Q: Hey Aarde,

Why am I do drawn to the ocean? I have thought about just walking straight into it; is that normal?

-Anxious Thalassophile

A: Anxious Thalassophile,

Did you know that only 5 percent of the ocean floor has been explored? Have you ever heard of what the French call “l’appel du vide,” or the call of the void? This sudden urge to walk, jump, or catapult into the unknown is common and deserves to be explored—philosophically. There is no reason to be concerned by this human desire to be ultimately alone, or to feel weighted and weightless, powerful and powerless.

(But there is a concern if you are thinking about it constantly, to the point that you’re planning the details of your departure. If that is the case please get in touch with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or dial 988 and talk to someone trained to help you navigate this feeling. You are loved. If you read that and immediately thought “I’m not suicidal” than read on.)

We are electromagnetic beings; our bodies are conduits and generators that create and respond to electromagnetic waves. In 1897, French biologist Rene Quinton found similarities between the mineral compositions of human plasma and seawater! Whether it is waves of vibrational frequency, like the ocean’s particles, or electromagnetic waves in our atmosphere and beyond, both waves are responsible for moving energy. The main difference is that ocean waves are unique to Earth. This uniqueness tells us that the connection between humans, Earth and space is extraordinary—like dancers, touching lightly, moving to the same rhythm.

Some ancient cultures focused on homeopathic healing and understood the benefits of being near a large body of water. Firstly our ocean contains negative ions that remove dust particles from the air, aiding in relief from allergies, respiratory issues, and overall lung health. It is also said to help alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by altering the neurotransmitter that produces serotonin, a natural mood regulator, and by exposure to much-needed vitamin D. Scientists talk about the blue space effect, which explores how the serene setting of oceans and lakes can lower cortisol levels and calm us with color and rhythm.

The draw to being in the water is understandable too, as it builds mindfulness, gratitude , body awareness, reduced negative thought patterns, and heart health benefits. Our skin thanks us as we soak in the mineral-rich ocean, full of antibacterial elements such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, some of which aid in better rest cycles. The roaring sound gives our minds and ears a cognitive break from our overstimulating world, allowing us to experience the soft fascination of our youth. The stable ocean climate leaves us with reduced arthritis and overall muscle strain. Trust your intuition’s desire to be in the water—your body knows what you need!

The sea creates a sense of awe, a connection to something more significant, and an ego check to show us humans that we aren’t that big—creating an essential universal connection point. There is a reason humans gather by large waters on occasions of happiness and grief. Many friends, including myself, put quarterly ocean trips on our calendars for personal health.

We live in a part of the world that’s rich in these healing waters; I suggest you head to the beach! And if you go into the water, always follow safety protocol for the specific waters you enter. May the shore rise to meet you!

-Aarde

Do you have a burning question you need advice about? Reach out via email to jdaarde@gmail.com or on via Instagram handle ‘aarde_writes.’