8th Annual Blue Mind Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLUE MIND: LEADING EXPERTS EXPLORE WATER + WELLNESS IN MIAMI

The 8th Annual Blue Mind Summit, scheduled for October 4, 2018 in partnership with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami, Florida, will explore the new science on how being near, in, on, and under water is medicine for the body, mind, and soul.

MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 14, 2018 For the last seven years the Annual Blue Mind Summit has gathered thought leaders, top neuroscientists, explorers, educators, psychologists, artists, and sports enthusiasts in locations all over the world to collaboratively consider the full human connection to our planet’s waters as well as the deeply personal and practical benefits of keeping oceans, lakes and rivers healthy.

The 8th Annual Blue Mind Summit, scheduled for October 4, 2018 at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park, will feature leading researchers and practitioners from all over the world who are bridging science, ancient wisdom and real world solutions to examine water as medicine. 

"The Blue Mind Summits have been deepening our understanding of the true value of water and expanding the conversation to include the important ways access to healthy oceans, lakes, and rivers make all our lives better,” says Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, scientist and best-selling author of Blue Mind. “In the past we’ve focused exclusively on the ecological, economic, and educational value of water, overlooking the emotional benefits. This Blue Mind Summit will share new practical science on how being near, in, on, and under water is medicine for the body, mind and soul.”

Breakthrough work on how both virtual and real water is changing healthcare, schools and the workplace, including physicians who prescribe “blue mind” to those who need it most, will be explored. Pioneers from around the world that are using surf, scuba, paddling, swimming, floating and boating as therapy will share their experiences and knowledge. The summit will also feature ‘Blue Minded’ films that highlight the new story of water in support of this year’s water is medicine theme.

Dr. Paul Piff, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, is a leading researcher on awe and will join the conversation at Blue Mind 8. “Water seems to be a central component of awe, whether watching a sunset over a body of water or taking a bath. Awe is something people search out, and water is a big part of how people find it,” says Piff.  “That awe we get from waters and oceans inspires us to explore, to learn, to connect with each other, to build empathy and creates joy, provokes collaboration, and enhances romance.”

Along with Dr. Piff, scheduled researchers include Dr. Justin Feinstein of the Laureate Institute for Brain Research and Dr. Mathew White of the European Centre of Environment and Human Health as well as leading water practitioners from around the world.

“The idea of Blue Mind in a lot of ways is about what is removed from our sensory experience, what is taken away, as opposed to what is added. That’s true for floating as much as that’s true for boating, swimming, or any activity in nature that requires you to step out­side, move away from the screens, shut down, log out, and open your eyes and your ears in a wider way.” Dr. Justin Feinstein, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Laureate Institute for Brain Research and lead presenter at Blue Mind 8.

Registration is now open for both the onsite summit experience and the virtual classroom, which will be broadcast live online from 9am-7pm EST, on October 4, 2018. 

About Blue Mind Works 

Blue Mind Works supports and advises those on the frontline of reconnecting people to water, sponsors the Annual Blue Mind Summit, the Annual Blue Mind Award, and shares their message around the world via a wide range of media, events, and workshops. The Blue Mind team uses its vast network and engaging style to open the door to the cognitive, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual benefits of healthy water, thereby changing the conversation for good.

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols pioneered the Blue Mind movement, a global network of academics and practitioners, beginning with his book and seven annual summits of the same title. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Blue Economy, a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences, and New York Times bestselling author of 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. 

About the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science) 

Located in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Scienceis a leading science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Sitting on four acres, the 250,000-square-foot museum is divided into four buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and the North and West Wings. 

At Frost Science, visitors can explore the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in an experiential setting with interactive exhibitions and unique shows. Frost Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. It is sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. 

The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Learn more at frostscience.org.  Follow Frost Science on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @frostscience.

 

CONTACT: Julie Starke • juliestarke@me.com• 757-646-2001

Starke + Company, Voices for Good  • POB 1441 • Virginia Beach VA 23451

 

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