Wakatobi and The Blue Mind

There is an emerging school of scientific thought that supports the idea of the “blue mind.”

This phenomenon is described as a mildly meditative state of calm unity and a sense of general well-being that is evoked when humans are near or in water.Of course, this hardly comes as a surprise to those of us who dive and snorkel, especially when we do so at beautiful locations such as Wakatobi.

The Brain On Blue

The concept of the blue mind was first popularized by marine biologist Dr. Wallace Nichols. After devoting his early career to turtle research, Nichols became increasingly intrigued by the ways that the human mind interacts and connects with water, especially blue water. His subsequent research led to the publication of a best-selling book 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.
“There are numerous cognitive and emotional benefits that we derive every time we spend time by water, in water or underwater,” Nichols says. We are drawn to water, because we come from, and are still largely made of water, he adds. In fact, the human body is about 60 percent water, and the brain is 75 percent water. “When you see water, when you hear water, it triggers a response in your brain that you’re in the right place.”

It's a scientifically established fact that the atmosphere at a beach or on the ocean contains elevated levels of negatively charged ions. Research has shown that these ions cause the human brain to release mood-enhancing serotonin, and to reduce blood lactate levels. As neurologists and psychologists turned their attention to the effects of water environments on brain activity, they found scientific evidence that validates Nichols’ concepts of the blue mind.

Using imaging techniques such as CT, PET and MRI scans, researchers have shown that proximity to water will increase the levels of certain “feel-good” hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin within the human brain. At the same time, levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop. Equally interesting are indications that the human brain seems to prefer the color blue to all others, and that proximity to water increases the brain’s ability to focus. Additionally, being in or near the water amplifies the calming effect that is elicited when humans are in contact with the natural world.

The pleasures of red and blue

In addition to the relaxed state of the blue mind, brain study has also identified an alternate state known as the red mind. When a person is in a state of red mind, they produce higher levels of stress hormones and place the brain on a higher state of alert. There are times when the red mind state is desirable, as it heightens survival instincts and provides the motivation needed to address demanding and difficult situations or to adapt to new and unfamiliar environments. What Nichols and other researchers find most interesting is that the interplay between blue mind and red mind states can occur when a human enters the water.
In general, the underwater world provides a predictable and calming setting, which induces a state of relaxed blue mind. But as all divers and snorkelers know, the underwater realm is also an ever-changing place where the unexpected can appear at any given moment. Even in a relaxed state, some part of the brain continues to look for the unexpected. Unexpected events will trigger a brief surge of the red mind, causing the brain to release dopamine, which creates a sense of surprise and novelty.

Nichols considers the interplay of red and blue mind that takes place near water to be a positive experience. “In or near water, there’s a high degree of predictability,” he says. “The background we see is fairly controlled, which allows part of the brain to relax. Against that consistent background, the brain continues to search for something that wasn’t there before, since the essence of survival is the correct interpretation of things that don’t fit in the landscape. Because bodies of water change and stay the same simultaneously, we experience both soothing familiarity and stimulating novelty. This is regularity without monotony, the perfect recipe for triggering a state of involuntary attention in which the brain’s default network essential to creativity and problem-solving gets triggered.” This dreamy state of involuntary attention is a key characteristic of the blue mind,” he says, “and it is this balance between red and blue mind offers us an opportunity to achieve optimum happiness by maintaining an equilibrium between action and restoration.”

Blue minds at Wakatobi

Can a visit to Wakatobi create a state of blue mind? The comments and memories that our guests share in many ways mirror Dr. Nichols’ findings. “When I’m drifting with the current on a reef at Wakatobi, I feel relaxed and at peace with the world,” says guest Chim Carlson. Kathy Beech agrees. “The reefs and fish come in all colors of the rainbow and surrounding it all are the blues in every shade -from the deep indigos of the depths to the cobalt of the sky and turquoise of the shallows. That’s what comes to mind when I close my eyes and think back to a dive.”
Kathy has visited Wakatobi two times, most recently with her husband Jim. They share memories that mirror the mixture of red and blue mind that occurs when diving. “At Wakatobi, you can switch off mentally and relax in an aquarium-like environment, but then there’s also the excitement of seeing an unusual creature you’ve never seen before, or one behaving in a memorable way,” She says. “We were both delighted and surprised by the sheer variety of interesting life that you find at what looks, from the surface, like a perfectly unassuming location. The muck diving sites such as Asphalt Pier we visited from Pelagian were filled with unexpected discoveries that filled my dive logbook.”

In addition to the mental relaxation of diving at Wakatobi, Kathy says she enjoys an enhanced sense of physical well-being. “I feel fitter and more flexible after diving,” she says. “Though it’s not strenuous, diving and snorkeling is a great form of exercise for toning both body and mind. It also allows me to indulge in the wonderful food the chefs at Wakatobi and aboard Pelagian prepare, and not put any weight on. I actually returned home a couple of pounds lighter – and that’s after having the famous Pelagian ‘2 breakfasts a day’ for a week.” The exercise and fresh air also promote restful sleep, she says.

For guest Lisa Carroll, the blue mindset began even before she arrived at Wakatobi. “Looking over the ocean while flying in, and realizing we would explore this vast area, gave me the adventurous yet peaceful mindset for our trip,” she says. “Being in the ocean creates a sense of freedom and peace. It’s not just the weightlessness of being in the water, it's the total experience of watching the marine life going about their daily activities and disconnecting from your own routines.”
Lisa has lasting memories of Wakatobi that range from seeing dolphins frolic in the bow wave of the Pelagian to witnessing the mating rituals of the mandarin fish at Magic Pier. Most of these memories are couched in shades of blue, she says. “Everything from the deep crystal blue hues at the drop-off, to the light blue pastels at the reef’s peak is what has stayed in my mind and often comes back to me, sometimes when I most need to chill out,” she says.

In the coming years, neuroscientists and psychologists are likely to continue their study of the blue mind. Meanwhile, those of us who know and love Wakatobi don’t need research to confirm what we’ve already experienced. Spending time here in or under the water will not only allow you to relax and put your mind at ease, it can also revitalize your spirits and leave you with an enhanced sense of clarity and purpose. This may very well be the best therapy of all.

Come discover the unique, enriching and relaxing experience you have dreamed of and will treasure forever. Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip inquiry at [url=https://www.wakatobi.com ]www.wakatobi.com [/url]

Out quotes

“When you see water, when you hear water, it triggers a response in your brain that you’re in the right place.” Dr. Wallace Nichols
“Diving at Wakatobi always evokes a sense of calmness, allowing the mind to go where it wants to go, but at the same time giving you a new sense of energy, and an appreciation for the things you want to do, and not the things you have to do.” - Lisa Carroll