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Danny Dallas's avatar

I came across this a while back—spending 20+ minutes near water has a calming effect on the mind.

My theory:

Major civilizations have always thrived near water sources, so our brains may be wired to associate water with safety, abundance, and well-being.

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Lewis O’Brien's avatar

I think you might be right Danny!

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𝕃𝕖𝕪𝕝𝕒 ℤ𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕟's avatar

I like this theory. I know I see it as "life-giving" because of the foundation of water and how we're primarily made of it.

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Danny Dallas's avatar

You’re right. Water is life giving. A way of life.

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Bette A. Ludwig, PhD 🌱's avatar

I love the water and always have. There's just something so soothing about the sound of ocean waves. 🌊

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Lewis O’Brien's avatar

Couldn’t agree more Bette!

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Kacper Wojaczek's avatar

Damn, I think I need to get near some body of water now 😀

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Lewis O’Brien's avatar

You could just trick your brain by applying an ocean screensaver. Wonder if a painting would do anything or if it needs to be moving.

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Maurice Blessing's avatar

Another tip: the NatureSpace app has many ‘3D’ soothing water sounds. Works great for me.

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Kacper Wojaczek's avatar

I'm actually gonna give it a shot!

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Tree Langdon's avatar

This is so true. I'm always happiest on the water or in the water.

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Lewis O’Brien's avatar

It’s so relaxing

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Adrian Borowski's avatar

There are similar effects on the mind when looking at or near fire. The Red Mind ?

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Lewis O’Brien's avatar

Interesting thought.

I don’t know if there’s data on this but it makes sense when you think about it.

I think there’s an evolutionary aspect to the calmness of water as it’s a place of relative safety.

I’m not sure if fire would work the same way as it’s a less natural safe place — but maybe!

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DE's avatar

It's flowing water that attracts us most. When water is frozen, you'll prefer fire.

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