At the renewed COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, being in the presence of water has a healing resonance, and leaves us with a sense of calm that is almost transcendental. The reason behind this phenomenon? The Blue Mind Theory.
In COMO Shambhala Estate, water exists in its purest form. It flows throughout the Estate, enveloping the grounds in a sense of reverence and tranquility. There’s the Kedara Water Garden, where three sunlit pools of mineralised water are fed by a waterfall that descends from The Source, a sacred freshwater spring revered by the Balinese. Explorations of the Estate are accompanied by the constant, gentle bubbling of the Ayung River.
Our connection to water is instinctive, but there is science behind that curious sense of calm. Researchers are now calling this the Blue Mind Theory, which was coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, and refers to the “mildly meditative state that people fall into when they are near, in, on, or under water”. When the body is fully immersed in water, the parasympathetic nervous system activates, significantly slowing the heart rate and shifting the body into a rest-and-digest state. Even short bursts of immersion can achieve this effect — cold plunges can stimulate the vagus nerve and activate the rest-and-digest response, which reduces stress, slows the heart rate, and boosts mood.
The Blue Mind Theory, refers to the mildly meditative state that people fall into when they are near, in, on, or under water
Being near water also satisfies the brain’s need for stimulation without overloading it. You’ll experience this most keenly during a picnic lunch at Kedara. The senses are fully engaged — you’ll hear the gentle trickling of the waterfall, smell the crisp air, and spot the occasional whitewater rafter floating down the river. There is a sense of soothing familiarity, punctured with bursts of novelty. Psychologists call this “soft fascination”, which is a form of involuntary attention that doesn’t require mental strain, but allows for increased mindfulness, contemplation, and creativity.
The Source also feeds into the Estate’s Vitality Pool, a heated outdoor pool with a stunning view of the Balinese jungle. Here, the transformative effects of water are channelled into powerful jets that massage the body. You feel weightless and fully relaxed in the water — your muscles no longer need to work to keep you upright, allowing for somatic release and true rest.
When you enter the Estate, there’s a lookout point 150 metres above the Ayung. There’s the rushing river, lined with tropical trees and birds that soar above the jungle, and an unmistakable feeling of awe. It’s a feeling that exists uniquely in the Estate, where wellness is synonymous with nature — the sense of self diminishes, creating a profound connection with nature and something greater. It’s especially transcendental during the Balinese Water Blessing Ceremony. Led by a local priest, the blessing happens at the mouth of The Source, where the running water renders you new and completely cleansed.
Psychologist and emotion expert Dacher Keltner describes the experience of awe as something close to an epiphany. “Look to the sky and listen for migrations of birds. Follow the tides. Watch the growth of a seedling and its relationship to the earth. In awe, we understand that we are part of many things that are larger than the self.”
COMO Shambhala Estate unveils a new era of holistic wellness on July 9th 2025. Discover our reimagined wellness sanctuary, including water-based therapies and a new suite of health-tech treatments, here.
