn to develop an empathic connection with the force of all life and in the process restore our own hearts and minds.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Environment

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Risha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indigenous knowledge has existed for millenia. Western science is only 200 years old. When we discuss and fight for our ocean and our climate, when we try and understand why we are drawn to our beaches, rivers and oceans, who better to ask, listen and champion than our traditional custodians?

I think this book is brilliantly researched. Britton cites scientists, Elders, artists, surfers and everyone in between to discuss our relationship with water. I especially love how she incorporates indigenous knowledge from around the world, and I wish this could be the standard in any history and natural history book. There's an understanding and wisdom there that the constraints of modern Western historical/scientific method don't seem to recognise/slowly coming to.

I really love and was challenged by the fact that we view natural elements around us in a reciprocative way. Especially with water. I love how Britton unpacks the symbiosim of water being a part of us, internally and externally, and viewing it as a living and moving thing, as opposed to something to serve us.

I can honestly go on about this book, but I really enjoyed it. I took away one star because just like moving water, this book never stays still. Britton moves from source to source and there was never much lingering on a particular idea. It became a little disjointed and overwhelming times. Especially in the first half of the book.

Overall though I her research and I feel I understand water a bit better and our relationship with it.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. It is quite spiritual, more than I usually read, but I really enjoyed it as I love experiencing water. The book is well written, the stories flow well and are accompanied by beautiful drawings. The journaling/thinking exercises are a nice touch.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC to read.

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ebb and Flow" is an extraordinary exploration of humanity's relationship with water, seamlessly blending scientific research, traditional wisdom, and practical guidance. Britain masterfully weaves together multiple disciplines – neuroscience, environmental studies, Indigenous knowledge, and wellness practices – to create a comprehensive understanding of water's role in our lives.
The book's strength lies in its balanced approach to personal and collective water relationships. From intimate practices like float therapy to global issues like environmental justice and water rights, each topic is treated with depth and nuance. The author presents complex concepts accessibly, supported by real-world examples and practical exercises.
Standout elements include:

Detailed exploration of water's neurological and emotional effects
Integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern science
Practical exercises for developing a personal water practice
Compelling discussion of environmental justice issues
Beautiful case studies from locations like Connemara and Lake Chad

While academic in its thoroughness, the book remains engaging and practical. It's both a scholarly work and a guidebook for developing a more conscious relationship with water. Particularly valuable for environmental educators, wellness practitioners, and anyone interested in developing a deeper connection with the natural world.
This book isn't just about water – it's about how we relate to our environment, our bodies, and each other. Essential reading for understanding our place in the global water cycle and our responsibility to protect it.

[Ruth Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible read covers so much - not just the sea, but rivers, saltmarshes, water deities, mythology, psychology, academic research in blue health. Its scope is impressive and, with each page, I felt myself carried along by a wave, not quite sure where it would take me next. Reading this is an amazing, watery journey, both inner and outer. As a fellow marine social scientist a lover of the sea, I particularly appreciated the thread running through the book that challenges the increasing, and often unquestioned, commodification of nature, as the most effective way to manage our water bodies, both freshwater and marine. Easkey Britton deftly weaves academic rigour and artistic vision together with a deeply embodied relationship with water, challenging us to look more deeply at our relationships with ourselves, each other and our blue planet.

[Shande Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was actually so much more holistic than I envisioned it to be when I started out. It really does cover everything - practical knowledge of waterbodies, where we get our water from, right down to the historical connection with water in society, to the scientific and psychological benefits, to spirituality and mythology. You can really tell that Easkey has such a love, passion and connection for and with water, and favourite part was the mini exercises that went along with each chapter. I grew up on the South-East coast of Ireland and connected deeply with her words. I liked it so much I will be purchasing this for my friends as gifts.

[Rebecca Van Der Veer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water 🩵

[Sandra Donegan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did try, I just couldn’t connect with this book. For me it’s a collection of rambling facts that overwhelmed me and left me wondering what the author was trying to convey.

[Rachel Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love everything Easkey writes. Her style and connection to water is refreshing, every time I read or listen to something she has written I leave inspired.

[Rosie Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book for water lovers I found it v soothing

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has always lived on the coast and has always felt a connection to the ocean and to water in general, I found this book to be a beautiful exploration of this relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.