Meaningful Reflections: The power of blue spaces

Whispers of the Ocean

Listening to the waves breaking just a few feet from my toes,

Feeling the sunshine warming my skin and hugging my soul.

Sinking the legs of my chair deeper into the sand to steady my position,

Contemplating how much people would pay if the beach charged admission.

Feeling the hairs stand up on my skin as a I hear a child scream in utter pain,

Watching the child comforted by parents as the jellyfish creature is explained.

Swaying to the various tunes playing from those who surround me,

Blinking back tears when a lyric reminds me of those I no longer see.

Tasting sand crunch in my teeth from the spattering of nearby feet running,

Braving to leave the umbrella for a moment to try sunning.

Smelling coconut in the spray, as I protect my skin from the brilliant rays,

Savoring the peace and tranquility that comes with this day.

Wiggling my toes which are now buried in the cool sand,

Adding a note to have more of these beautiful days planned.

Observing a seagull with a wing hanging lower than others,

Hoping he can fly with his feathered sisters and brothers.

Joining the fun as I run into the ocean so green, cool, and blue,

Picking myself up as a wave overcomes me, to which I never had a clue.

Trying again to brave the ebb and flow of the waters so strong,

Surging with energy as I jump and leap, and my heart sings a new song.

Resting once more on the beach under the shade so very nice,

Sipping some lemonade and crunching on ice.

As the sun starts to lower and sends out colors in a brilliant display,

The blue of the water deepens as if it seems to feel the emotions at play.

The mist from the water whispers, “You are here, and it’s okay to not be perfectly okay.”

“Move forward in hope knowing with sunrise you receive a new day.”

By Kim Crawford Meeks
Spiritual Health & Counseling Manager

Farida Valiji, M.D., an internal medicine doctor in a coastal town, encourages patients to be near blue spaces because of the mental and physical health benefits. In the past 10 years, studies have shown that being in or near bodies of water is beneficial for stress reduction and coping. Living on the Gulf Coast as we do, we certainly live in the best place to utilize this natural and amazing resource for our wellness.

Scripps Health in San Diego reported in August 2023:

• A United Kingdom study that asked 20,000 smartphone users to track their environment and sense of well-being at random intervals found that people in marine or coastal areas were significantly happier than those in urban areas. 

• Another study found that people preferred photos of places that featured water over those that didn’t, even if the photos showed beautiful green spaces. 

• A 2020 review of more than 30 studies of blue spaces agreed that time spent near water in nature supports mental health and well-being.

• Family vacations to the beach or river may have benefits that last for decades. A 2022 international study that included California residents concluded that exposure to blue spaces during childhood may carry over into better health and well-being later in life. 

What is it about blue space that seems to be beneficial to our well-being? Blue space is usually an area that has natural sunlight, fresh air, and creates a place of calm. These calming types of atmospheres may promote feelings of peacefulness, and they can create a place of escape from our daily visuals and sounds. Being near water may also impact psychological healing and coping.

As one gazes at a body of water, listens to the soothing sounds of waves or waterfalls, feels the mist from the water upon the skin, or dips a tired foot into the cool water, the senses are impacted with comfort.

People who live near blue spaces also tend to be more physically active in swimming, or even walking or cycling near the bodies of water. These physical activities stimulate the “feel-good” endorphins that pump into our systems and often make us feel better. Even if you aren’t close to water, there is still good news, according to Dr. Valji.

“You don’t have to live by water to get these benefits,” he says. “Even just being outdoors around decorative fountains, parks or yards with water features can have blue-space benefits. And don’t forget your sunscreen!” 

Finally, taking the time to rest in blue space allows us the great benefit of being still, being quiet, and listening to that still, small voice inside, that says, “You can.”

Learn more about Spiritual Health and Counseling at USA Health. Patients, family members, and USA Health associates are encouraged to call the Meaningful Reflections Line at 251-445-9016 for a daily recorded word of encouragement.