In late March 2024, Vogue Ukraine [IG] shared a wellness story ‘Shape of Water’ with model Julia Pacha. Kasia Mioduszke styled the fashion shoot lensed by photographers Tatiana and Karol [IG].

When AOC watched the video that leans heavily on the sounds of ocean or large-body water source with crashing waves, we turned to wellness research on how these familiar but also primordial sounds impact human brains.

In the original cooling of planet Earth, the water vapor in the atmosphere condensed and fell as rain. By about 4 billion years ago, the first permanent accumulations of water were present on Earth, forming the oceans and other bodies of water. [Source]

Ocean Sounds in Human History

Throughout history, the sound of ocean waves has held a profound cultural and historical significance for human societies. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the rhythmic ebb and flow of waves have been intertwined with human life, evoking a sense of wonder, reverence, and connection to the natural world.

Bodies of water historically provided essential resources like food and hydration; therefore, early humans who were attuned to these cues likely had better chances of thriving. The consistent rhythm of waves crashing against the shore could signal proximity to these life-sustaining resources, making such sounds inherently reassuring.

Evolutionary psychology suggests that early humans may have an innate attraction to water-related sounds due to their association with survival and well-being.

Water As a Divine Entity

In many ancient cultures, the ocean was seen as a divine entity or the abode of gods and spirits.

The Greeks revered Poseidon, god of the sea, whose temperamental control over the waves symbolized both creation and destruction. Similarly, in Polynesian mythology, Tangaroa was considered the god of the sea and fertility, with ocean sounds representing his powerful presence.

Such mythologies reflect how deeply ingrained ocean sounds were in shaping spiritual beliefs and rituals. For coastal communities throughout history, the sound of waves also represented sustenance and survival.

Mami Wata is a captivating figure rooted in the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Africa, embodying the complex interplay between water, femininity, and mysticism. Mami Wata’s history and meaning have always been woven into Anne of Carversville’s digital psyche.

Her origins can be traced back to various African traditions, where she is often depicted as a beautiful mermaid-like figure, symbolizing both allure and danger. Mami Wata transcends mere folklore; she represents a profound connection to water, an element that sustains life yet possesses the power to destroy.

Impact of Ocean Waves on Our Brains

In our modern world, the soothing sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore has long been associated with a sense of peace and relaxation. What is it about this natural symphony that captivates the human brain so profoundly? The answer lies in both the physical properties of sound waves and their psychological impact on our minds.

Sound waves are created by vibrations that travel through air, water, or solid materials.

When ocean waves break, they generate a complex auditory experience composed of frequencies ranging from low rumbles to high-pitched splashes. These frequencies fall within a range known as "pink noise," which is characterized by an equal distribution of energy across octaves. Pink noise is particularly effective at masking disruptive sounds and creating a calming auditory environment. Neurologically, exposure to pink noise can synchronize neural activity in the brain's auditory cortex, promoting a state of relaxation.

Studies have shown that consistent exposure to such sounds can enhance sleep quality and reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol production. Additionally, the rhythmic nature of ocean waves mimics certain biological rhythms inherent to human physiology—such as heartbeat and breathing patterns—thus fostering a sense of harmony between external stimuli and internal states.

In essence, listening to ocean waves provides an escape from mental clutter, offering a sanctuary where emotional equilibrium can be restored. Researchers compare this auditory experience with meditative states, where the mind can drift away from the stresses and anxieties of daily life.

Sleep Therapy

In addition to stress relief, ocean wave sounds are also employed in sleep therapy. Many people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders find that listening to these calming sounds can significantly improve their sleep quality.

In 2023 researches were able to duplicate the impact of pink noise added in a deep sleep state to brain function and positive cardiovascular response.

Digging even deeper into the research, ocean sounds are utilized in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients dealing with trauma or PTSD. The gentle and predictable nature of these sounds can serve as a grounding mechanism during therapy sessions, helping patients stay present and focused while processing difficult emotions.

Water-Inspired Wellness and Ancient Memory

The integration of ocean sounds into modern therapy highlights how ancient natural elements can be harnessed to meet contemporary mental health needs effectively. Through this simple yet powerful connection with nature's auditory symphony, humans find a pathway to inner peace and rejuvenation.

Theoretically, when one resides in this state, the brain is also more ‘open to receive’ not only new information but — more importantly to this conversation — to connect with ancestral learnings embedded in our human minds and even in our genetic structure.

The theories of Carl Jung are well-known in relation to the concepts of the collective unconscious as housing ancestral memory.

In related AOC research on the topic of empathy, I was surprised to learn that about 25% of one’s capacity for empathy is believed to be genetic. That assessment is widely accepted in our research about empathy — who has it and who doesn’t, and why. ~ Anne