Scientist and Activist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols on ”Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Connects Our Brain to Water”

“Now it’s time to update my grandfather’s words by explaining them, and, by doing so, changing our understanding of our place on the planet, who we are, and what goes on inside and between us. It’s about reconnecting our sense of self and soul with our waterways and oceans. It’s about finding our creativity, clarity, and confidence in our deep Blue Minds.” Celine Cousteau, who opens up Wallace J. Nichols’ Blue Mind book, with a fascinating look into the depths of the ocean, reminding us of the words that meant the most to her from her grandfather, the great, Jacques Cousteau, that “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. People protect what they love.” Watch this interview on YouTube here https://youtu.be/wwx1jrHj33c On today's EPISODE #297 "Blue-Mind: The Surprising Science That Connects Our Brain to Water" we will cover: ✔ What made Dr. Wallace J. Nichols connect the mysteries of the ocean, to our brain. ✔ How he gathered research for this book, and made real world connections between neuroscience and the water, never explored before. ✔ Why we are often more connected, emotional and happier around water. ✔ What Dr. Nichols noticed when he wore a waterproof EEC cap and measured his brain while swimming in the ocean. ✔ How Blue Mind can help us to become more self-aware, and move us towards freedom, possibility, wonder and hope. ✔ Easy ways we can all access and practice Blue Mind, especially on World Blue Mind Day, this Sunday July 23rd.        Welcome back to Season 10 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning (that’s finally being taught in our schools today) and emotional intelligence training (used in our modern workplaces) for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren’t taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I’m Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 5 years ago with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to uncover the most current research that would back up how the brain learns best, taking us ALL to new, and often unimaginable heights.    For today’s episode #297, we are diving into the depths of the ocean, and learning about some concepts that Dr. Wallace J Nichols[i] has discovered that he calls “Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, or Under Water, Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected and Better at What You Do.”  When I was first introduced to Dr. Nichols, I was on a summer vacation with the family and just packing up our trip next to the clearest, bluest water I have ever seen on Grace Bay, in Turks and Caicos. My friend and Performance Coach Luke DePron, from EP 90[ii] sent me an introduction to Dr. Nichols for our podcast, and when I saw his book, I couldn’t have been more excited. I always want to understand the “why” behind certain things, and the ocean (and water in general) is something I’ve always been fascinated with. I took one look at Dr. Nichols’ book, Blue Mind, and I was instantly captivated. He asks some of the questions I’ve always wondered: What is water, and Why are we as humans so enthralled by it? Then I looked at the cover of the book, and the tagline got me thinking more: What happens to me when I’m swimming in water? Why do I suddenly feel more creative than I do when I’m sitting at my desk? Or more connected to others? What happens to me when I dive down to the bottom of the ocean? Now I’m reading Dr. Nichols’ book, hoping to answer these questions, and also a bit surprised that I never thought of the brain/water connection. If you’ve been following this podcast for some time, you’ll know that I’ve been working on the brain/and learning connection and neuroscience is helping the field of education