With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live. -Sylvie Earle
5 Ways to celebrate World Oceans Month
June is World Oceans Month. The United Nations month for celebrating the role of the oceans in our everyday life and inspiring action to protect the ocean. As a surfer, paddler, and sup yoga practitioner, I am passionate about the sea and the sustainability of our oceans. The sea is what ties us together. Here are some tips on how to protect the ocean we love, and make every month World Oceans Month.
1. Connect with nature
The more time you spend enjoying the oceans, the more inspired and motivated you will become to advocate for them. Bringing your yoga practice outdoors has great health benefits. It can rejuvenate the body and soul. Even the sound of the ocean has mental health benefits. Evidence shows that the sound of the ocean reduces stress. You can practice your connection with nature during your yoga practice by using Ujjayi Pranyama or Ocean Breath. The sound of this pranayama mimics the sounds of the sea.The benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama includes increased immunity, mental clarity, and calming of the nervous system. I invite you to meditate and play in nature.
2. Changing our practices on land
Ocean Conservation is not just for the coastal regions. According to The Inland Ocean Coalition, “The changes we need to make to address the largest threats facing our seas include lowering carbon emissions, reducing trash pollution, eating sustainable seafood, safeguarding watersheds, and promoting marine protected areas (MPAs).” Every choice we make, no matter location, has a direct impact on the ocean.
3. The Five R’s
The Five R’s include: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and Research. Some examples of the five R’s you could include in your daily life: Reduce your dependency on pre-packaged goods. Replace plastics by reusing glass jars, reusable grocery bags, and reusable cutlery. Recycle properly and/or tap into your creativity with DIY projects. For inspiration, click on this link Refuse Single Waste Plastics. Research is a step towards prevention. Become a smart consumer and know the impact to the environment before you buy anything.
4. Influence change in your community
Look for ways to educate, inspire, and advocate. Simple ideas include organizing beach clean ups (be sure to follow current Covid-19 guidelines). Zoom or Facetime with friends and family and discuss ways of implementing positive behavior changes that will impact the environment. Be a leader in your community by role modeling. Remember, children are always watching and they pick up behaviors that they see again and again. Inspire others to change or develop intentional environment friendly behaviors. One day, I watched my husband pick up several pieces of trash when he was coming in from surfing. Seeing that easy task, I now always pick up at least three pieces of trash whenever I go paddling or surfing. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work.
5. Support organizations + businesses working to protect the ocean
Support your local community organizations that are working to protect the ocean. Support businesses like Wolven, that are dedicated to delivering products to the consumer with the least possible impact on our planet.
I hope this blog inspires you to get out and enjoy nature. Remember, every day should be World Oceans Day. Stay safe and well.
The Wolfpack IRL
About the Author
Lauren Shimabukuro is a certified 500 E-RYT Yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. She is a Stand Up Paddle Yoga Master Instructor. In 2012 she paddled 70 plus miles from Trestles to Tijuana in southern California with Below the Surface to draw attention to the impact of water pollution on the coastline. She is a full time educator who teaches PE, Yoga, and Dance. In 2010, she created a stand up paddle yoga curriculum for grades 2-12 as well as for university courses. She has presented her curriculum at several physical education conferences. The past three years she has had the incredible opportunity of being a SUP Yoga presenter for Wanderlust at the following locations: Squaw Valley, Whistler, and Stratton. She is the founder of Namaste SUP, a free global community that brings together stand up paddle yoga enthusiasts from around the world.
