We all have water stories to tell. Think back to your last lakeside holiday or bike ride down a riverbank, your last long walk on a beach or peaceful swim a calm sea…
What is it about this aquatic element that draws us in, time and time again?
It is precisely this question which Wallace J. Nichols sets out to answer in his book Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do. The Californian marine biologist dives headfirst into water science, neuroscience, biology and medicine to find out why water makes us happier and healthier human beings:
“Several years ago I came up with a name for this human-water connection: Blue Mind, a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment. It is inspired by water and elements associated with water (…).” (Nichols: Blue Mind)
Intuitively, we all recognise that water brings us joy. Many of us dream of owning a little cottage by a lake. We frantically flee the cities we call home to in search of relaxation in the great outdoors. In summer, we seize every opportunity to cool off in refreshing bodies of water. Nichols explores these behaviours and sensations.
He provides us with food for thought by surfacing scientific studies, conversations with water enthusiasts, and quotes from literature. In doing so, he strikes a sensitive chord in our lake-loving hearts:
“Fall more deeply in love with water in all its shapes, colors, and forms. Let it heal you and make you a better, stronger version of yourself. You need water. And water needs you now.” (Nichols: Blue Mind)
