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 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, I ventured out again. Travelling slightly further this time, I arrived at New Aberdour beach where everything was blue, blue, blue…

blue mind over the rockpools

Blue Mind to Pink Rocks

Feet bare, I sat on the pink rocks and stared out to sea.

blue mind, bare feet and pink rocks

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.

stones in a rock pool crevice

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.

blue mind and rockpools

And, hopefully, now, healing comes…

A coastal quote from SISTERS

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.

Cullykhan Bay

There’s more ‘blue mind’ photos in the older post Going Coastal.

Sisters at the Edge of the World

Set in 1st century Northern Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors, divided loyalties and, ultimately, love. It features a neurodivergent main character, the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes, and some rather complicated romance!

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

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Ailish among the stones

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37 Replies to “Blue Mind and Bare Feet on Pink Rocks”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

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