Water is such an incredible 'thing'.
Seahab, by definition, is rehabilitation by the sea. I go in the water because it makes me feel good. So do others. Each person has their sole purpose for entering the ocean. Someday, I hope to help individuals rehabilitate their body, soul, and mind with marine-based activities.
A couple months ago, I was talking to a good friend about Seahab. Just this year he had a spinal accident and has been recovering ever since. As an avid surfer and long-distance paddler, he wanted to recover back to his previous condition (and excel that). But there are so many obstacles standing in his way, especially muscular atrophy.
He said, "I've been content being back in the water...but that's really not enough. Water is a form of psychomatic healing. every bit as real as a psychosomatic illness. Both are very real." (By definition, psychosomatic is, "of or pertaining to a physical disorder that is caused by or notably influenced by emotional factors and
pertaining to or involving both the mind and the body."
I responded by saying, "So my Seahab thing, remember? Well, what you said is exactly how I feel. Once you are in the water (as a surfer), you crave to do what you used to do. (With an illness/disability/condition) You start by driving to the beach every day. You watch the surfers and remember what you used to do. It might be difficult at first, but it is the beginning of psychosomatic healing. At the same time, continue conversing with friends who share the same passions as you. This brings a sense of community. It forces you to face your fears along with knowing that rehabilitation can happen. The next step is walking through the sand. Instantly, recollections of habit flood your conscious. Next, put your feet in the water. Let the waves roll over your toes. It's a step-by-step healing process. Physically, you can't paddle out, but mentally, you can. You know what you want and that is to be doing what you love. Next, you lay on your board, just as you used to do. All these little motions trigger past memories yet signal the future. In your head, you know what to do with your arms, so when you get these feelings, I believe the mental and physical parts can aid each other in the end.
No matter if you have a psychosomatic condition or not, these steps can help reduce anxiety and stress. Overall, life will be more positive.
My desire is to help people who need rehabilitation no matter what age they are or what condition they have. I'm doing this for the love because I love surfing, paddling, everything aquatic. And I know that other people's lives thrive off of it just like mine does.
Believe in yourself.
