From Rivers to Roots—How Nature Helps Us Make Friends and Build Community

July 30th is International Friendship Day, and as I sit with that, I’m drawn to reflect on the many beautiful friendships that have blossomed through my journey with The Nature Nurse over the past ten years.

I’ve been gifted with countless connections—kindred spirits who share a deep love of the natural world and a desire to heal through it. There are far too many extraordinary people to honor in just one blog post, but today, I want to celebrate one friend in particular whose impact has reached far beyond my life into the hearts of people around the globe.

Wallace J. Nichols-“J” to those of us lucky enough to know him—was not only a groundbreaking marine biologist, but a trailblazer who dared to stretch ocean science beyond its traditional boundaries. He followed his deep curiosity about how being near, in, on, or under water can transform us: making us happier, healthier, more connected, and even better at what we do. His passion crystallized in the pages of Blue Mind, a book I stumbled upon at a local bookstore and immediately felt drawn to. It was more than a read—it was a revelation. Could this explain my deep love for the ocean, my affinity for warm baths, and the peace I feel by the water?

As a nurse who once dreamed of being a marine biologist, I was captivated. When I discovered J’s book tour was stopping in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I didn’t hesitate. I made my way there and met him in person. I had just launched The Nature Nurse, PLLC, a venture dedicated to exploring and sharing the healing power of nature. That evening, something clicked. As J looked out at the crowd, he said, “The Nature Nurse is here. I think we’ve found a friend.” And just like that, a friendship began—rooted in a shared mission to awaken people to the restorative magic of the natural world.

Over the next decade, J and I supported each other’s work. He focused on how water nurtures and heals; I explored nature’s broader embrace. Together, we advocated for a relationship with nature built not just on receiving, but on giving—restoration, stewardship, and heartfelt reciprocity.
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J had a gift for community-building. His beloved Blue Mind movement gave water lovers around the world a symbol—a small blue marble, passed from hand to hand as a token of connection. He created spaces for learning, gathering researchers and storytellers alike to share how water can relieve anxiety, offer therapy, and inspire joy. Surf therapy, blue health coaching, floating for mental wellness—his work brought science and spirit together in ways that felt deeply human.

One moment I’ll never forget: J invited me to a screening in New York City of a documentary featuring Force Blue Team—special ops veterans partnering with marine biologists to restore coral reefs. Their stories mirrored the unspoken trauma many nurses carry. I sat there holding back tears, recognizing the pain of being expected to be “tough,” while inside, we carry so much. These warriors—like so many of us—found healing and purpose beneath the waves.

During the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, when I was coaching frontline nurses through chaos and heartbreak, I reached out to Force Blue Team. I asked if they’d share a message of hope. Days later, they sent me a video that moved countless nurses to tears. It said: We see you. We understand. You are not alone.

Watch the video here:
​vimeo.com/401018929?share=copy

J brought playfulness into his work as well. At one Blue Mind Summit, we floated in a hotel pool wearing VR headsets and snorkels, diving into virtual coral reefs together—turtles, sharks, and even a giant humpback whale! He reminded us that healing isn’t always solemn. Sometimes it’s buoyant and bright.  That water can be a source of play and a place to meet non-human friends. J's favorite were sea turtles.  I asked him why turtles?  He said, "because of who they are."

Just over a year ago, J passed away. Yet his spirit endures—through the ripples he created, the lives he touched, and the love he inspired. His legacy, #BlueMindForLife, is more than a hashtag. It’s a call to live with wonder, connection, and care—for ourselves, each other, and this beautiful blue planet.

To J—thank you for the friendship, the inspiration, and the courage to cross boundaries. You helped me remember that healing is not a solo journey, and that nature connects us all.