Posted by gs531
2 July 2022The participants in our study described the relationship they had with the most important blue spaces in their lives. We noticed some themes that stood out from what they said.
At points people described blue spaces in their lives almost like a kind and comforting friend
“depression is very, very isolating and you can just feel incredibly lonely and incredibly, incredibly disconnected from the world and that floating just allows me to feel…protected”
Many people described how blue spaces have been woven through their lives, often from an early age.
“I was born near the sea, my family are from near the sea, my family in [location] are near the sea, I’m near the sea here – it’s, yeah that’s, the most important one, and, I have so many memories that are tied up with the sea”
In some cases people talked about being part of communities based around blue spaces, such as environmental or wild swimming groups.
Some people described an ongoing sense of gratitude or awe towards these places.
“….step back and appreciate the place that I live in, because you can take a lot for granted, but also, you know, seeing a sunset like that, it’s rare you’ve got that calm lake and just that sort of, awesomeness of nature.”