Jon Totten
While working as a charter sailboat captain in the Caribbean, Jon began to notice the positive impact people felt after spending time on the water. Totten himself had always found sailing therapeutic, a place where he just feels better. One day, he wondered — could he create a model where that feel-good sensation was not just a byproduct, but the main point?
In 2020, he launched Dogsmile Adventures, a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic sailing experiences in North Idaho. Dogsmile is a whole lot of fun, but, with Totten at the lead, it’s also a unique place of intention.
“I’m a firm believer that when we set that intention, that healing is more likely to happen,” says Totten. “There’s something about being near water that just opens people’s hearts.”
Totten cites the blue mind theory, that humans are mostly made up of water, so when we’re near it, we feel better biologically. “Water heals people. It just works,” says Totten. “I remind people that I’m not a therapist. I’m not going to ask you about your childhood. We get out there and let the boat and the wind and the water do the work, and it just happens.”
Sailing with strangers involves an establishment of trust; I trust that you’ll do your job while I do mine, so we can maneuver the sailboat together. “Sailing is just the medium,” says Totten. “It’s the leadership, skills, communication, trust and resilience that they will take with them for the rest of their lives, whether they keep sailing or not.”
Learning to be present while sailing can also provide clarity and relief. When Totten is out on the boat with people, there’s nothing but the now: each body and mind is fully engaged in working the sailboat as it moves across the water. It’s a mindful activity that can levitate the weight of life.
DOMA Coffee is a part of that mindful experience. It’s often cold when the group meets to sail in the morning, and Totten enjoys hot DOMA coffee, sometimes sharing a cup on board. “There’s something primal about the warm drink in the morning. There’s a ritual to it. There’s something to that warm beverage that we share,” says Totten.
While Dogsmile works heavily with youth and veterans, Totten advocates that everyone is fighting a battle that can’t be seen. His hope is that the movement of sailing will be enough to bring a wide, dog-like smile to your face.
About The Series
A good day starts with DOMA coffee. For the past year, we've followed cool humans and the things they do after their morning cup of DOMA Coffee. Turns out, humans are awesome. Especially after caffeine.
Stay tuned as we continue to release their stories.