Buddying up: Vinitha (left) and her diving instructor returning from an underwater trip.
SOMETIMES, the things that scare us the most are the things that set us free.
For most Malaysian teens, water sports are usually limited to swimming. That wasn’t the case for me, though.
Ever since I learnt to dive at 14, I have explored the underwater world multiple times.
My journey to becoming a diver, however, had its challenges. As a teen, I had my fears. The ocean was vast, and the thought of descending into its unknown depths was daunting, albeit exciting.
I learnt to dive during a week-long certification course in Tioman Island. My older brother, an avid diver, encouraged me to sign up.
The first few dives were nerve-wracking – I had to learn to control my breathing, clear my mask underwater and trust my equipment.
Things that non-divers might not realise – like equalising your ears to prevent discomfort, checking your air gauge constantly, and staying neutrally buoyant to avoid damaging marine life – quickly became second nature.
Diving is more than just a hobby; it is a chance to experience a world so different from our own, one that demands respect and patience.
There is a moment just before you dive when the world stills. The water below stretches wide, its surface catching the light in a deceptive shimmer. But beyond that glimmer lies the shifting currents and unseen depths.
For years, that dark unknown terrified me. What lurked in the abyss? What if I lost control?
Fear is a strange thing. It tricks the mind into seeing threats where none exist, weaving shadows into something monstrous.
For years, I stayed in the comfortable, sunlit shallows, until the day came when I chose differently. It wasn’t a grand moment, no dramatic push, just a quiet resolve that settled in my bones.
The light above blurred and then dimmed as I went deeper. My mind screamed at me to stop, to turn back, but I kept going.
The panic that had been clawing at my chest slowly faded. The deeper I went, the quieter everything became – not just the ocean but my thoughts.
The darkness that once terrified me now felt serene. Tiny bioluminescent creatures flickered like stars, revealing that even in the darkest places, there was light. I exhaled slowly, watching my bubbles dance upward, and smiled.
That moment stayed with me. It was more than just diving; it was learning to trust what I could not see, to embrace the unknown rather than fear it.
Darkness, I found, is not always the enemy. Sometimes, it is where we discover a strength we never knew we had.
For anyone facing their fear of the unknown, here are a few lessons I learnt that might help.
Slow your breath
When fear strikes, the first thing that goes is your breath. Shallow, panicked breaths only amplify anxiety. Slow, steady breathing – through the nose, out through the mouth – helps calm the body and mind.
When you’re underwater, a calm breath can be the difference between panic and peace. This can also be applied to everyday activities.
Whether you’re about to give a big presentation or face a tough conversation, controlled breathing can help ground you and prevent panic from taking over.
Light up the unknown
Darkness feels intimidating when you can’t see what is around you. A reliable dive light can not only reveal what is ahead but also make you feel more connected to your surroundings.
When facing an uncertain situation, gathering information can make all the difference. Research, ask questions, and illuminate the unknown before making decisions.
Shift your focus
Try focusing on the marvels of the deep. I have swum alongside swordfish, watched schools of fish shimmer like stars, and marvelled at coral gardens. In the end, the beauty of the ocean is more captivating than any fear.
Instead of fixating on what could go wrong, shift your focus to the opportunities and growth that come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
Have a buddy
Knowing someone is with you can make facing fear feel less like a battle. The memories made together – laughing, exploring, and even comforting each other – have become the highlight of every dive for me.
Whether tackling a new job, travelling solo or dealing with personal struggles, having a support system makes challenges feel more manageable.
The more I dive, the more I realise that fear doesn’t hold power over us unless we let it. Each dive I take is a reminder that what lies beneath the surface, both in the ocean and in life, can be full of unexpected beauty.
I have learnt to see the dark depths not as a threat but as a place of discovery.
Fear will always be a part of us, but it doesn’t define us. Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to take a deep breath, dive in, and discover the world beyond our safe space.
Vinitha, 15, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!
