The underwater world, where everything feels at peace...

As of 11:07am this morning, I can officially say that I am open water scuba certified. Elizabeth and I finished up our final two dives of the course at Black Coral Wall and Labyrinth, here off of the shores of Utila. After 3 full days of 5 chapters of book work, lots of underwater skill testing, 4 tanks of oxygen, and seeing lots of “Doris” from Finding Nemo, I can grab a buddy, rent some scuba gear and go under the water up to 18 meters whenever I please. Beneath the water, to a world like none other I have ever seen. To a world that is less discovered by man than the moon.

The feeling of scuba diving is like nothing else I have ever experienced. Some compare it to yoga, because of the intense focus on breathing. I would agree with this statement, as a big part of diving is your focus on air consumption, but scuba diving is so much more than just the breathing. When thinking about breathing with a tank under the water, and all the possibilities that could potentially go wrong, it gives me an adrenaline rush. The adrenaline every time I descend beneath the water followed by the state of relaxation I get as I begin to take big inhales and exhales of air takes me to a place of pure peacefulness. To be one with the water, and everything else that comes with it. Every moment beneath the water is a time to live in the present. As one breath is taken, another is exhaled, exploring a place of clear blue which you have never seen before now.

Everything is calming under the sea. It's quiet, except for the sounds of your breathing. It's beautiful, with many bright colors and sea creatures everywhere. And it's somewhere you can think, without really having to think about anything too important. It's a place where your mind can be clear if you want it to be, or full of unprocessed thoughts. You are free of the worries of the world, or the struggles in your life. It's peaceful. Also, while being down under there is always something new. The curiousity I have for what I may see today or tomorrow is overwhelmed with excitement. You truly never know what may swim by you today.

It's definitely going to be hard to leave Utila, the Carribean, and this sense of being one with a world which offers the possibility of discovery with each and every dive. I feel as though I have learned so much while being here, and that this island has given me everything it has to offer. Until next time....

#honduras