Instructor of the International Divers Association PADI and founder of the Mārupe Water Sports Association Valters Preimanis, who has been diving for 17 years, says of the sport of diving: “I am convinced that scuba diving can make you feel great in many different ways. It is also a pillar of physical and mental health, offering an underwater meditation experience that will literally take you away from the hustle and bustle of life above the waves and into a world of peace, bubble and silence. ”
Underwater meditation has many benefits, and scuba diving in particular helps to focus the mind and create inner peace through controlled breathing, sensory awareness and an undivided focus.
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Underwater meditation cleanses the mind
There is a lot of information about the negative effects of stress on the human body and the positive effects of rest, meditation and "just being". However, this is easier said than done. Because of our busy lives and sometimes busy schedules, meditation is a luxury for many of us. It is not always easy to find a quiet place where we will not be disturbed.
Even if we find the right environment and time, it is difficult to clear our minds. It can be a passion for the workday, thinking about family responsibilities, or worrying about spending time with friends. That's why scuba diving benefits you. You don't have to think you're in a "happy place" if you're in the right place. While underwater during meditation, the phone will not ring and you will not be able to check your emails. In addition, you do not have to make a mental effort to break away from the real world because you already have it physically.
Inhale, exhale
There are many techniques for successful meditation, but they all focus on one key factor: breathing. Controlled but relaxed breathing. Focusing on breathing allows you to become more conscientious, focused and relaxed. On a good day, it comes easily, but on busy days it is difficult to switch off and zoning. Often this is because even though you are sitting in a quiet room and want to take you away, it is just too busy.
Scuba diving provides your brain with peaceful alternatives to focus on, such as marine life, corals and the underwater world. You will also be happy to be aware that you will not be disturbed by the calling phone or inbox.
Diving and the art of breathing
As divers, we understand the practice of breathing for diving - slowly and steadily. Using this breathing model, we improve our buoyancy and overall diving experience. We also create a freer mind and body. Even the rhythmic sound of our bubbles as we exhale contributes to a calmer state of mind. (If you want to become a master of underwater breathing technique and buoyancy, ask PADI instructor Valters Preimanis about the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course).
Most forms of meditation (of which there are many) begin with a relaxation and slowing of the breathing regime, concentrating deep and controlled breathing and the mind focused only on breathing. It is natural for us as divers when we are under water. Breathing this way helps us relax. It also means that in potentially stressful situations, we are likely to remain calm.
Achieving one focus through breathing
Deep breathing increases the level of oxygen, which benefits both the mind and the body. By focusing on our breathing, we enter a meditative state. Our minds are cleansed of the many thoughts we would otherwise have on earth. All that matters is our breathing and the underwater world around us. Achieving a single focus is one of the main goals of meditation that many people can struggle with because their minds tend to wander and distract them. For divers, almost every time we enter the water, we reach a special state of mind. We become united with the world around us, our breathing and our body.
Scuba diving promotes a meditative state that increases awareness and control of the body, allowing us to achieve inner peace through a single focus that clears our minds of their daily stress and anxiety.
Scuba diving attracts the senses
Although meditation is different from consciousness, it helps to promote a conscious life. This includes slowing down, "presence" and the perception of the five senses. The beauty of scuba diving is that it really attracts your senses - not just your mind. Even before entering the water, nothing else is like the taste and smell of the ocean air. During diving, you can feel the water coming in contact with the skin and the buoyancy changes when you breathe. There are differences in vision and color. The noises are turned off and you tune in to the rhythmic sounds of your bubbles.
Enrichment of underwater meditation
Scuba diving already offers unparalleled underwater meditation, but there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience:
- Start with a positive mood. Make sure you are confident and ready for the next dive, and stay calm with yoga or wellness apps.
- Slow down and focus. It's easy to hurry when looking for big appointments, but try to slow down and look for the smallest details in front of your eyes, such as coral textures or smaller crustaceans.
- Make diving a second nature. By developing skills such as buoyancy and diving, you will be prepared and ready to relax without interruption.
- Keep practicing. Even at home, you can restore peace of mind through practice.
- Close your eyes and imagine your favorite dive or try a virtual diving adventure.
What are the benefits of underwater meditation?
Diving meditation improves mental well-being, quality of life and our health. One of the most important benefits of meditation is that it lowers blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Regular meditation reduces stress and anxiety, and improves our ability to cope with problems and difficult situations. Medical research has shown that by reducing stress, we also improve relationships, concentration, sleep patterns, overall well-being, positivity and happiness.
If this doesn't make you reach for your wetsuit, other benefits of meditation include:
- Strengthening your immune system
- Slowing down aging
- Longer life expectancy
- Lower risk of depression
- Helps fight substance abuse (such as nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs)
- Reduced risk of panic attacks and hypertension
- How can meditation have such vast benefits? The biggest benefit and what really affects us is that meditation leads to a more balanced and peaceful life.
The PADI diving instructor invites young divers to join
Scuba diving club DIVING training is led by the International Association of Professional Diving Instructors PADI, scuba diving trainer, technical diving and free diving instructor Valters Preimanis with professional assistants. - Phone / WhatsApp 220-77-202
