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.
Go ahead and search ‘happy employees lead to successful companies’ and you will be bombarded with consistent uplifting messages about employees and happiness (LinkedIn, Fast Company, Business Insider, Fortune). Just about every content piece promotes employee happiness benefiting organizations at large. That is why, contrary to consistent media, I couldn’t believe that Phil Rosenzweig in The Halo Effect completely disagreed. With […]
IT’S A NORMAL DAY ON ALIWAL SHOAL. ABOVE TWENTY DEGREES CELSIUS, BLUE WATER WITH SMALL PARTICLES, A LITTLE BIT OF A CURRENT PUSHING, WE DRIFT ALONG WITH IT, WAITING FOR THE SHARKS… (THIS IS THE STORY OF MY FIRST EVER FREEDIVE WITH SHARKS) It’s a clear blue sky, warm air and a slight breeze- […]
If you’re struggling to Become A Better Presenter, or are new to the field, here are some ideas that I’ve incorporated in my 28 years as a keynote speaker/presenter. Feel free to check them out and see if any can help you along the way! 1) Know your audience better than they know themselves […]
At 26 years old, Tramayne Monaghan was the youngest divisional CFO for Tencent and a Top-35-under-35. He has spoken at global conferences and is a mentor to three digital businesses: Broadley Speaking, African Secret and TurnUp Music. He has launched and run various consumer mobile products such as WeChat, WeChat Wallet, VOOV, JOOX and PUBG […]
Are you guilty of multi-tasking during meetings? Unfortunately, being present during meetings, especially present-day Impactful Virtual Meeting, is so rare, I wish I could bottle and sell it. Here’s a few facts you can toss around the tele-conferencing office (Source: Prezi State of Attention Research): In any online meeting about 95 percent of the audience is probably multi-tasking. […]
Imagine attending an event where everything seems to fall into place effortlessly with a Skilled Master of Ceremonies. The transitions between segments are seamless, the audience is engaged and entertained, and the overall atmosphere is charged with energy and enthusiasm. What you may not realize is that behind this seemingly effortless experience is a skilled […]
If we are going to do new things to survive in the Industrial Age, we are going to meet uncertainty. If we are going to meet uncertainty, we are going to discover risk. A show of hands… How many people, when you were 12, 13, 14 years of age, had a mother or a father […]
If you’re a sports fan like I am, this is a great time for YOUR highlight reel! March Madness launches shortly — but today, eyes are on the free agents signing new contracts in the NFL. All-day long, sports networks are showing highlight reels of a player’s performance. However, when you examine who gets paid […]
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
