18. The ocean doesn’t apologise

“Breathing is the first act of life and the last. Our very life depends on it”. - Joseph Pilates. As a Pilates instructor, I've always cherished these words. I understand how crucial breathwork is to truly maximise any exercise.

What I didn't realise was just how vividly those words would flash before me while I was being twirled like a gymnast aiming for a perfect ten score for the most somersaults completed consecutively… underwater!

Don’t worry, I didn’t almost drown—I just wrote that for dramatic effect.

It got your attention, didn’t it?

I recently joined Vicus for some time in the ocean. It would be wrong to come to an island and not at least spend some time in the water (even if you're me). And while I didn't almost drown, I definitely got my sinuses cleansed by the ocean water. It was a lot of fun! I'll never say I "body-boarded," because I know what that looks like when professionals do it, and I'd never insult them by using that word next to my name. So, I'll happily say, I boogie-boarded.

It was great to be in the ocean with Vicus. He knew exactly where it would be safe for me to go in without being dragged too much by the currents. Even on small days, when the swell doesn't look like much, these waves possess an indescribable power.

Sadly, just this week, one of the locals drowned at sea, and apparently, this isn't a new phenomenon.

“The ocean does not apologise for its depth and the mountains do not seek forgiveness for the space they take, and so, neither shall I.” – Becca Lee

I believe we can learn so much from nature’s unapologetic character.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we should go out there and insult people or disregard the impact of our words and actions on those around us—quite the opposite!

But if you’re anything like me, perhaps you needed this little reminder: your voice and your being deserve just as much space and value as the person next to you.

Be kind to one another, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself.

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