Why are we drawn to water, whether the ocean, a lake or a river? Why does being near water set our minds and bodies at ease?
In Blue Mind, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols revolutionizes how we think about these questions, revealing hidden truths about the benefits of being in, on, under or simply near water. Weaving the latest neuroscience with anecdotes from athletes, scientists, veterans and artists, Nichols shows how proximity to water can diminish anxiety, enhance creativity, increase success and improve our overall health and well-being.
As Craig Orr, past executive director of Watershed Watch, says: “Our brains and well-being are literally hard-wired to water.”
Orr gives talks on the connection between healthy watersheds and healthy people. In addition to Blue Mind, he shares about shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Medical research on nature therapy shows how time spent in nature can lower blood pressure and heart rates, improve immune systems and elevate levels of cancer-killing proteins.
Four years ago this month, Metro Vancouver produced its Ecological Health Action Plan, outlining commitments to:
• protect and restore a network of interconnected habitat and green space;
• account for ecosystem services (i.e., the ways in which nature works to clean air, soil and water; pollinate plants; and protect shorelines and groundwater aquifers, for example);
• and enhance the connection between people and nature.
The David Suzuki Foundation authored two reports on “natural capital” in the Lower Mainland, estimating the non-market economic value of forests, fields, wetlands and waterways at $5.4 billion a year — roughly $2,462 per person per year.
The leading authority on natural capital, the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), released a study that found nature provides trillions of dollars in ecosystem services each year. The TEEB are now focusing on water and wetlands, which they consider to be “the foundation for the social, economic and environmental well-being of humanity across the globe.”
Expanding the ecological services conversation to include the vast array of cognitive and emotional benefits offered by healthy ecosystems means that others sectors besides the conservation and environmental fields, are beginning to share the Blue Mind message: health and well-being; education and parenting; arts, design and architecture; real estate and planning; travel and leisure; and, sports and recreation.
Experiencing Nature
Here in southwestern B.C., which is characterized by a moderate climate, we are able to enjoy the outdoors year-round. With that in (blue) mind, consider:
• Getting unplugged: Make the David Suzuki Foundation’s challenge — spending 30 minutes in nature every day — a reality.
• Improving life at the office: Bring plants to your workplace, display pictures of nature, use natural materials and seek daylight (naturehood.ca/blog/2015-06-Nature-Office-Tips.html)
• Commuting actively: Back in April, I wrote an article entitled, “How to get from A to B in a healthier and happier way.” ( issuu.com/blackpress/docs/i20150420165751201/21)
• Hugging a tree; thanking a bee: As well-known Canadian artist, teacher and conservationist Robert Bateman says, “We only care about what we know about.” Visit batemancentre.org/learn/ for K-12 ideas and opportunities.
• Joining the Blue Dot movement: Encourage your city council to adopt the declaration — our inherent right to clean air, water and soil — and to consider Natural Capital in day-to-day decision-making (bluedot.ca).
Melissa Chaun of Port Moody is an ecologist with a passion for all things sustainable. She began her environmental career in the U.S. and has a certificate in Sustainable Community Development. She volunteers on various city committees and is currently co-ordinating the monthly meetings for Tri-City Greendrinks. Her column runs monthly.
