There are so many beautiful ways to heal our body and our connection with our body. We were recently contacted by Erena Shimoda who offers underwater healing photography to heal emotional scars, improve confidence, and rediscover beauty. Her work and her personal story moved us to share with you.
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Erena Shimoda always had an affinity with the underwater world even though she grew up in the city. One of her favorite childhood memories includes floating in a small inflatable pool, daydreaming about mermaids and singing a children’s song:
“海は広いな 大きいなー
The ocean is wide, the ocean is huge…”
She survived a traumatic car accident in which she lost her father and suffered severe injuries. As a part of her healing process, she volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program, where patients support each other and learn about makeup and wigs. Seeing cancer survivors marvel at their transformations deeply affected Erena. She combined her interest in underwater photography with recovery. She became devoted to helping cancer survivors experience the healing effects of water immersion and to encourage survivors to see themselves as beautiful through portraits. She now photographs pregnant women, couples, people with PTSD, people with aquaphobia, and cancer survivors. Learn more about her amazing work at http://underwaterhealer.com/.