As much as I’m intrigued by the sky and what lies above, I also love swimming and the feeling of being embraced by the water. Through my love for swimming, I’ve realized that water brings peace; it accepts you as you are and offers a sense of calm and belonging. Swimming can feel like a form of meditation. Especially when you’re completely surrounded by water, it’s as if you’ve entered a different portal, a whole new realm.
My first encounter with scuba diving was on the Konkan coast in India. I knew nothing about it at the time, but I loved every part of the experience (with a professional diver by my side). The diver asked whether I wanted a regular seated entry into the water or a backward roll. Of course, I chose the latter; it sounded way more fun. Here’s one photo that survived from 2015.
During a recent trip to Mexico, I was curious to visit MUSA, the underwater museum (statues covered in corals) in Cancun. Still a novice with no formal training, I somehow managed to tag along with a dive master and had the chance to witness the beauty of this unique underwater exhibit. That experience stayed with me, so much so that, I decided it was time to get certified so I could explore the underwater world more freely and meaningfully.
In 2025, I finally earned my Open Water Scuba Diving license and completed my first dive in a small pond in Michigan. (And yes, feel free to ask me why Michigan if we ever meet in person!)