Book Recommendation
Saltwater in the Blood. Easkey Britton, 2021
How I found it
This was one of the standout books from my MSc Psychology dissertation research as you can see from all the marker tabs in the photo. My dissertation focused on the eudaimonic wellbeing of coastal residents, how this differs between long-term and more recent residents and what spiritual value participants gain from interacting with the coastal environment.
I first came across Easkey through her academic work on the embodied and emotional experiences of immersion in water and then stumbled across a mention of this book whilst exploring her work further – one of those serendipitous research moments that takes you somewhere unexpected.
Alongside a handful of other books written by academics but not for academics, Saltwater in the Blood had a significant impact on how I thought about modern day connection to nature and the deep respect that indigenous populations have always maintained for their environment. Easkey’s writing gave me several ideas I was able to take forward into my research.
What it’s about
I think this book is quite unique in the way it moves from memoir to nature journal to personal reflection on connection to oneself and others.
Devoid of ego, Easkey shares the journey she took from her childhood by the sea on the West Coast of Ireland to travelling the world as a competitive surfer, journalist and researcher before coming home and developing her academic career.
The book is rooted in her personal connection to nature, and the sea especially, and she shares wonderful details of how this intimate relationship with her environment has challenged how she feels about herself. She describes the benefits and drawbacks of choosing a hugely male dominated sport, the impact this had on her mental wellbeing and how developing her mind / body connection became a vital element of her success.
Along the way, Easkey continues to weave insights about the ways in which we can learn about ourselves through engagement with the blue environment, drawing on lessons from our ancestors and developing a greater awareness of the cycles of nature and the value that connection to them can provide us.
Why I’m recommending it
I think the book is beautifully written. There’s something lyrical about Easkey’s writing style. She covers a lot of ground and some subjects which could become academic and dry at the hand of other writers. Instead, her enthusiasm to bring the reader inside the secrets of what it’s like to be so deeply connected to the sea and the wisdom that can be learnt from this means it is actually a real page turner.
‘Saltwater in the Blood’ will be helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about the value of a closer connection to nature.
Easkey also provides honest insights in terms of what it’s like to deal with a busy inner critic and a disconnect between mind and body and how connecting with nature can be a valuable tool for challenging your self beliefs and creating a better relationship with yourself.
As someone who similarly grew up by the coast in a family whose lives were entwined with sea, I can relate to some of Easkey’s story and understanding. But you don’t need this personal connection to the coast to find this book valuable. It is a wonderful piece of storytelling that showcases how anyone can benefit from connection to the cycles of nature.
Who should read it
Whilst there is a unique female perspective in this book, it will appeal to anyone who wants a different kind of summer read to take to the beach this year.
Alongside those who love nature, water and the sea, this book will also be valuable to people who would like to improve the connection between their mental and physical health or those who have an interest in art and creativity – the book is also filled with Easkey’s illustrations.
A note
Since writing ‘Saltwater in the Blood’, Easkey has continued her work as a marine social scientist exploring the human relationship with the ocean and the power of healing our relationship with it.
You can find out more about her work and interests on her website – easkeybritton.com. This also contains a wonderful catalogue of inspirational videos.
If you enjoyed this post, you may find other posts in my How We Live series interesting which you can find via the link below:
