I like the idea of a river’s motion and indefinite length as being liberating.  But I’m pondering corresponding aspects of a lake that might also be liberating: the lack of motion allowing you to float on its surface looking up at the sky?

Clearly, we need an essay on the liberating influences of rivers and lakes.  Your submissions are welcome as long as they’re sparkling, limpid, and have depth.

‘A river is superior to a lake in its liberating influence.  It has motion and indefinite length.’  2 July 1858

Source: Henry David Thoreau, The Journal 1837-1861, Damion Searls (ed.), preface by John R. Stilgoe (New York: New York Review Books, 2009), p. 502

Photo credit: Andrew Bertram at unsplash