Wallace J. Nichols
on the Magic of Water and the Blue Mind
“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
It’s always ourselves we find in the sea.” (E.E. Cummings)
For some, life’s calling lies right in their own eyes. If you stare into Dr. Wallace J. Nichols's eyes, you will see the whole Ocean. Water has been his lover, mother, life-giver and inspiration that allows him to unleash his inner truth, day after day.
Dr. Wallace J. has been called a “Keeper of the Sea" by GQ Magazine, a "Water Warrior" by Aquatics International, and a "Friend of the Sea" by Experience Life magazine. He is an entrepreneurial scientist, movement maker, renowned marine biologist, voracious Earth and idea explorer, bestselling author and speaker, and a very fun dad.
Words are his playground. He coined the #BlueMind concept, rewriting the water narrative, one that connects us to big ideas and each other: “Water unleashes the uninhibited child in all of us, unlocking our creativity and curiosity. I create because I'm called to. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It fulfils me in a way nothing else ever could.”
Thanks to his years of encouraging all of us to care for this beautiful Blue Marble World, J was presented the Champion of Change Award at the World Oceans Festival and won the NOGI Award, considered "the Oscar of the ocean world". He is the Chief Evangelist for Water (CEH2O) at the Blue Mind Movement, a Senior Fellow at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and a co-founder of Ocean Revolution, an international network of young ocean advocates. He is also the creator of SEE Turtles, an international sea turtle conservation network – and that’s because he really, really loves turtles!
In his 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, Wallace teaches us how to access the“blue mind state” and reestablish healthier, creative and regenerative relationships with ourselves, each other and Gaia, through water, wonder, wellness and wildlife. The inspiration you need if you are seeking a deeper connection to the mental health benefits of a life spent on, in, or near the water.
Blue Mind is the antidote that puts on mute the distractions, the anxiety, the noise, and the screens that keep us awake. The remedy that purifies our Red Mind, the alertness, the over-connectedness, the to-do lists, the grinding and the recipe for burnout that haunts us. Being in a state of blue mindfulness calms us, boosts our creativity and brings contentment. It can be an emotional health tool kit.
Practice #bluemind for life, read Dr. Wallace J. Nichols’s answers for Inspirators and never, ever forget what he preaches: everything is fluid – including your Self.
Thank you, J, for being a Blue Mind!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Dr. Wallace J. Nichols
Title: Marine Biologist and 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"
Website: wallacejnichols.org and patreon.com/bluemind
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallacejnichols/
Country of origin: USA
Country you currently live in: USA
Your personal definition of Regeneration: Practice #bluemind for life.
Main business challenge you face: Creating common knowledge.
Main driver that keeps you going: My relationship with water!
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: Resilience.
The trait you most value in others: Curiosity.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: Hearing mountain lions scream at night.
The #inspirators who determined you to take the regenerative path: Redwood trees and sea turtles!
A hint or starting point for companies or professionals that are taking the first steps in the regeneration journey: Regenerate yourself first!
Most used and abused clichés in sustainability that bother you: “I’m starting a movement” and any discussion of “mindset” (people usefully mean mindstate!).
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope: Jump in the water ASAP!
Books that had a great impact on you:
Log From The Sea of Cortez by John Steinbeck
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
Mary Oliver’s poetry
Must-reads for any regenerative professional: Brain Rules by John Medina.
Movies or Documentaries you would watch all over again: The Big Blue, Cool Hand Luke.
Blogs / Websites / Podcasts you visit frequently: Chris Ryan’s blog and podcast, Tangentially Speaking.
Music that makes you (and your heart) sing: Playing my guitar and singing songs with my daughters - any song, anywhere, any time!
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: Baja California Peninsula, Mexico.
Global Regenerative Voices you recommend us to follow:
Dr. Sylvia Earle, Force Blue
Dr. Tim Beatley
Dr. Dan Siegel
Trends in Regeneration we should keep an eye on: Emotional wellness as the foundation of a regenerative economy.
Best places for business networking (online or offline): Next to any water!
Events we should attend: Attend and support women’s sporting events.
Associations, business clubs, tribes you belong to – and why: Explorers Club, full of fascinating people and ideas.
Sustainable Development or Regeneration courses, trainings, or certifications that really teach us how to have an impact: Any workshop or training on breathwork or freediving.
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030: All of the solutions to all of the global and local crises and challenges are currently on our shelves.
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030: Unknown/unpredictable feedback loops.
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: Self-care / team care.
The #inspirator you are endorsing for a future edition of the newsletter is: Roger Sparks
The quote that inspires you:
“I’ve realized that I don’t do what I do well when panic or anger or fear are my energizing force.”
(David James Duncan)
Your own quote that will inspire us:
