Have you ever meditated? Do you understand the concept? Before thinking ‘this is not for me’ have a read of our short interview with Marlene, the creator of Mar-Med, meditation for yacht crew.
You will be pleasantly surprised!
The mind has many thoughts, like ripples on water.
The deeper you go, the quieter the sea.
Their exclusive program is tailored specifically for yacht crew, addressing the unique pressures of life at sea.
What would you say to someone who feels that way?
This meditation is not contemplation or concentration, so it does not require mental effort or strain.
It is not a test of willpower or the ability to remain perfectly still.
Even when the mind wanders or the body shifts, the practice continues as it should, and twenty minutes pass quickly.
The technique is taught step by step to ensure correct practice and maximum benefit.
Are there meditation techniques that can help with better rest or switching off after a long shift?
Meditation creates a state of restful awareness, distinct from wakefulness, ordinary sleep, and deep sleep.
By experiencing this “new” state, the brain learns the pathway to deep rest, so that when it’s time to sleep, deep and restorative sleep simply unfolds.
Meditation supports the innate emergence of order within both the mind and group dynamics onboard.
It enhances self-regulation and emotional awareness, reduces conflict, strengthens communication, and promotes smoother collaboration.
Crew members experience clearer focus and perspective.
This allows the team to function more cohesively and improve social dynamics onboard.
For someone who has never meditated before, how would you describe what meditation actually is and what it can do for your mental wellbeing?
This meditation practice is very simple and effortless.
It helps the mind slow down and become calmer, allowing your body to relax deeply.
The technique supports mental clarity and helps you perform at your best, so you can stay calm, focused, and effective both at work and in your daily life.
What are some realistic ways crew can integrate meditation into their daily routine onboard, even in tight quarters, shared spaces, and when time is limited?
The practice is specifically designed to fit around a busy day onboard :
20 minutes at the start of the day, before the demands begin
Then 20 minutes after work or between shifts, to reset before what’s next.
It does not require a specific setting, silence, or isolation, and can be performed wherever one can sit comfortably with eyes closed.
I encourage the practice of meditation to be implemented onboard with a fixed time slot that is to be respected by peers, with no abrupt interruptions!
Having a supportive environment for meditation elevates the atmosphere on board, fostering healthier social dynamics and stronger group cohesion.
Even twenty minutes can have a significant impact on the overall functioning of the vessel.
For crew who want to try meditation but don’t know where to begin, what’s the easiest first step?
The first step is to book a free introductory presentation.
It is designed to outline the benefits of the practice, explain the course structure, and answer questions - we ask that you do this before you book the course.
The session can be held onboard or in an alternative location, depending on what is most convenient.
It can be arranged for an individual or a group if the vessel’s responsible party believes it could benefit.
Thank you Marlene, it sounds like we all need a little bit of Mar-Med to bring balance to our hectic lives!
For more information and booking details, please click here.
You can also email the friendly team of training advisers at the Bluewater Antibes office.