What is mindfulness?
Simply put, mindfulness is the acceptance of the present experience.
It is the proactive of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgement or distraction.
How is mindfulness applied to scuba diving?
Divers who are aware of the current moment without judgement are diving mindfully. Thoughts such as, “the water should be warmer”, “we should be swimming faster”, “there should be more fish here”, are simply distractions from the present moment.
Mindful divers don’t experience any attachment to these types of thoughts, they have the ability to observe the thoughts as they arise and accept them without getting caught up in them. Mindful diving encourages a non-reactive approach to ones experience. So if things become challenging, the mindful diver can respond calmly without stress and anxiety, while directing their attention to the present experience underwater.
Why is mindful Diving Beneficial?
Mindful scuba diving enriches the adventure and enhances one’s enjoyment beneath the waves in the following ways:
Peace
A mindful scuba dive experience reduces distractions, anxiety and stress, allowing divers to immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of the underwater world. Mindful diving promotes emotional regulation and overall well being.
Safety
Increased mindfulness while diving enhances safety as divers are more aware of their actions and surroundings. Staying calm in potentially challenging situations and communicating effectively with dive buddies assists in creating safer diving experiences.
Connection to Nature
Presence and awareness during the dive helps divers appreciate the beauty of marine life and underwater landscapes. The rhythmic and deliberate breathing patterns help create a meditative state, promoting a deeper connection to the underwater environment.
How does one cultivate mindfulness?
The most simply way to achieve mindfulness as a diver is to just slow down.
Slow down to get more!
But for divers who want to create a deeper connection between the mind and body, participation in breathwork practice can lead to a deep level of mindfulness. Focusing on the breath during breathwork encourages individuals to stay present and fully aware of their internal sensations and thoughts, fostering mindfulness.
By mastering breath control techniques and promoting focused attention on breathing patterns underwater, divers become more attuned to their thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations, fostering a non-judgmental and accepting mindset. This helps them stay fully present during the dive.
Remember that mindfulness is a practice that requires effort and dedication. Incorporating these techniques into your scuba diving routine can help you stay focused, calm and fully present in the moment.