Imagine a baby taking its first steps and learning to walk. It isn’t easy at first, but it is only natural that it will be an attribute the child will acquire in due time. It is nothing short to marvelous to witness, and I’m pretty certain the child feels the urge to continue doing it, no matter what difficulties might appear in front of it, it’s the way to explore its surroundings.
That is how I view diving. No matter how different it might appear, to wear gear and cover your body with all those layers, it’s like it all becomes one with your skin and you can’t remember how it ever felt to be without it, just like making one step, in front of the other, subconscious harmony.
Taking my first breath underwater made me feel like returning home to a dream that never left, just became hidden- hidden within everyday routines, pressures and stress of everyday life. Words seem too poor when trying to describe this feeling. The feeling of having access to what seems like a whole new world, with colors that you would otherwise not be able to see, underwater species that paint the story of the circle of life so purely.
Once I am underwater, everything becomes more vivid. Everyday problems don’t follow you under the surface, they don’t belong there. All you are is aware, aware of yourself, your body, your mind and your privilege to be a part of this world. Suddenly you are coming home to your core as part of the animal kingdom, it’s like the ocean opens its arms and embraces you as a long lost child, wasting no time in making you feel wanted. Just as harmonious as a parent child relationship is, it creeps into your heart and awakens all the attributes of an untouched soul, pure and curious to explore. Thankful for every second spent its beauty, aware of the constant respect being born within you for your surroundings and the discipline that one can only earn from a parent.
The sea never hid its beauty, it was always there for the taking. Luckily for us, some people decided not to settle by witnessing a beautiful sunset view from the shoreline, a walk along the beach or a boat ride from place to place. No, the sea called to them and they decided to answer, taking one step for man, every time they took a giant stride of a boat, after looking over the side and not being able to deny seeing their soul calling back through the depths of the vast beautiful blue.
I dive because I can’t imagine existing as half a person. Be it whether I left part of my soul down there the moment I entered, or found it.. A part of me lives in the sea, swimming in schools of colorful fish, hidden in coral reefs, beneath caves and forever moving like the currents
«Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore».
André Paul Guillaume Gide
Guest Author: Elpida-Tereza Chondrou
