Finding Your Inner Fish: A Not-So-Serious Guide to Water Meditation

And before you say, “I’ve tried meditation, and I can’t stop thinking!” In listening to a “Handbook for Hardtimes, a Monk's Guide to Fearless Living," author Gelong Thubten talks about being okay with your distractions, and so in doing that, I then discovered that meditation IS “breathe slowly in and slowly out, distraction, and repeat, and repeat." “Breathe in, breathe out, distraction, etc. So now I’m okay with distractions, like a bird’s call, or I breathe in another breath right into the distracting thought.

-- Sherry Meyers

The Science Behind Water and Well-Being and why water is basically nature’s chill pill.

According to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of “Blue Mind,” being near water triggers a measurable response in our brains that:

• Lowers cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Increases serotonin and dopamine production
• Induces a mild meditative state

A 2021 study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that even virtual water sounds can reduce stress levels by up to 30%. That’s right – water is so powerful it works on your computer, phone or cd.

Real Talk: Why Water Meditation?  Benefits backed by research include and what makes water meditation special

• Improved sleep quality (Marine Science Review, 2023)
• Reduced anxiety levels
• Enhanced creativity
• Better focus throughout the day

Five Beginner-Friendly Techniques

A. The Mindful Shower Experience (Perfect for: Morning zombies and shower singers)

Set water to your preferred temperature

Meditation Steps  (Close your eyes here)

1. Take three deep breaths
2. Focus on the sensation of each water droplet, sounds of running water,  steam patterns, temperature sensations
3. Return focus whenever your mind wanders

B. The Relaxing Bath Ritual (Perfect for: Self-care enthusiasts and prune-y finger advocates)

Setup:

1. Run bath to perfect temperature
2. Add relaxing elements (bubbles, bath salts, rubber duck)
3. Create ambiance (candles optional, phone on silent mandatory)

Meditation Steps:

• Enter slowly (dramatic “ahhh” still mandatory)
• Focus on the water’s embrace, small ripples,
• Observe breathing and thoughts floating away like bubbles

Author’s Note: “I Keep Falling Asleep!”  Solution: Try cooler water or shorter sessions, and set a timer that’s not on your phone.

C. The Rain Meditation (Perfect for: Nature lovers and dramatic moment seekers)

Prerequisites:

• Rain (obviously)
• Waterproof clothing
• Find a safe outdoor spot and stand or sit comfortably

Process: Breathing in and out,

1. Feel individual raindrops
2. Connect with rain’s rhythm and rain smell
3. Focus on the ground connection

D.  The Swimming Pool Zen Master 

Safety Note: Avoid lap lanes and practice in the shallow end first

Process: Breathing in and out,

1.    Float peacefully, using a float support if needed

2.    Listen to underwater sounds and sky view

3.    Notice the water support and the gentle movement

5.  The Dishwashing Dharma

Set Up: Fill sink mindfully

Process: Breathing in and out,

1.    Observe comfortable water temperature

2.    Hands in a relaxed grip

3.    Feel the flow over each dish, soap pattern circular movements

4.    Actually get clean dishes (bonus!)

Making It a Daily Practice

1. Start Small. Choose one technique and Practice for 5 minutes, Gradually increasing the duration
2. You can Track your progress

3.    Remember:* No perfect practice exists

• Consistency beats duration
• Keep it simple
• Stay safe around water

Closing quote by Isak Dinesen to think about:  “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.”