So many of us flock to the ocean in the summer. What do you think about when you look out at the ocean? Cooling off? Relaxation? A summer state of mind? How does being by the ocean impact you?
I pondered just that, when my sister Lois and I had a precious beach getaway in Spring Lake. On a warm and windy June day, we sat peacefully in our beach chairs staring out at the endless expanse of ocean. “When you gaze at the ocean what does it make you think about?” I asked Lois.
“For me, it’s no limits to good energy and good possibilities. The ocean goes in and goes out. The more good you give the more good that comes back to you.” I saw a sense of peacefulness set in as my sweet sister reflected.
“Hmmm,” I contemplated her thoughts. “It makes me think of going beyond limits. Expanding our mind, heart, and beliefs to be open to one another and our own greater possibilities.”
We each saw limitlessness and positive possibilities. Just describing the oceans’ gifts to us made us feel blessed, grateful and oh so peaceful.
When I was home I asked the same question of some friends. Lynnie who ocean gazes at the Pacific said, “Land, sea and sky unite. What I’m looking at is being looked at by millions. I feel part of the community of humanity.” Jere said, “I see all possibilities from calm to stormy. I see the sparkle and beauty of the surface but what’s below is a mystery.”
Pondering the majesty of the ocean transported each of us. My curiosity was piqued. I wondered what science and psychologists had to say about the impact of ocean gazing on us humans.
The Ocean’s Good for Us Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually
No surprise, right? Here’s the facts that gave me an aha moment:
· Staring at the ocean changes our brain waves’ frequency and put us in a meditative state. (No effort meditating!)
· Proximity to water releases feel good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. (No wonder we feel so relaxed and happy by the sea or any body of water.)
· The sound of waves activates our parasympathetic nervous system which slows down the brain and promotes relaxation. (A triple dose of inner calm!)
· The color blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace. (Ahhhh)
· Sitting by the ocean is a break from work and activity. It gives us time to contemplate (as me and my dear ones did) and start looking at life from a larger more positive perspective.
I hope I’ve inspired you to make time to do some ocean gazing. It can make you feel more relaxed and enlivened on every level of your being and help you put things in perspective. Wishing you a great rest of your summer!
Want to make the ocean-state-of-mind your everyday reality? Contact me for a free September coaching session to explore how. gail@uppcoach.com Check out my website for more info on coaching www.uppcoach.com
