Half Mermaid Journal Edition 12
Welcome to the 12th Edition of the fortnightly Half Mermaid Journal.
If you are new to the journal, a warm welcome! Thank you for joining us and we hope our offerings serve you well!
We are changing a few things around, in response to feedback and how the path ahead is unfolding. We are always listening and want to be of service. Please get in touch through any channel, including in person, as we would love your feedback and ideas.
Quotes we loved:
“I am the shore and the ocean, awaiting myself on both sides.”Dejan Stojanovic, The Shape
“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.”
Christina Baldwin
Half Mermaid in water light, Seaford
Journaling questions we are pondering:
Do you catch yourself not saying what needs to be said, withholding your truth in order to protect another's feelings or an attempt to control what unfolds?
What is the cost of not speaking your truth? For you and the other person’s growth.
This week’s blog post: I go off grid - every swim.
Sometimes when the walls you have built around you start to crack, you need to stare into what is on the other side and just let the water flood in.
One new thing we learnt this week:
Cold water swimming seems to have a positive effect on insulin metabolism, although here too, the effect appears to be sex-specific. In a field study, 30 cold water swimmers were examined for six months with regard to body composition and insulin sensitivity. The chilled water swimmers were overweight compared to a control group and had a higher percentage of body fat with differences between the sexes. For female and swimmers with lower body fat percentage, there was an increased insulin sensitivity as well as a reduction in insulin secretion and resistance .(1) Adding this to the ‘Why I love winter swimming'‘ list!
(1) National Library of Medicine in the article “Cold Water Swimming—Benefits and Risks: A Narrative Review” You can read more here.
Full moon setting, Queenscliff, Winter Solstice
What we are listening to:
Brene and Ashley on Living BIG, Parts 1 and 2 Episodes from Brene Brown’s Podcast “Unlocking Us”.
This resonated with me in a couple of ways, firstly because there have been times I have felt the anger, fury, resentment shared by Brene as it conflicted with her sense and values of generosity, integrity and boundaries; in how we relate to others around us. It certainly pinged me on my own sense of self righteousness at times. It also resonated with me because my growth in this space has come from being in the water. Where Brene refers to higher authorities, for me this is nature and the water. The water has taught me to value boundaries including my own, has taught me a sense of generosity larger than life, and what it feels like when ‘my cup is full’. This episode also inspired the blog post shared above.
Have a listen (and a laugh) and I hope the conversation serves you well. You will find links below to the episodes, which are also available on all major platforms.
Brené Brown and Ashley Brown Ruiz on Living BIG, Part 1 of 2
Brené Brown and Ashley Brown Ruiz on Living BIG, Part 2 of 2
What is new at Half Mermaid:
Our first products are READY!!!! We are super proud of both:
The original, very first Half Mermaid hoodie, in the colour Storm by ascolour. With all the Half Mermaids in mind we selected a premium, high quality hoodie, that is not only warm, comfy and perfect for layering post swim or dip, each hoodie also saves approx. 7.2 500ml plastic bottles from landfill! And it looks great! Love the modelling of our Seaford Half Mermaids M, Ellie and Laura featured below and am forever grateful for their support!
We will be making wider announcements next week. You can check out the hoodie here.
The very first set of journaling cards as an introductory set of prompts titled “The Water and Me''. These cards are a perfect way to start a deeper enquiry into your open water, wild swimming or dipping practice. Powerful questions will help you explore your relationship with your body, your breath, your inner dialogue and more. You can find our more here.
And …the second Half Mermaid Podcast Episode is on it’s way and due to be released next week. We cant wait to share it with you!
Thank you for coming on the journey with us!
Till next week….
Winter Sun and Textured Water
Swim. Coffee. Journal. Live. Love. Repeat.
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.
Half Mermaid, PO Box 4012, Doncaster Heights 3109, Melbourne Australia