Journey Into The Abyss

Day 2 of my Hawaiian adventure began at the first light of dawn, as the distant echoes of the ocean moved my spirit. Eager anticipation replaced remnants of sleep, and I was ready to greet the day with open arms. Today was the day I would dive into the unknown away from the IATSE D2 Convention for a different gathering, a meeting with the 'Aumākua.

In Hawaiian culture, 'Aumākua are ancestral protectors who serve as a spiritual connection to our past and guide us towards a bight future. One of the most revered 'Aumākua is the shark, a symbol of strength, power, and ancestral wisdom. Today, I was set to encounter these ancestral guides in their boundless Pelagic habitat.

With a heart full of curiosity, I ventured into the unknown. Our boat, gently swaying over the waters, served as a portal to the world beneath. The sharks - our Ancestors - were waiting. Admittedly, I was both anxious and excited about this encounter. I had come prepared to show them gratitude for their past guidance and ongoing support, and I was expecting ALL of them to show up. And they did! It was as if they heard my silent call. Countless sharks swam around us, a sight that left me incredibly humbled and fueled my passion to not give up on my vision.

As I swam alongside the sharks, the words of Jordan Peterson echoed in my mind, "If you gaze into the abyss long enough, you see the light, not the darkness." With every descent, I found not fear but light. I gained strength, wisdom, and a deep connection that bridged a gap, surpassing self-imposed limitations and welcomed the unknown.

I witnessed the beauty of their world and the harmony they maintained with other marine life; the way they coexist, I learned an important lesson about respect and the delicate balance of life. The Pelagic Marine Life Sorkle Program and One Ocean Diving, two organizations spearheading marine conservation, provided me with insightful guidance. Their wisdom replaced my fears with understanding. As they shared insights about shark behavior and etiquette, I learned: to sharks, humans don't smell like food; we're more like fragrance, a new scent in the ocean. They were also swarming because they thought the boat was super cool!

Surfacing from the deep, I carried a profound sense of change with me - a baptism of courage from a journey into the abyss, finding the light. I experienced a deeper meaning of the importance of ancestral wisdom, respecting all forms of life, and understanding nature's delicate balance.

I urge you, my readers, to embrace the journey into the unknown, confront your fears, and discover your light. Embrace the challenges as we encounter transformation and growth in the depths of these experiences. I also encourage you to support marine conservation efforts, whether through participating in educational dives or supporting organizations committed to protecting marine life. Let's ensure a safe and thriving environment for the 'Aumākua and all marine kin for generations to come. After all, we are interconnected, and the health of our oceans reflects the health of our planet.

Altho I did not make it to the 2nd Day at the IATSE District 2 Convention due to hours of unraveling the severe damage to my goddess braids, I did connect with my brothers and sisters for the remainder of the day to catch up on this mornings meeting and to attend the traditional Luau celebration in the spirit of "aloha and mahalo" on the lawn of The Royal Hawaiian with local themed food and cocktails.

Tonight, as I rest, the echoes of the deep remain with me. I dove into the unknown and discovered the beauty of the deep and the light within me. The sharks, the ancestors, the 'Aumākua, whispered the same truth- Life begins at the very edge of your comfort zone. So, I invite you to embark on your journey, and venture into your abyss, for it holds not darkness, but your own guiding light, your personal wellspring of growth.

Journey Into The Abyss

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