Sea Corps programs draw on neuroscience and human behavior to explore the effect of the ocean on our psychological state through the mildly meditative, relaxed state we often experience in, on or under water.
Critical studies have shown that our brains are in a state of constant evolution. Neurons growing, connecting and then dying off. Both the brains physical structure and it’s functional organization are plastic, changing throughput our lives depending on need, attention, sensory input, reinforcement, emotion and many other factors. The brains neuro plasticity -it’s ability to continuously create new neuro networks, reshape existing ones, and illuminate networks that are no longer used due to changes in behavior, environment and neuro processes is what allows us to learn, form memories throughout our lifetime, recover function after a stroke or loss of sight or hearing, overcome destructive habits and become better versions of ourselves.
Proximity to water – especially the sea – is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations. Water is considered the elixir and source of life. It covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, makes up nearly 70% of our bodies, and constitutes over 70% of our heart and brains. The composition of our blood(sodium, chlorine, magnesium, sulfide, calcium and potassium) is remarkably similar to sea water and 71% of the planet is covered in water.
This deep biological connection has been shown to trigger an immediate response in our brains when we’re near water. In fact, the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation.
When we step into nature and go near the ocean, a different brain network activates. That brain network is available for a completely different kind of quality of thought which is much more introspective and self-referential. Oftentimes it leads to feelings of connectedness and that can lead to innovative thoughts.
The effectiveness of the program is rooted in the concept that nature is a powerful tool for healing and time on or near water has been proven to dramatically reduce mental illness, behavioral issues, and addictive behavior.
