What is it about the sea lapping gently against the shore we find so calming? Is there an evolutionary explanation behind this pleasing phenomenon?
鈥� The sound and sight of water is relaxing for a number of complementary reasons.
First, it can drown out noises and voices around us, creating a 鈥渃one of privacy鈥� that can enhance a conversation or focus our own thoughts. The complexity, clarity and frequency of water sounds can mask noise better than white noise, which becomes annoying and causes anxiety.
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Second, rhythmic patterns of sound and light, repeating at certain frequencies, can be soothing, leading to entrainment. Members of a band feel this when they are in a musical groove, and audience members experience its pull too. As we walk along the beach with a close companion, our thoughts, words and breathing can become synchronised. Our brains seek patterns; ocean waves provide plenty while remaining interesting and stimulating enough to hold our attention thanks to the occasional rogue wave, shift in the wind, jumping fish or similar.
Third, all organisms need to live close to a source of water or they will die. The combination of visual, auditory, olfactory and somatic inputs results in an emotional response to water that guides us. If we navigate correctly, we live. It makes sense, then, that we find some water sounds, smells and sights appealing.
For some people, a fear of water derived from a bad experience or cultural upbringing precludes them experiencing the cognitive and psychological benefits of water. But for many others, recorded water sounds are great for lulling them to sleep.
Marine explorer Jacques Cousteau spoke for the majority when he said: 鈥淭he sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.鈥�
Wallace Nichols, California Academy of Sciences, US, and author of (Little, Brown, 2014)
鈥� The calming nature of waves crashing against the sand comes down, possibly, to two things: the waves remind us of our own breath, and they never stop.
Meditation practices focus on 鈥渨atching the breath鈥� and how breathing never leaves us while we live. Similarly, the relentlessness of waves lapping against the shore can be reassuring.
Alexandra Borrelli, Yoga and meditation teacher, London, UK
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This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淥cean鈥檚 lull鈥�