I returned to New Brunswick for the first time in 20 years. Bathurst, to be accurate. Youghall Beach, specifically, on the Baie des Chaleurs, or Chaleur Bay. Chaluer Bay’s name was attributed to explorer Jacques Cartier, and is translated as "bay of warmth" or "bay of torrid weather."
The bay was far warmer than I expected, with jelly fish floating along with the tides. We spent the evening sitting in bright red Adirondack chairs, the kind you’d find across Canada during our 150th celebrations, and drinking the local brew.
There was no better place to be in that moment in time.
As we settled into bed, the sounds of the salty waves created a rhythm that ushered in relaxation and tranquility.
As we drifted off to sleep, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the waves, I was reminded of how deeply connected we are to water.
We live on a planet that is 70% water, and our bodies are made up of 60% water. From the moment we are conceived, we spend nine months floating in fluid, surrounded by the comforting sounds of our mother’s heartbeat. It’s no wonder we have a biological affinity for the ocean.
Our connection to water goes back even further, to our primal roots. Our ancestors spent a lot of time in and around the sea, diving or fishing for food. This deep-seated connection to the ocean is embedded in our very being, which is why the sound of waves makes us happy and at peace.
The sounds of the ocean, in particular, have a profound impact on our well-being. Ocean sounds are soft noises with a low frequency and a rhythmic nature. These qualities signal to our brains that we are safe, unlike loud, sudden noises that put us on alert. Natural water sounds activate the section of our nervous system that helps us relax and unwind.
Research has shown that being in and around blue (and green) spaces like the ocean or lakes can significantly reduce psychological stress and improve overall mental health.
Listening to water sounds reduces stress levels, lower blood pressure, and encourage a sense of calmness. When we hear the lullaby of the ocean, our brains release “feel-good” neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin that reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Essentially, the ocean’s rhythm acts like a soft embrace, calming our minds and moving us to a state of tranquility.
For many of us, the ocean holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s childhood memories of beach vacations or unforgettable marine encounters, we associate the ocean with positive emotions and nostalgia. When we hear the sounds of the ocean, our brains retrieve these memories, triggering feelings of comfort and happiness. It’s like a mental time machine that transports us to those cherished moments, flooding our minds with calming sensations and happy memories, creating an instant sense of well-being.
The following morning, after a cup of fresh coffee in the perfect yellow mug, by the shore, we walked up the beach. Strewn about were clams, smoothed stones, and the occasional crab that didn’t make it through the tide. Cormorants, looming like the familiar Common Loon, darted below the surface before resurfacing further down the beach. But as the gentle morning waves rolled, I noticed something new.
So subtle.
Soothing, like the waves themselves.
As each wave rolled back out into the bay, the soft sounds of pebbles and stones clacking against themselves brought each wave to a close with a quiet symphony of sounds.
It’s the little things in life.
Enjoy them.
Stay curious.
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