What is Blue Mind?
Last week saw the commencement of the blue mind challenge, so it seemed appropriate to dedicate this week’s post to such an inspiring and audacious mission.
Open Water, Seaford
What is Blue Mind? Blue Mind theory sheds light on the profound impact that our natural environment, particularly water bodies, can have on our overall health and well-being. It is the term given to the theory and continuous scientific research dedicated to understanding and advocating the vast array of benefits associated with being near, in, under or on water. Led by Dr. Wallace J Nichols, this research has focuses on how exposure to water can have a calming effect on our minds, reducing stress and promoting general mental health. In his words Blue Mind is “ …a mildly meditative state, characterised by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment”. Blue mind is so much more though than the words that attempt to describe it here. It is a felt experience, a feeling most people know when they imagine, speak of or are near and on the water. It is "...something deeply connected, an ancient idea that is encoded in our neurological connections…in every culture, every spiritual tradition, every sacred text...refers to the emotional benefit of healthy water". (1)
Moreover, the concept of 'blue mind' extends beyond just being near water. It also emphasises the importance of maintaining a 'Blue' state of mind, characterised by calmness, focus, and a balanced emotional state. This is in contrast to Red and Grey Minds. The former denotes our mind state in the modern world which is busy, distracted, stressed and anxious, overwhelmed and task driven. The latter denotes a state of burnout, when our mind and body reach and pass the exhaustion threshold, when the well of care, meaning and purpose seems to have dried out and physical ailments manifest. Grey mind is definitely not a desired state, and whilst Red Mind has its purpose in progress and achievement, spending too much time in that state will lead to burnout. Blue Mind is an antidote to both.
Besides the psychological effects, the 'blue mind' theory also highlights the physiological benefits of being near water. This includes improved cardiovascular health and enhanced immune response. It's no wonder that various cultures around the world have long revered water for its healing properties and where communities come together and thrive.
Stepping back and looking at how human culture has evolved, this work also extends to the concept of Blue and Red Mind economies. Evolving our value system to better balance the harsh economic drivers of the modern world with 'perceptual values' (1), the softer but undeniable value water holds; the movement strives to break down the commoditisation of water and to bring better harmony in the economical, ecological and health equation. It is heartening to know that finally one of the biggest conversations on the planet, which is increasingly gaining momentum, is one about changing our relationship with nature and water. The Blue Mind Movement is one of the frontrunners this cause.
Merimbula, Southern NSW
Annual Blue Mind Summits have been running since 2011 and bring together the greatest minds in science, health, art, education, leadership, sport and other disciplines to progress global conversation and action advocating for the value, the fundamental necessity, of healthy water for all. The blue mind challenge is a world wide initiative that runs yearly from the 26th May for 100 days. 2024 denotes the 11th challenge. It encourages everyone to adopt a daily practice of being near, in, under or on the water. To take pause and appreciate the relaxation and release that comes with its sound, touch, smell and sight.
I realise I am preaching to a choir of merpeople, however I find I can never overstate the difference being in the open water has made for me and those around me. As someone who burnt out after years in the Red Mind mode of the corporate world, I have felt the healing benefits of water and Blue Mind. It is not only the physical and psychological benefits that have completely changed my life. Being in the open water regularly, has helped me reconnect deeply with myself, with my sense of awe and wonder and place in this world and time.
You can find out more about the Blue Mind Theory, Movement and events through the resources below. But most importantly I implore you to take time daily to imagine, be near, in, on or under the water. Be it a calming bath, a serene boat ride, swimming, surfing, or even just a gentle walk by the beach or river, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of water. In Dr. Wallace J Nichols own words: " ...Get in the water...Fall more deeply in love with water in all its shapes, colors and forms. Let it heal you and make you a better, stronger version of yourself. You need water. And water needs you now. I wish you water"(2).
Resources:
If you haven't already, the Blue Mind book is a great read. You can find in most bookshops, including online.
Find out more about the Blue Mind Movement here.
References:
(1.)Podcast: On Water: The Session Mag Episode: Dr. Wallace J Nichols unpacks how the healing benefits of Blue Mind Impacts our Health and Society (Link to Spotify, available on all platforms)
(2.) Blue Mind, Author Dr Wallace J Nichols, page 276