In this article I thought I would take a slight diversion from my usual topics. I recently got back from a holiday to Greece where the sea and being in the sea was a major focus of my time there. I felt that now would be a good time to reflect on this and share insight into how unbelievably healing and beneficial being in and around the sea can be for us.
Although I am an Earth sign and my natural affinity is Earth, I find that the sea holds a very special place within my heart. From the first sea swim and snorkel I understand again just how much my body needs this to cleanse and rebalance itself.
The Mystery and Power of the Ocean
The sea is a force of nature that we cannot fully comprehend. As a race humans know less about the oceans and the bottom of the sea than they do about our neighbouring planets and moon! To fully reap the healing benefits of this amazing force it is always best to immerse either part of your body or your full body within it. Simply dipping your hands and feet into the ocean can have a major impact on your mind, body and spirit. However, to get the full effect and to be one with the ocean entirely I fully recommend being brave and either swimming or snorkelling if you ever get the chance.
Of course, the oceans are salt water, not our usual fresh water found in lakes and rivers. Salt water benefits have been known for decades and every civilisation has used it for health and spiritual cleansing. Salt and water are both incredibly effective natural and spiritual cleansers and when combined with the power of the sea and waves they take on an immense force.
Proven healing benefits of being in and around the sea are:
Healing. Increased physical health. Swimming in the sea is harder than swimming in a pool. Waves and currents make your body work much harder. Obviously only ever try this if you are a competent and strong swimmer, and only in areas of the sea which are clearly labelled as safe for swimming.
Natural exfoliation. The effect of salt water on the body naturally exfoliates and improves skin health, removing toxins and aiding poor skin health.
Mental health Benefits – Sea swimming and simply being around the sea has been proven to lift mood, help with anxiety and promote overall mental wellbeing.
Reduced inflammation – Sea and saltwater reduce inflammation in our bodies naturally.
If you do not feel comfortable actually being in or touching the ocean, then simply being in its presence also has many benefits. You can calm your mind and focus on the sounds and smells of the sea. Being in the presence of such a powerful force of nature is humbling and incredibly grounding.
Our Responsibility to Protect the Seas
I feel I also need to mention here our responsibility to the sea and oceans. They provide us with so many healing – physical, mental and lifesaving benefits, yet over time human activity is causing our seas to slowly die. As a keen snorkeller often swimming far from the shore, I have seen this first hand and how fast the sea is changing year by year. It is important that we honour and protect our sea, even when we cannot ever fully understand it. Respect and care are essential and small actions make a big difference. Next time you are spending time with the ocean, maybe take a second to pick up any pieces of plastic you find on the beach. Take a moment to consider local wildlife (above and below the waves) and be considerate in how you behave towards it.
A Healing & Spiritual Force
The sea is a deeply powerful and spiritual force in our world. Something which is often taken for granted when we book our holidays, sit on sunbeds and drink our cocktails overlooking it. But taking a moment to really feel it, be one with it and escape into it holds so many benefits. I hope that the more people are enchanted by the sea, the more that people want to help and preserve one of nature’s most powerful and beautiful forces.
Best wishes as always, Sarah – PIN: 9888
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