The Healing Power of the Ocean
You have probably heard the phrase “vitamin sea,” but did you know that being exposed to natural bodies of water, also known as blue spaces, truly does have a positive impact on our health and well-being?
Most of us can recall a story from when we were young and first dipped our toes into some cold, salty ocean water. There is no doubt that the ocean has a positive impact on our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Research shows that spending time by the ocean can improve mood, decrease anxiety, and promote feelings of relaxation.
Dr. Wallace J Nichols author of Blue Mind writes about the importance of our connection to water. His writing demonstrates how proximity to the ocean can also improve performance, promote calm, and increase professional success.
There is something calming, yet so empowering about digging our feet beneath the sand or letting go and being gently tossed around by the waves. The ocean is almost therapeutic. After spending time by the ocean, we leave feeling more connected to ourselves and to the planet.
It is believed that less than 7% of the world’s oceans have been explored, leaving 95% yet to be discovered. We travel the world in hopes of experiencing the indescribable healing power of the ocean.
Historical Evidence
Since the dawn of time, humans have known the healing properties of the ocean. In Mesopotamia, Enki the God of the ocean was associated with wisdom, magic, art, healing, and fertility. In South Africa, ocean water is used in a variety of rituals meant to heal both the physical body and spiritual mind. These ancient healing practices are passed down through generations by ancestors.
The Greeks used seawater for purification. They held many rituals by the shore and some festivals even required throwing offerings to the Gods into the ocean. Today, researchers continue to study the positive effects of the ocean. Studies have found that living in coastal areas increases creativity and makes us more capable of connection.
Engage Your Senses
Hearing ocean waves has been shown to produce a deep state of relaxation. While abrupt noises trigger our fight or flight response, ocean sounds do the exact opposite. The slow back and forth of the water acts as a gentle, non-threatening sound. Our brain processes this and puts us into a meditative state which can even improve our sleep.
The color blue is associated with feeling calm and at peace. One study found that blue is associated with a boost of creativity. Another found that looking out onto the big blue ocean actually alters our brain waves.
Even the smell of the ocean air contributes to a relaxed state of being. This may have something to do with the negative ions in the air. These oxygen atoms found by the ocean have an extra electron.
It is evident that the ocean offers us valuable ways to engage our senses. There is power in acknowledging the transformative properties of the ocean. The ocean is overflowing with mystery and wonder. Given that the human body is made up of about 70% water, it seems only natural that we are captivated by the ocean.
This spiritual connection we have with the ocean can be understood through the concept of the divine feminine. Despite this name, we must remember that regardless of gender, the energy of the ocean flows through us all. After doing this research, I intend to spend as much time by the ocean as I possibly can this summer. So, join me in soaking up some vitamin sea.
