The term ‘blue mind’ describes the mild meditative state that we enter when in or close to natural bodies of water. It was coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. He wrote a book on the subject and did a Ted Talk too:
So ‘blue mind’ in mind, and encouraged by my wee trip to Rosehearty Harbour last week, I ventured out again. Travelling slightly further this time, I arrived at New Aberdour beach where everything was blue, blue, blue…
Blue Mind to Pink Rocks
Feet bare, I sat on the pink rocks and stared out to sea.
I saw stones and pools and pink, lots of pink everywhere.
I used the transition from blue to pink in this post to symbolise levels of pain.
But in this context, the blue of ‘blue mind’ was not pain. It was perfect.
So I stared out over the rock pools.
And breathed in the blue of the sea.
And, hopefully, now, healing comes…
A coastal quote from SISTERS, my work in progress
I am just looking at the soft shapes of land, and the hard shapes of rock, as they drop away into the sea. No in-between places up on top here. No beach, no marsh. Here the space between life and death is painted clear. You could be walking on grass one moment and dead on the rocks the next. This is a place of instant transition from one state to another.
The Published Books on the pink bench…
Set in an Aberdeenshire castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR features the Scottish witchcraft accusations and a love story.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 18th century kidnapped children of Aberdeen and is set in both Scotland and Colonial Pennsylvania.
Paperbacks and kindle: Amazon UK or Amazon Worldwide
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
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There’s more Blue Mind photos in the older post Going Coastal
We photograph a lot of the same locations – I am Lossiemouth based but work in Aberdeenshire
We have many beautiful locations to photograph!
The photos are simply gorgeous. Reading your words I melted into the blue landscape. My decompression time is right by a river 2 miles from my home.
That sounds lovely.
I love this quote –
Posted on July 4, 2022 by ailish
Blue Mind and Bare Feet on Pink Rocks
Blue MInd at New Aberdour Beach in Aberdeenshire
The term ‘blue mind’ describes the mild meditative state that we enter when in or close to natural bodies of water. It’s said to be a healing state, and it’s certainly relaxing.
Give a whole new meaning for feeling blue.
I like the term too.
Lovely pictures of calming rocks. Green is my color for calming. Glad to read you’re healing.
Thank you 🙂
I’ve never heard the term “Blue MInd.” It’s so appropriate for the calming state that water can bring us–especially watching the ocean waves roll in. Your pictures are lovely.
Thank you 🙂
I am glad you are getting better. The photographs were lovely and the color combinations were beautiful. Keep being a shutterbug 🙂
I will 🙂
‘blue mind’ is interesting, I’ve never heard of it! Where’s it come from? Nice pictures, it does look very relaxing!
It was coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. I’ve added his Ted Talk to the post 🙂
Beautiful! I’ve definitely felt blue mind by the ocean or the bay, but I haven’t seen pink yet.
The pink is good too 🙂
The picture are indeed adorable and gorgeous
Thank you 🙂
Blue mind-I love that! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks for introducing me to the concept of blue mind. Not heard of it before. Brings to mind forest bathing
It is like that, yes. Wonderful calming nature.
I live close to a beach – perhaps I should investigate this “blue mind” state.
I recommend it!
I *love* that you mention Dr. J! He is an inspiration and just as cool and kind as you would hope he is.
That’s wonderful to know 🙂
Ailish,
Thank you for subscribing to my blog. Your writing about Scotland triggers a long held desire to visit. The photos and focus on blues and pinks are exquisite. I grew up going to Lake Tuscaloosa (named for an Indian chief) in Alabama. The lake was my mental touchstone through years of living far away. That body of water gives me bluemind. I will enjoy your writing very much in the future, I predict. Thank you again. Seen any otters lately? They are my animal.
Emily Walls Ray
Yes, there are otters at a nearby loch. I love the giggling sound they make in the evening 🙂
I understand that ‘blue mind’ state. I experience it frequently on my walls with Scubaidh, my Greyhound along the shore at Bervie. It’s a beautiful place to get grounded after a busy day.
That sounds lovely.
I find it interesting that you have the pink rock where you live because much further south (and to the east) on the Greek island of Crete, the same rock is found all over the place. I understand your chronic illness’s havoc on your life. I go through it too. It’s great to know you’re feeling better.
That pink rock is quite rare here. Most of the rocks along this coast are dark grey. I hope you’re feeling well too 🙂
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Your experience and photographs took me there, most appreciated!
I’m glad 🙂