FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLUE MIND MIAMI: EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN HEALTH AND WATER

The 8th Annual Blue Mind Summit, scheduled for October 4, 2018 in partnership with the Frost Science Museum 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 – OCTOBER 1, 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. This year’s theme is “Water is Medicine” whereby the healing ability of waters and oceans will be explored against a backdrop of themes including surfing, swimming, floating, boating, beaches, lakes, rivers, aquariums and even virtual water.

On October 4th, 2018 leading researchers and practitioners from all over the world who are bridging science, ancient wisdom, and real world solutions to examine water as medicine will gather. "Blue Mind Summits deepen our understanding of the true value of waters and oceans and expand the conversation to include the important ways access to healthy water makes all our lives better,” says Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, scientist and best selling author of Blue Mind. “We’re expanding the focus on the ecological, economic, and educational value of water to include the vast emotional benefits. Blue Mind Miami will share new practical science on how being near, in, on, and under water is medicine for the body, mind and soul, especially for those who need it most”

Breakthrough research on how water is enhancing healthcare, schools, and the workplace, including physicians who prescribe “blue mind” to those who need it most, will be explored; and pioneering practitioners and nurses from around the world using surf, scuba, paddling, swimming, floating, and boating as therapy will share their experiences and knowledge. For the first time the summit will feature ‘Blue Minded’ films, shorts and videos that highlight this new modern story of water.

The 5th Annual Blue Mind Award will be presented to Force Blue. Uniting the community of Special Operations veterans with the world of marine science and conservation to create a transpartisan model of caring, cooperation and positive change with the power to restore lives and restore the planet, Blue Mind science is at the core of their approach.

Dr. Paul Piff, Department of Psychology & Social Behavior at the University of California, a leading researcher on awe, 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 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

Blue Mind 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. www.bluemindworks.com

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 Frost Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Located in Downtown Miami’s waterfront MuseumnPark, Frost Science is divided into four buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and North and West Wings.

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

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

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