Artivist Series -Wallace “J” Nichols
author/ Blue Mind advocate
Soon after this podcast was posted I learned that this sensitive soul who inspired a Blue Mind movement had passed away. J was a passionate, energetic individual who grew up wanting to be a problem solver. He offered solutions through his writing, research, and engagement with people. A stalwart advocate for the Big Blue, J advocated for young leaders and believed they needed space to connect with water and be energized to do the work that needs to be done. A vast community is grateful to him for wishing us water. To honor him, listen to his podcast as he shares his thoughts about the ocean and how it inspired him.
Wallace “J” Nichols, an advocate for everything water, ranging from wellness and wildlife to the environment. J coined the term “Blue Mind.” He is recognized for his scientific work with sea turtles, his best-selling book Blue Mind: The surprising science that shows how, being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do, and as a cofounder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition. His untiring spirit has been featured in magazines as diverse as Time, Animal Planet, Vogue and Surfer
Video conversation with J Nichols … click here
What J talks about …
J talks about his work and explores his connection with the ocean. J has always been emotionally attached to water. He can go way back to his childhood where he remembers always being the first one in the water. He says life on land was fine, but it was complicated and being in the water made him feel at home. He grew up wanting to be a problem solver, someone who wanted to roll up his sleeves and get the work done. In college J went about assembling a problem solver toolkit. And what he learned is that the emotional piece, the human dimension,s so important. He gives examples and says we need to do a much better job working with young people, the people who we’re relying on to solve the problems the tools to stay emotionally, mentally, socially, spiritually strong, to help them succeed. J has found that nature has helped him be connected, to feel awe and wonder and joy and peace and freedom. J believes we need to provide opportunity for young leaders to get in the water, to give them space to restore themselves and be energized to come back and do the work.