“The face of the water, in time, became a wonderful book— a book that … told its mind to me without reserve, delivering its most cherished secrets as clearly as if it uttered them with a voice.” —Mark Twain

Scientific evidence says that yes, in fact, water has healing power.

Scientists say that boating on a gentle waterway raises serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, you probably already know, is a body chemical that stimulates muscles, sends messages between nerve cells, and regulates body processes. In its packaged form, many people find it produces restful sleep. In addition, science has found that rafting white water stimulates the natural high of norepinephrine, which raises blood sugar levels and the healthy release of dopamine, essential to the central nervous system.

Gazing on water may not have been so well-studied, but I’m sure it has a healing power, too. “A view of the water” is the preference of nearly every vacationer and diner, whether that water is a sea, river, lake, creek, or pond. Gazing on water makes us feel serene.

Even city dwellers can gaze on water by building their own pond, if they have a small deck available. You can make a water garden in an old, cast-iron tub found at flea markets, junkyards, and in the sheds of countless country properties. Fill it with water, drop in some water lilies in submerged pots, add free-floating water hyacinth and water lettuce (their roots will keep the water clear), and goldfish, if you like. No maintenance required, except occasionally adding water.

Now, sit back and gaze at the glint of sun on the water, stir to the flash of fins, and enjoy.