Author: Hanli Prinsloo
I have heard I’m not really a water-person statement so many times. But what does it really mean? You come from water, you drink water, and it turns out – water knows you very well whether or not you want to be part of the relationship. We are all water people, you might just not […]
I have heard I’m not really a water-person statement so many times. But what does it really mean?
You come from water, you drink water, and it turns out – water knows you very well whether or not you want to be part of the relationship. We are all water people, you might just not have had the opportunity to grow comfortable under water – but if you were to try, your body will tell you, you really really are a water person!
The Mammalian Dive Response is a series of adaptations for ocean submersion that the water-loving homo sapiens shares with whales, dolphins and seals!
We are perfectly adapted for time under water on one breath. We have an inner seal living inside of us ready to come out during any water submersion as really a water-person!
Like cogs in a vast machine this response is set in motion as soon as your face is submerged in water. ‘Aha,’ the aquatic mammalian inside you says, ‘ we are freediving!’ and whoosh bradycardia sets in: brady- slowing down, cardia- of the heart.
The heart rate drops dramatically slowing down the circulation and usage of precious oxygen! As the carbon dioxide levels in the blood rise, the aquatic mammal gears up for auto-vasoconstriction.
Blood vessels in the arms and legs constrict, shunting blood back to the core of the heart-lung-brain combo where oxygen is used more essentially and efficiently.
The breathing reflex of our terrestrial body is making itself heard, diaphragmatic contractions try force you to breathe, it’s uncomfortable but it’s not a final reflex we have to obey.
The aquatic mammal knows this is a false alarm – you still have lots of oxygen, hidden oxygen reserves especially in the human spleen, which like that of deep diving seals, responds to heightened carbon dioxide levels by contracting and releasing the oxygen rich reserves of haemoglobin into the blood.
You are now fully a seal, ready to dive to great depths, spend time cavorting under the waves, explore new landscapes and wildernesses… stay relaxed when you get held down under a wave if you’re a surfer!
You don’t need a lot of equipment, money or even time to reconnect with our beautiful oceans – just grab a mask, snorkel and fins and walk on in.
Feel the weightlessness of your body in water, enjoy the quiet, the solitude and beauty of total submersion. And if you live far from the sea – just close your eyes and deepen your breath.
In and out, like waves and tides our breath copies the ocean. In and out, with each breath you take the oxygen you use is a reminder of the oceans gift. Water… and air. Even far from the ocean, you are an aquatic being and really a water-person.
Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Twitter
The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
As a seasoned frontline journalist and broadcaster, Mandy Wiener has a unique perspective on current affairs and A Country Worth Fighting For on how history unfolds in South Africa. Mandy has had a front row seat to the nine wasted years, the anatomy of the state capture project, the evisceration of state owned entities […]
Odds are good that you’re doing 10 SMALL THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T SWEAT AT WORK things to proactively manage how you present yourself at work: writing concise emails, speaking up in meetings, and trying not to make your sentences sound like questions. But when you’re in the first phases of your career, sometimes understanding office etiquette […]
The only way to succeed is to continuously improve and so, Success is simple The Japanese have a name for it: Kaizen. And Kaizen is all about consistency. If you’ll forgive/indulge me, let’s use me, and this photo, as the vehicle for this discussion here. It’s probably evident even from the above low res version […]
In April, 2020 I wrote an article describing four possible scenarios for how the The Coronavirus Scenarios could play out: “Much Ado About Nothing”, “The Camel’s Straw”, “Spain Again” and “Walking the Tightrope”. At the time the cumulative number of global cases was 2 400 000 and deaths 165 000. Seven months later, the figures are 60 000 000 and […]
Top Motivational Speakers South Africa in 2023 who are Inspiring Voices: The Best 5 Motivational Speakers in South Africa Motivation plays a crucial role in personal and professional development, and there is no shortage of inspirational figures in South Africa who have made a significant impact on the lives of many. In this article, we […]
Executives are often presented with important staffing decisions to support the ebb and flow of their business plan and to use Event Management Company vs. Internal Team. Live events, whether it be a sales meeting or incentive trip, a user conference, or product roadshow, are often the topic of debate when it comes to staffing. […]
WIFU: What’s in it for you, to read this? If you are ‘time-poor’, and therefore don’t have time to read this article right now, then simply use the acronym: BOOST© to ask yourself five questions: B = Bed- Do you wake up refreshed? O = Oxygen- Do you get enough oxygen to your brain throughout […]
Do you get easily distracted when you should be working on a task? Work/Break Block System (WBBS) – The Productivity Secret You Will Love! Do you find yourself taking breaks more frequently than you know you should? Do you sometimes spend too much time working on a task and then get totally burned out before […]
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
