Snorkeling

We just got back from a 7-day cruise! It was the perfect get-a-way, and we had so much fun! Maybe you noticed I didn’t post last week. I did think about bringing my laptop but decided it was better to unplug. We visited Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. I really can’t pick a favorite because they all had their own unique adventures. I really would love to spend some more time in Jamaica if the stars align for that. I loved connecting with those joyous people! I know things are rough there, and we only saw what they wanted the tourists to see, but I could never tire of listening to the inflection of their voices or enjoying their beautiful beaches! And I could eat jerk chicken and rice for every meal! So delicious!

One of the highlights was going snorkeling. We did that in Grand Cayman and in Cozumel. When we were in Grand Cayman, we were with a small group, making it easy to explore and take up space. Once we got into the water, it took me a couple of tries to really get the breathing down. I kept wanting to breathe through my nose, and it took a second to get a good fit on the snorkel so I wasn’t swallowing salt water. But soon enough I was floating in that buoyant salty water, mesmerized by the completely different world below. So many colorful, tropical fish and coral. And even a barracuda! Our guide had warned us about that scary-looking guy but assured us he was safe. He was. His smooth silvery body and terrifying face intimidated us at first glance, but he minded his own business and just let us watch him. We also got to snorkel over a pirate shipwreck! Just try doing that without thinking of Johnny Depp and the Black Pearl.

Impossible.

I don’t know if you’ve ever snorkeled before, but when you get it right, the sound of your own breathing is the only thing you hear. You’re floating and seeing dramatic fish and spindly corral. But the only sound is your breath. And it is one of the most calming sounds you’ll ever hear. And if you listen closely enough, one of the most powerful.

Because I’m a reflective person, I felt this poetry stirring inside while I heard my own deep breath in, and deep breath out. Enclosed by a silent sea. I knew in those moments that I would write about it this week, but as I breathed in the experience, the exhale came out a little differently than my normal posts. So, if you'll indulge me, here’s a little glimpse into my weirdly reflective mind.

Snorkeling

Silence.

Panic.

Coughing up water.

Stop trying to breathe through your nose!

Get the mask and snorkel fitted correctly!

Another try.

A little more panic.

A little more coughing.

Head out of the water.

Snorkel fitted.

A practice breath, and head back in.

Silence.

A rush of air in, a rush of air out.

All is well.

And beautiful.

A rush of air in, a rush of air out.

Dangerous and daring.

Pure power.

The steady sound brings calm.

The sea is breathtaking.

Breath. Taking.

Breath. Giving.

Suddenly, it’s all I hear.

My breath.

In…and out.

A deeper breath.

Pure power. My power.

My breath is my spirit.

And today it is roaring.

Here in the silent ocean.

I stretch my arms out.

And my legs.

Reaching as far as I can.

As far as I want.

I am strong.

I raise my head out of the water.

The sounds and sights silence my power.

Reminding me of my weakness.

Head back in.

Pure power.

Deep, elongated breaths.

In…and out.

A beautiful world floats by.

Rush of air in, rush of air out.

Remember this, Jill.

Remember the power of your breath.

And then…out of the water.

And the powerful spirit seems hidden.

Lost at sea.

And at the end of it all,

I say to myself:

You heard your breath, and you vowed to remember.

So, remember.

You’ve heard Your breath.

Your spirit.

Your voice.

Now speak.

Even in the hardest times.

Trust yourself.

Trust the ones you love.

Because anything else

Sounds like coughing up water.

Silence.

The wrong kind.

Shake your head, no.

Try again.

A rush of air in, a lion’s breath out.

Speak.

All is well.

And beautiful.

Dangerous and Daring.

Pure power.