Blue Mind, a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.

Wallace J. Nichols, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do

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The ship seemed huge until all signs of land disappeared. I thought there’d be fear; instead, I was overwhelmed with wonder and sheer awe. I’d never seen anything like it; a limitless canvas of glimmering turquoise and crystal. Sunbeams danced on ripples, creating a kaleidoscope of light and color that made the water itself feel alive.

The same wind that felt warm and gentle onshore whipped cold and sharp against our faces. My city lungs relished the foreign, salty, briny air as if I’d been breathing low-grade oxygen until that moment. I didn’t know where to look, it was all so magnificent and beyond anything I’d ever experienced.

The engine died, birthing an ethereal oceanic chorus; splashes, squawks, squeaks, honks, and grunts coming from all directions. Water-slicked seals and otters floated by with unflinching comfort; some seemed as curious of us as we were of them.  

I ran, childlike, from starboard to port side, eyeing playful pods of porpoises sail through the nautical foam like shiny, bouncing, gray rockets. Or extraordinarily large sunfish wafting peacefully beneath the ship as if oblivious to our visit. It was sensory overload. I struggled to contain my reaction to the glory of God’s creation.

And just when I thought I might burst from the wonder of it all, the first humpback slowly breached the ocean’s surface. Ice-cold tears of elation and awe ran down my face. I looked over at my Mathew to make sure it was all real; his beaming smile reassured me, like always.

Never in my life had I felt more connected to the natural world! I couldn’t think of a single thing that I needed or could possibly want in that moment. The day, the world, the water, life itself, were all perfect. For three glorious hours – it was all perfect.