How oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers can heal body, mind, and spirit
Out of Africa author Isak Dinesen once wrote, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.”
This month while you’re experiencing sweat (but hopefully not tears), I encourage you to also spend time near the sea…or an ocean, lake, or river.
Why? Because large bodies of water have an enormous energetic imprint that benefits mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s take a closer look at the healing benefits of the waters found in nature.
“Taking the waters” is as old as civilization
Water is so abundant on Earth, it’s nicknamed the “water planet.” For thousands of years, water has been one of the main reasons why humans have settled in certain areas.
So it’s no surprise that healing traditions have long been linked to water. In fact, many civilizations believe the water element is key to balancing the body and creating physical harmony.
Ancient Ayurvedic wisdom about healing originated in the Indus River Valley and then migrated with the Hindu civilization to the banks of the Ganges River. And ancient Chinese traditional healing practices arose in the Yellow River Valley and came to dominate east and southeast Asia.
Rivers have long been seen as healing places, symbolizing rebirth, cleansing, and salvation. Indeed, in ancient Greece, philosophers observed that you could never step into the same river twice, as the flowing water was continually passing. (Or as we say now, “going with the flow.”)
Of course, rivers aren’t the only source of healing waters. Baths were a central feature of ancient Roman life for cleansing, relaxation, and social connection. And in both ancient and modern times in Europe and America, people travel to spas, springs, and mineral baths to “take the waters.”
Today, water is also a source of recreation. We vacation on oceans or lakes, and get our exercise through healthy water sports like swimming, skin diving, and sailing.
Even the blue color of water can be healing
I recently read an interesting interview with marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do.
One of Nichols’ premises is that we’re naturally drawn to the aquatic hue of blue. Even though the human eye can distinguish more subtle shades of green than any other color. (This is probably because our eyes evolved in an environment that was dominated by plant life and the characteristic green of chlorophyll.)
People say they associate blue with calm, depth, openness, and wisdom. In fact, Nichols says we actually have “blue minds” — which he describes as a meditative state of calm, peacefulness, and unity, along with a sense of happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.
Interestingly, Nichols says this same state is triggered when we’re on or near water. Simply rolling in the ocean surf, floating in a pool, or listening to flowing water can help us achieve a blue mind.
Why? I think it’s because being around water can be like an “immersive” experience, where we are cut off from overstimulation to see only the flat expanse of water, feel only the flow of water, and hear only the waves, the trickling stream, or babbling brook. It is simplified, natural sound that “drowns” out the noise.
The canvas and movements of water against sky can also be mesmerizing. We can be focused but relaxed — not with intense concentration, but with watchful waiting.
We’re made of water, after all
Of course, missing from Wallace’s musings are the profound energetics of water. Especially in our bodies, which are mostly water.
Energetic resonances of the body’s water are thought to connect the effects of many different kinds of natural healing. Ultimately, healing substances and procedures simply modulate the body’s energy to bring balance and healing.
So, this summer, whether you are having a “rhapsody in blue” (with George Gershwin), your “love is blue” (thanks to Paul Mauriat and Pierre Cour) or you’re just “tangled up in blue” (with Bob Dylan) — and that’s not even “the blues” — go down to the sea and get into a “blue mind.”
And take along a copy of Moby Dick by Herman Melville (1851). In my opinion, it is the best book ever written about the sea, or just plain ever written, in America. (For Japan, I would have to say Yukio Mishima’s The Sound of Waves is an amazing story by an amazing author).
Just follow Melville’s opening lines:
“Call me Ishmael. Some years ago — never mind how long precisely — having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul…and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off — then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.”
[SIDEBAR]
Taking the healing power of water to the next level with my new breakthrough
Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the health- and vitality-promoting power of my own, new “blue water” breakthrough — CoreForce BioBlend.
Actually, CoreForce harnesses the tremendous power of blueberries, along with baobab (the most nutritionally dense fruit on the planet), rosehips (which I told you about in detail in the February 2016 issue of Insiders’ Cures), aspal (essential for cellular hydration and superior performance), and a natural, antioxidant-rich sweetener from China called luo han guo.
I’ve combined all of these scientifically studied, revitalizing, anti-aging ingredients into one simple, delicious drink mix.
I spent years researching, refining, and testing this formula. And based on the science, I knew it had the potential to offer incredible benefits for just about every aspect of overall health. In fact, it goes far beyond the hyped-up “superfood” blends you see the “natural-know-it-alls” peddling.
When I tried CoreForce myself, I was actually surprised at just how quickly it worked. In fact, I’ve never felt such a powerful and dramatic effect right away…It instantly sharpens my focus, improves my mood, and enhances my energy level. Each and every time I drink it.
I’ve been sharing it with my family and friends, and they all report the same instantaneous benefits. Plus, it tastes delicious! Like a very light, crisp, refreshing glass of iced tea. (A far cry from those grassy, goopy “superfood smoothies” you see in expensive health food stores.)
So I encourage you to mix up a refreshing, rejuvenating glass of CoreForce to enjoy while you’re relaxing on the beach, by the pool, or at the lake this summer, soaking up the soothing benefits the cool, blue water has to offer — both inside and out. You’ll be glad you did.
You can order CoreForce BioBlend by clicking here or by calling 1-800-292-5808 and asking for order code EOV2S8AB.