Moving Through Fears & Uncertainty

A Scuba Diving Analogy

Fear Often Lives at the Surface

When reflecting on moving through fears and uncertainty, I recall my first scuba diving experience back in my early 20’s. My best friend and I had visited a scuba shack in Mexico where our group took instruction to ensure a successful dive and as a requirement before going into the water.

We were all suited up and ready to go as we boated our way out to nowhere land. To my surprise, the first thing I noticed was how horrifying the almost jet-black waters looked. I’m jumping into that?! The abyss!? I almost backed out as the fear was almost too gripping.

Learning to Trust the Descent

My mind was mortified as to what possibly lurked beneath the surface. At this point, I had already come this far out and to turn back wouldn’t have been fair for those I was with nor myself.

When scuba diving, at least for new divers, it is best practice to sit at the edge of the boat deck and fall backwards, tank-first, into the water. I shakily fitted my goggles around my face and inserted my mouth piece and took the plunge.

What Lies Beneath the Unknown

Once I broke the surface, I couldn’t believe my eyes at the beauty and clarity of the water! The beautiful fish swimming in and around, darting back and forth was incredibly inspiring.

In particular, to be able to see a football field’s length in front of me was astounding! I felt free! I could choose to go up, or down, I could swim next to my friends and explore.

Unquestionably, I wanted to finish the rest of the day in the water and couldn’t stand the thought of leaving. From the terror I felt above the surface was the complete opposite from what I felt below.

Returning with a New Perspective

I reflect on this event now more than 20 years later given where we are in our society and the changes we are undergoing.

The wisdom I gleaned from this is profound. I find it fascinating how our minds can convince us about false realities and circumstances which can prevent us from attaining what we truly desire in life.

And so, when letting go of things that no longer serve you or that you have outgrown, trust in letting go with a knowing that amazing things lie just past the surface even if you don’t know what that is.

No matter how dark the waters may seem, trust that it is for your highest good and you just may have some fun when things settle!

You are truly loved and supported in all that you do. If I would have never took the plunge, I would have never received the gift of the freedom I felt that day.