The moment you first opened your eyes on the other side of the water’s surface was the start of an adventure. How is your journey as a scuba diver going so far? Has it all been smooth sailing, or have you been travelling through some rough seas yet? Have you needed to tackle a few obstacles in your diving journey?
Some days diving is hanging out with the fish and napping in hammocks. At other times it is facing tough challenges and putting in the work. When you take up a new aspect of diving, you will face new experiences and learn different skills. This effort is often worth it, but it is not always easy when you are struggling with a skill you find hard. Here are a few ways you can keep going …
When the Mind Stirs Up a Silt Storm
Have you noticed what sort of thoughts and stories show up in your mind when you are trying something new or difficult?
“I can’t do this”
“People think I’m … “
“I’m not good enough”
“What if … ?”
Or any other version that shows up for you. This is often the mind’s way to protect us from failure: telling tales and painting pictures to convince us to stop trying. You may be tempted to chase the thoughts away – but often that only stirs them up more! Like swimming through a real silt-out, the trick is to accept it is happening and find ways to continue in a useful direction.
Follow Your Own Compass
But how do you know where to go when your mind is clouded with unhelpful thoughts? Focus on where you are going: think about what drives you to do what your doing. What matters to you and what do you want your life to be about: adventure and challenge? Peace and escape? Connection to the natural underwater world? Whatever it is, hold on to it and follow as you would rely on your compass when visibility is low.
Head for Harbour
There are lots of adventures you can have as a scuba diver, each requiring a certain set of skills and experience. Occasionally you may see a storm coming that you are not ready for, like being frightened of taking on a deep or challenging dive. You may dislike seeming weak, but if you know the dive is beyond you, then making the decision to sit it out is the strong choice. Then find out what you need to do to learn how to handle it next time.
Set Destinations
On a long journey it can be tempting to stay too long in the harbour. Some challenges can be overwhelming and new skills can feel impossible at first. To avoid overstaying in a comfort zone: set some destinations.
You will want some big exciting destinations – like that dive on your bucket list or the qualification you want to achieve. But you’ll also need to have closer, more achievable destinations along the way.
Getting Knocked Off Course
Your scuba journey may be interrupted occasionally. Whether it is that global pandemic that forced you to cancel all your trips and courses, or other significant issues in your life: there are some things that are simply beyond our control. Maybe you will be pushed away from diving for a while. In most cases that doesn’t have to be the end of the journey. Find other routes. Like learning theory and using mental practice when you can’t get into the water. Or keeping fit so that carrying equipment and finning into a current will feel easier on your return.
Focus on what is within your control. Learn how to handle the storms. Go further and see more on your diving journey.
