Aquawareness is a unique approach that integrates mindfulness with aquatic activities, transforming the experience of being in water into a meditative practice. This concept emphasizes the deep connection between individuals and water, promoting self-awareness and mental clarity through mindful engagement.

Key Aspects of Aquawareness

• Mindfulness in Movement: Aquawareness encourages participants to focus on their breathing, body movements, and sensations while in the water. This attentiveness helps transform swimming into a meditative experience, enhancing relaxation and reducing stress. By being present in the moment, individuals can explore their aquatic environment more effectively, leading to improved swimming skills and confidence[1][3].
• Sensory Engagement: Unlike traditional meditation, which often emphasizes stillness and introspection, Aquawareness promotes active engagement with the environment. Participants experience the fluidity of water, allowing them to reconnect with their bodies and rediscover movement patterns that evoke forgotten sensations. This sensory experience fosters a greater understanding of one’s physical presence in the water[2][4].
• Philosophical Foundations: Aquawareness views water as a primal element that symbolizes consciousness and life itself. By immersing themselves in water, individuals can explore their corporeality anew and engage in a form of meditation that nourishes both body and mind. This approach encourages a holistic understanding of one’s relationship with water, integrating physical activity with mental awareness[2][3].
• Personalized Learning: The practice emphasizes intuitive learning through self-guided exploration rather than rigid techniques. Participants are encouraged to adapt their movements based on their unique experiences in the water, fostering creativity and deeper engagement. This personalized approach enhances confidence and allows for a more profound connection with the aquatic environment[1][2].

In summary, Aquawareness effectively combines mindfulness with aquatic activities by promoting sensory engagement, self-awareness, and personal growth. It transforms traditional swimming into a meditative practice that enhances both physical skills and mental clarity, encouraging individuals to develop a deeper understanding of their relationship with water.

[1] https://www.fuorimag.it/category/aquawareness/?print=pdf-searc
[2] https://www.fuorimag.it/aquawareness-a-fascinating-concept-that-combines-water-and-mindfulness-to-enhance-both-physical-and-mental-awareness/
[3] https://www.fuorimag.it/category/aquawareness/?print=pdf-search
[4] https://lifearchitekture.com/blogs/mindfulness/mindfulness-water
[5] https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness/
[6] https://www.aquawareness.net/bibliography/
[7] https://www.academia.edu/126728209/Aquawareness_key_principles
[8] https://newburgh.hvswim.com/blog/the-zen-of-swimming-finding-peace-and-mindfulness-in-the-water
[9] https://www.ommagazine.com/beginners-guide-to-aqua-yoga/
[10] https://aquafitnessonline.com/articles/fluid-focus-the-power-of-masme/?v=322b26af01d5

by Giancarlo De Leo

Thales’ Concept of Water as the Arche

Thales of Miletus, a pre-Socratic philosopher from ancient Greece (c. 624–546 BCE), is often recognized as the first philosopher in Western history. He is renowned for his assertion that water is the fundamental principle, or arche, of the universe. This idea marked a significant shift from mythological explanations of natural phenomena to a more rational and empirical understanding of the world.

Thales proposed that water is not merely a physical substance but the essential element from which all things originate. His reasoning was based on several observations:

• Ubiquity of Water: Thales noted that water is everywhere—in the sky as rain, in the soil, and within plants. This omnipresence led him to conclude that it must be a fundamental component of life itself.
• Transformative Nature: Water can exist in multiple states—solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam)—and can change forms readily. This property symbolized for Thales the ability of all things to transform and evolve, suggesting that change is a fundamental aspect of existence.
• Life Sustenance: He observed that all living things depend on water for nourishment, reinforcing his belief in its essential role in life and its interconnectedness with all forms of existence145.

Philosophical Implications

Thales’ identification of water as the arche was groundbreaking because it moved philosophy towards naturalistic explanations rather than divine intervention. He posited that:

• The Earth floats on water, which he believed provided stability and support for land masses. This idea also served as an explanation for earthquakes; he suggested they were caused by disturbances in the waters beneath the earth346.
• Everything in nature is interconnected through this single substance, emphasizing a unity within the cosmos. This view laid the groundwork for later philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence and reality15.

Legacy and Influence

Thales’ ideas significantly influenced subsequent philosophers and scientific thought. He is often credited with initiating a more systematic approach to inquiry that would characterize later scientific methods. His emphasis on observation and rational explanation paved the way for future thinkers like Anaximander and Anaximenes, who also sought to identify fundamental principles underlying natural phenomena.In summary, Thales of Miletus fundamentally changed how humanity understands its world by proposing that water is the core substance from which everything arises. His insights into nature’s interconnectedness and the transformative properties of water not only marked a pivotal moment in philosophy but also set the stage for scientific exploration in ancient Greece and beyond.

Thales of Miletus and the concept of Aquawareness are interconnected through their shared emphasis on water as a fundamental element in understanding existence and consciousness.

Thales and the Fundamental Role of Water

Thales famously proposed that water is the arche, or fundamental principle, of the universe. He observed that water is essential for life and exists in various forms—liquid, solid, and gas—symbolizing transformation and the interconnectedness of all things. This perspective marked a significant shift from mythological explanations to a more rational understanding of nature, laying the groundwork for scientific inquiry and philosophy[3][4][6].

Aquawareness: A Modern Reflection on Water

Aquawareness, developed by Giancarlo De Leo as holistic practice, integrates mindfulness with aquatic experiences to enhance self-awareness and promote a deeper connection between individuals and water. This discipline encourages individuals to engage with water not just as a physical medium but as a source of personal growth and exploration. It emphasizes the sensory experiences associated with being in water, echoing Thales’ recognition of water’s transformative properties and its essential role in life[1][2][8].

Connecting Thales to Aquawareness

• Philosophical Foundations: Both Thales’ philosophy and Aquawareness emphasize the significance of water as a vital element for understanding existence. Thales viewed water as the origin of all things, while Aquawareness seeks to rediscover our relationship with this element through mindful interaction.
• Transformation and Change: Thales highlighted the transformative nature of water, which aligns with Aquawareness’ focus on personal transformation through mindful engagement with aquatic environments. Both perspectives recognize that water serves as a medium for change—whether in nature or within ourselves.
• Unity and Interconnectedness: Thales believed in the unity of nature, suggesting that all things are interconnected through their dependence on water. Similarly, Aquawareness fosters an understanding of our physical and mental states in relation to our environment, promoting a holistic view of well-being.

In summary, Thales’ philosophical insights about water as a foundational principle resonate with the modern practice of Aquawareness, which seeks to deepen our understanding of ourselves through our interactions with this essential element. Both highlight the importance of water not only as a physical substance but also as a profound symbol of life, change, and interconnectedness.

by Giancarlo De Leo

published on fuorimag.it

January 31, 2025

Thales of Miletus and Aquawareness – Fuori

[1] https://www.aquawareness.net
[2] https://www.fuorimag.it/aquawareness-history-of-a-discipline/
[3] https://iep.utm.edu/thales/
[4] https://philosophy.institute/ancient-medieval/thales-water-principle-universe/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales_of_Miletus
[6] https://www.philoschools.com/philosophy-before-socrates/thales/philosophy-of-nature
[7] https://www.psychofuturia.com/thales-of-miletus-western-philosophy/
[8] https://www.fuorimag.it/aquawareness-philosophical-approach/
[9] https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness-goals/
[10] https://www.fuorimag.it/aquawareness-masters/?print=print
[11] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/relevance-thales-miletus-modern-world-rajendra-raju-kocharekar
[12] https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/crngz3/current_relevance_of_thales/
[13] https://pilloledistoriaefilosofia.com/2025/01/02/thales-the-first-philosopher/
[14] https://iep.utm.edu/thales/
[15] https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness/
[16] https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-4-issue-8/784-788.pdf
[17] https://study.com/academy/lesson/thales-the-philosopher-theory-contributions-to-philosophy.html
[18] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/global/corporate-responsibility/environment
[19] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/responsability/news/going-extra-mile-sustainability
[20] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/group/news/environmental-responsibility-practice
[21] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries/europe/united-kingdom/sustainability
[22] https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/en/health-safety-environment

Aquawareness reduces and mitigates bias by immersing yourself in an environment that stimulates body and mental awareness.

In water, gravity is counterbalanced by Archimedes’ thrust, improving proprioception and fine motor control, allowing you to observe the body without preconceptions or expectations of performance[1][3].

In addition, body-water interaction encourages a more objective perception of oneself, reducing predefined mental patterns and promoting greater open-mindedness and self-awareness[1].

Citazioni:
[1] [PDF] Aquawareness | Fuori https://www.fuorimag.it/category/aquawareness/?print=pdf-search
[2] Implicit Bias – Awareness and Accountability | Baker Donelson https://www.bakerdonelson.com/implicit-bias-awareness-and-accountability
[3] Fuori – outsider magazine for executive insiders – Uno sguardo … https://www.fuorimag.it/
[4] How can social workers tackle unconscious bias? – Community Care https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2015/01/05/can-social-workers-tackle-unconscious-bias/
[5] Bias, awareness, and ignorance in deep-learning-based face … https://www.zhaw.ch/en/engineering/about-us/news/news/event-news/bias-bewusstsein-und-unwissenheit-bei-deep-learning-basierten-gesichtserkennungsverfahren/
[6] How brain biases prevent climate action – BBC https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190304-human-evolution-means-we-can-tackle-climate-change
[7] Six Ways Embodied Awareness Can Reduce Bias – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/six-ways-embodied-awareness-can-reduce-bias-kimberly-woodland-motr
[8] Implicit and Explicit Biases for Recycled Water and Tap Water https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2021WR030712

How does Aquawareness promote personalized and intuitive learning

Aquawareness promotes personalized and intuitive learning by encouraging individuals to explore their unique relationship with water through self-guided discovery rather than rigid techniques.

It emphasizes personal adaptation, allowing participants to understand what works best for their body’s natural buoyancy and dynamics.

The practice incorporates phases of receptive observation, where individuals focus on sensations in water, followed by active experimentation based on those experiences.

This approach fosters confidence, creativity, and deeper engagement, enabling learners to refine movements intuitively and develop skills aligned with their personal needs and abilities[1].

[1] [PDF] Aquawareness | Fuori https://www.fuorimag.it/category/aquawareness/?print=pdf-search

Aquawareness is a philosophical approach that integrates water with mindfulness to enhance physical and mental awareness.

It views water as a primal element deeply connected to human existence, symbolizing consciousness and life itself.

Drawing from ancient traditions and modern theories, it emphasizes water’s unique properties—such as its ability to react immediately to the slightest change in floating balance, and transmit information in every every point of the immersed part of the body —as a perfect medium for consciousness.

Practices like mindful swimming, water-based meditation, and aquatic experiences explore water’s role in reconnecting individuals with their essence, promoting introspection, and fostering a profound sense of interconnectedness with nature[1][2][3].

But, don’t forget the Latin phrase “primum vivere, deinde philosophari” translates to “first live, then philosophize.” It emphasizes the importance of taking care of our basic needs—like food, shelter, and safety—before engaging in philosophical or intellectual pursuits.

It’s a reminder that practical needs must be met before we can dedicate ourselves to contemplation and the search for wisdom.

In the case of aquawareness, the philosophical approach aligns with a more fundamentally utilitarian one.

The term “φιλοσοφία” – “philosophia,” originating from ancient Greek, means “love for wisdom.”

Philosophy aims to understand the world and our role within it; translated into an aquatic environment, the philosophical approach of aquawareness seeks to understand water (through one’s own body); it seeks to understand the body (through water) based on lived experiences to enhance one’s swimming abilities.

And among these, as a priority, those related to water survival.

So, “Love for wisdom”, in aquawareness language, easily translates as “Love for life”.

[1] Aquawareness: a fascinating concept that combines water … – Fuori https://www.fuorimag.it/aquawareness-a-fascinating-concept-that-combines-water-and-mindfulness-to-enhance-both-physical-and-mental-awareness/

[2] Water as the archetype of Consciousness and life https://www.movingarchetypes.com.au/blog/2023/10/3/water-as-the-archetype-of-consciousness-and-life

[3] Water and the Unified Theory of Consciousness https://www.robbiegeorgephotography.com/blog/blog_posts/water-and-the-unified-theory-of-consciousness-the-medium-of-life-s-mysteries

[4] [PDF] Into the Deep Waters of Philosophy – PAS Journals https://journals.pan.pl/Content/117868/PDF/15-17_Sobota_Woda_ang.pdf

[5] Philosophy – Jahara Water Therapy https://www.jahara.com/philosophy

Perché i galleggiamenti e le attività motorie in acqua favoriscono la propriocezione

La pratica aquawareness svolta in  superficie sia in moderata profondità (fino ad un massimo di 2,5 mt)  favorisce il senso della **propriocezione** grazie al contatto, parziale o integrale, dell’epidermide con l’acqua che stimola maggiormente il senso del tatto in ogni parte del corpo rispetto alle condizioni “terrestri”, amplificando significativamente la consapevolezza corporea. Inoltre, in acqua, la gravità è controbilanciata dalla spinta di Archimede, permettendo un miglior controllo “fine” del corpo e anche una maggiore sensibilità ad ogni cambiamento, anche minimo, di forma, assetto e orientamento grazie alle risposte puntuali del liquido,(4][5]. In questo senso, l’acqua “costringe” sempre, e necessariamente, il nuotatore consapevole al “momento presente”, concetto-base della meditazione insight

La fluttuazione nell’acqua richiede un’attenta coordinazione motoria, che affina le capacità propriocettive[4]. Inoltre, l’esperienza sensoriale unica dell’immersione, inclusi i movimenti fluidi e il silenzio, contribuisce a una maggiore consapevolezza del proprio corpo nello spazio[4][5].

Citazioni:
[1] Quali sono gli effetti sul nostro organismo durante un’immersione … https://www.volchem.it/post/effetti-organismo-immersione-sub.html
[2] 6 benefici della subacquea sulla salute: mente e corpo ringrazieranno https://atisdiving.it/6-benefici-della-subacquea-sulla-salute-mente-e-corpo-ringrazieranno/
[3] L’approccio del bambino e dell’adolescente all’attività subacquea https://www.cosedimare.com/2012/04/lapproccio-del-bambino-e-delladolescente-allattivita-subacquea/
[4] La Subacquea e la Sensopercezione. – SCUBACADEMY MILANO https://www.scubacademy.it/2024/07/02/la-subacquea-e-la-sensopercezione-con-scubacademy/
[5] Acqua e propriocettività • Nuoto Baby ® | Metodo Giletto | 0 – 3 anni https://nuotobaby.it/acqua-e-propriocettivita/
[6] 10. Perché mi immergo? – Tecnica & Medicina http://www.marpola.it/tecnica%20e%20medicina/10.htm
[7] [PDF] Aquayoga o Woga© – CONI Marche https://marche.coni.it/images/marche/Aquayoga_o_Woga_versione_definitiva_2014.pdf
[8] I benefici della fisioterapia in acqua – Top Physio Roma https://www.topphysioroma.it/blog/i-benefici-della-fisioterapia-in-acqua/
[9] Respirazione, assetto, ritenzione di CO2 e svuotamento corretto dei … https://www.poverosub.com/forum/subacquea/tecnica/1441174-respirazione-assetto-ritenzione-di-co2-e-svuotamento-corretto-dei-polmoni
[10] Benefici della subacquea – UNDERWATER TALES https://www.underwatertales.net/2022/11/14/benefici-della-subacquea%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/

Let’s dive in (pun intended!) and explore its unique advantages:

1. Connection with Water: Aquawareness leverages water as a tool to increase bodily and mental awareness. Think of it as a way to reconnect with the primal element—the same fluid that surrounded us in the womb. 🌊
2. Rediscovering Boundaries: Just as we first encountered boundaries within the amniotic fluid, Aquawareness allows us to explore our corporeality anew. It’s like rediscovering our body’s language—strange yet familiar movements that evoke forgotten sensations. 🤸‍♂️
3. Nārāyaṇa and Cosmic Transition: In Indian mythology, Nārāyaṇa represents the transition from undifferentiated stillness to individual consciousness. Picture him sleeping blissfully on primordial waters, a lotus sprouting from his navel—the first spark of awareness detached from the universal matrix. 🌸
4. Swimming Mastery: Aquawareness isn’t just about splashing around; it’s about mindful presence in water. By truly engaging with water experiences, you learn to swim—not just doggy-paddle but Swimming (yes, with a capital S!). 🏊‍♂️
5. Meditation Galore: With the right mindset, every dip becomes an opportunity for meditation. Imagine floating, fully aware of the water around you—an Aquawareness practice that nourishes both body and mind. 🧘‍♀️

So, whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a water enthusiast, consider embracing Aquawareness. It’s not just about strokes; it’s about diving into consciousness itself! 🌟

Would you like to explore more about this or have any other aquatic curiosities? 🌊🤔

(1) Aquawareness – aquawareness. https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness/.
(2) Aquawareness: il Nuoto come strumento di consapevolezza. https://www.ocean4future.org/savetheocean/archives/69927.
(3) Aquawareness advantages – Fuori. https://www.fuorimag.it/aquawareness-advantages/.

Deconstructing techniques in Aquawareness provides numerous benefits:

1. **Enhanced Sensory Awareness**: By forgetting complex motor skills, individuals can focus on feeling the water and their bodies, fostering a deeper sensory connection; by focusing on the body’s natural interactions with water, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their movements and sensations.[1].

2. **Increased Trust and Confidence:**: It encourages trust in the body’s natural buoyancy and interaction with water, enhancing confidence without relying on artificial aids. This approach fosters trust in water, allowing for more relaxed and confident movement, which is crucial for effective swimming..[1].

3 **Pure Observation**: This approach allows for objective observation of how the body and water interact, free from performance expectations or biases[1].

4. **Improved Technique**: Breaking down complex skills helps individuals refine their movements, leading to more efficient swimming without reliance on rigid techniques.[1].

5. **Personalized and Intuitive Learning**: It promotes learning through personal exploration, adaptation and understanding, rather than mechanical repetition, allowing participants to discover what works best for their unique body statics and dynamics in water[1].

[1] Aquawareness https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness/

Aquawareness differs from traditional swimming lessons in several key ways:

1. Focus on Mindfulness: Aquawareness emphasizes sensory engagement and mindfulness, encouraging swimmers to connect deeply with their body and the water, rather than focusing on speed or technique[1][5].
2. Deconstruction of Techniques: It promotes unlearning rigid motor skills and avoiding reliance on accessories, fostering a natural and intuitive relationship with water[1][5].
3. Individual Exploration: Unlike the structured, performance-driven approach of traditional lessons, Aquawareness prioritizes personal exploration and autonomous decision-making in the water[1][5].

Citazioni:
[1] How does aquawareness differ from traditional swimming techniques https://www.fuorimag.it/how-does-aquawareness-differ-from-traditional-swimming-techniques/?print=print
[2] Infant Aquatics® vs Traditional Swim Lessons https://www.starfishinfantaquatics.com/blog/blog-post-title-four-lpjaf
[3] Swim Lessons vs Aquatic Therapy » Which is Right for Your … https://swimangelfish.com/swim-lessons-vs-aquatic-therapy/
[4] Infant Swimming Resources vs Traditional Swim Lessons https://h2osurvivalswimschool.com/infant-self-rescue-vs-traditional-swim-lessons/
[5] Aquawareness https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness/
[6] The Swimfinity Difference https://swimfinityacademy.com/the-swimfinity-difference/

Aquawareness offre diversi vantaggi unici che possono renderla preferibile rispetto ad altre pratiche olistiche quali Pilates, Feldenkreis, Yoga, Taichi, Qigong. Le elenchiamo in ordine, crescente, di importanza….

1. Connessione con l’elemento acqua: Aquawareness sfrutta l’acqua come strumento per aumentare la consapevolezza corporea e mentale. L’acqua, essendo un elemento naturale, offre una sensazione di leggerezza e supporto che può facilitare il rilassamento e la meditazione anche nelle fasi preliminari alle vere e proprie immersioni¹.
2. Riduzione dello stress: L’ambiente acquatico può aiutare a ridurre lo stress e l’ansia. L’acqua ha un effetto calmante sul sistema nervoso, che può migliorare il benessere generale e aiutare la consapevolezza indotta nelle fasi successive².
3. Accessibilità: Aquawareness può essere praticata da persone di tutte le età e livelli di abilità. L’acqua riduce l’impatto sulle articolazioni, rendendo questa pratica accessibile anche a chi ha limitazioni fisiche².
4. Benefici fisici: Oltre ai benefici mentali, Aquawareness può migliorare la forza muscolare, la flessibilità delle articolazioni e la resistenza cardiovascolare grazie agli esercizi svolti in acqua³.
5. Miglioramento della consapevolezza corporea: La pratica di Aquawareness incoraggia una maggiore consapevolezza delle sensazioni corporee e delle percezioni indotte dall’acqua, che vengono amplificate dal contatto diretto con l’epidermide . Questo può portare a una migliore comprensione del proprio corpo, delle posture in stato di quiete o durante i suoi movimenti³.
6. Apprendimento del Nuoto: Aquawareness è nata proprio per queste ragioni, per insegnare ed imparare a nuotare davvero. Per scoprire il comportamento dell’acqua esclusivamente attraverso il proprio corpo (e non attraverso modelli astratti predefiniti), e simmetricamente, imparare a (ri)-conoscere il proprio corpo attraverso gli stimoli e le risposte dell’acqua, per natura sempre adeguate, chiare, trasparenti. L’interazione corpo-acqua, purché permeata di doppia consapevolezza esterna-interna, costituisce l’essenza di qualsiasi attività natatoria.
7. Capacità di sopravvivenza in acqua: “Primum vivere, deinde philosophari” dicevano gli Antichi Romani, ed avevano ragione da vendere!  Anche l’atleta più performante del mondo in piscina, se ha paura dell’acqua alta e non sa confrontarsi con laghi, fiumi o mari, se non affronta onde od oscurità,  rimane un atleta ma non sarà mai un Nuotatore. Non sarà mai in grado di salvare gli altri in situazioni difficili e neanche se stesso. Aquawareness, invece, è la via maestra per aumentare le capacità di sopravvivenza in acqua per mezzo della consapevolezza: interna ed esterna, grazie alle quali ad ogni situazione difficile potrà corrispondere una azione (o non-azione) per quanto possibile “giusta”, adeguata…che, purtroppo, talvolta potrebbe non risultare sufficiente…ma sarà, probabilmente, la migliore possibile in quelle specifiche condizioni.

¹: Aquawareness
²: Ocean4Future
³: Aquawareness

(1) Aquawareness – aquawareness. https://www.aquawareness.net/aquawareness/.
(2) Aquawareness: il Nuoto come strumento di consapevolezza. https://www.ocean4future.org/savetheocean/archives/69927.
(3) Home – aquawareness. https://www.aquawareness.net/.