Weekly Half Mermaid Journal Edition 10
Welcome to the 10th Edition of the Half Mermaid Weekly Journal. This week’s focus is none other than the imminent arrival of World Ocean Day, on the 8th June 2024.
If you are new to the weekly journal, a warm welcome! Thank you for joining us and we hope our offerings serve you well!
Quotes we loved:
“In sum, it does not matter if we are forgotten; what matters is the effect we have on those around us and those who come after us. What matters is how our own lives affect the larger, perpetual community of the living.”
Lynn Schooler, Walking Home: A Traveler in the Alaskan Wilderness, a Journey into the Human Heart
"With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live."
Sylvia Earle
Playful seal, Montague Island.
Journaling questions we are pondering:
This weeks focus, brings together two ideas: That of our close entwined connection to nature , and the effect we have on those around us and all things living. This week’s journaling question is inspired by both these:
If being in the water feeds your soul, what are some other things in your life that support you with good energy? What are ways in which you are giving back this energy to the larger ‘perpetual community of the living’? It could in tiny but powerful ways you have access to, it could be through art, resources, relationships, causes, there are no hard definitions.
How does giving feel compared to receiving this good energy?
This week’s blog post: World Ocean Day.
"No water, no life. No blue, no green."
Surely something of such unfathomable immensity is immune to a few degrees of temperature increases right?
As it turns out, this is not the case.
One new thing we learnt this week:
Thermohaline - the circulatory process of water currents driven by differences in the water’s density, the latter determined by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline) differences. This circulation plays a critical role in regulating our climate as it transports warm water from the tropical zones to the poles and vice versa. The warmer saltier water in the upper levels of the ocean does not often mix with the cooler, less salty water in the deeper ocean, with the exception of certain places like the equatorial waters, the North Atlantic Ocean around Greenland, Iceland, and the North Sea. ‘New’ water from the South is brought to the North via the Gulf Stream; and the water returns to the South Atlantic via the North Atlantic Deep Water current. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays a critical role as it links these systems and enables this process.
For a a more detailed explanation and a fantastic animation of this check out the NASA YouTube video here and here .
Bermagui, Open Ocean
What we are listening to:
This week, none other than Dr. Sylvia Earle, in a collection of podcasts she has been interviewed on. Lovingly referred to as her “Her Deepness”, due to her extensive work and exploration in the depths of the ocean; she is a world renowned Marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, author and educator. She has dedicated the majority of her 88 years on this blue planet working to protect the marine environment from threats such as climate change, pollution, habitat destruction and invasive species. Having spent more than 7000 hours underwater and completed more than 100 expeditions all over the world as Chief Scientist, Dr. Earle led the first all female aquanaut research team as part of the Tektite II, Mission 6 project, concurrently earning the record for the longest time spent living in an underwater fixed habitat by a female. Her life is well covered and celebrated, if you with to learn more about the queen of half mermaids you will find many resources online. Here are some of the podcasts we have enjoyed of her:
Sylvia Earle: Her Deepness, On Being with Krista Tippett
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle on Resilience, Hope and Mysteries of the Deep, Rich Roll Podcast
What is new at Half Mermaid:
Our very first set of Half Mermaid designed Journaling Cards have arrived! You will hear more about these on our social media platforms and our aim is to make them available next week through our website. Here is a sneak peak.
Half Mermaid Journaling Cards
Our second product is ready for pick up today! By the time you are reading this they will be in our little hands and we will be busily plotting their release along with the inaugural Half Mermaid challenge. Watch this space.
And…drumroll….. we are recording our first interview today as well! The intension of the interview series is to reach, connect, empower and inspire women, by sharing personal stories of challenge and growth; and the role being in the water has played in their life and wellbeing holistically. And we are super excited that our first guest is an amazing half mermaid carrying a story of courage and grit. Can’t wait to share this with you.
Thank you for coming on the journey with us!
Important note:
HalfMermaid is not a licensed mental health service and not a substitute for professional mental health assessment, treatment or advice. The journaling prompts and guides offered, are general in nature. If you are struggling, please see a healthcare professional or call the mental health support line in your locality.
Till next week….
Swim. Coffee. Journal. Live. Love. Repeat.
Half Mermaid, PO Box 4012, Doncaster Heights 3109, Melbourne Australia