Inner Peace From a Life At Sea

Editors note: this is a guest post from Jacob of AsiaDivingVacation.com

I have grown up and lived near water my entire life and I have witnessed the ocean’s power in all forms. It can bring the simplest beauty in the gift of a shell or the harshest danger from the pull of a rip tide.

The waves, currents, and tides of the sea are much the same as the ups, downs and precariousness of life itself. Just as the ocean can be a mix of tranquility and disturbance so can life be a mix of calm and duress.

The lessons of the sea, both good and bad, have followed me through my personal and professional life. And I have learned that I can often reflect on these and lead a more meaningful life of inner peace.
It is about accepting life’s balance of nature as reflected in the waters of the ocean. Facing challenges will always be a part of life, but I have learned from the sea how to face them with calm. As seaman and divers have discovered, many essential skills at sea run parallel to lessons for living a meaningful, peaceful life.

Below are three lessons I have learned that have allowed me to lead a life of tranquility:

1. Don’t Let the Waves Beat You Down

Sometimes body surfing can turn into an all-out knockdown fest from the ocean. Wave after wave seems to come quicker before you can catch a good one. And dodging, diving and coming up for air before the next one strikes can send you swimming for shore.

Challenges in life seem to come in waves and we can find our dexterity for handling tough situations waning. Your debit card is stolen. Your car breaks down. You get laid off. Wham! Wham! One after another. Sometimes your head reels from the constant impact. Face those waves head on just like a boat, or else you’ll capsize. If you procrastinate, whine, and complain about the hard situations in life, the waves of difficulties will roll you upside down. Be proactive when facing down a challenge. Be determined to solve your problems, or life will be determined to knock you down like a rogue wave.

Keep a positive attitude and good things will come your way. Lie on your back and float on those waves while they lull you to a peaceful sleep. Face trouble with determination and strength. At sea one must know which way they are heading and have the strength to get there. It is the same in life. And if you can stand tall with your head above the water, your body and mind will be at ease.

2. Go With the Flow of the Current
   • Don’t try to change what you cannot.
   • Don’t get down on yourself.
   • Don’t fight against the tide.
   • Keep a smile on your face.
   • Make the best of a situation.
   • Go to friend and family for support.

Many times in life we feel we need to struggle against things that are beyond our control. But if you get caught in an undertow, the best thing to do is let it take you where it will and then swim back to shore. It brings with it relaxation, rest, and an unworried state of mind. Remember in life:

Taking the path of least resistance can bring inner peace. Sometimes we push and strain for what we think we need or want. But it’s like fighting the tide when you aim in the wrong direction. Water flows and so must you.

3. Don’t Forget To Stop To Gather Some Smells

Take a hold on life and slow down! Put on that wetsuit and dive down into the coral reef to soak up the beautiful visions that nature has provided us. Take the time
for that walk on the beach and discover the wondrous shells the ocean has offered up for our delight.

It’s all about stopping and smelling the roses, of course. Life passes by quickly, like the flash of a jumping dolphin. I learned to appreciate the wonders of ocean life whenever I can. And I keep these visions in my mind for when I need them.

So many times in life, especially in this high-tech society, it’s hard to slow down and call a friend, or read a novel, or get a massage. But we need to do these things for ourselves and others we care about. We need to present our freshest, happiest selves to the world and we can only do this by soaking up the beauty of the world around us.

Enjoy the moment and gather ye shells while ye may for Old Time is still a-flying!

Jacob Mojiwat is passionate about sharing the wonders of scuba diving with others. He is the owner of AsiaDivingVacation.com. His dive company takes divers diving in Sipadan Malaysia as well at other Asia dive destinations.