A planet below the surface.

Take a deep breath.

It feels good, doesn't it? Did you know that half of the oxygen in that breath originates from the sea? That's how close you are to the ocean. And yet, sometimes we perceive it as an ecosystem distant from us as if we had nothing to do with it. What if we erased that prejudice from our minds?

Imagine yourself swimming alongside a majestic whale shark with great respect and observing without intrusion. Every so often it gives you a fleeting glance from its tiny eyes before gracefully continuing its journey. In the company of this gentle giant, you find tranquility, a sense of belonging—like you're at home. You are so immersed in this experience that you even forget you're beneath the waves. Both are allowing each other to co-exist in balance and harmony. You can appreciate without haste and fear the patterns on its skin and the graceful sway of its fins as if it’s caressing the sea itself. This whale shark is teaching you how to be present, how to show respect, and how to trust. And you learn from it. A profound connection with this magnificent creature and the ocean engulfs you, unexplainable yet undeniable. Nothing can disrupt this moment. Not even your fears. Everything is perfect.

This happened to me on one of my visits to this majestic animal. It is possible to experience it that way, and that depends more on us than on the whale shark.

To think that these marvelous beings exist inhabiting the same planet as us seems shocking to me. And I feel so grateful. In Mexico, the country where I come from, you can find all kinds of wonderful species and environments: whales nurturing their newborns, manta rays leaping above the surface, vast schools of fish swirling in immense vortexes, bioluminescence transforming the sea into a radiant spectacle at night, sunken ships transformed into thriving reefs... And it shocks me that all of this is happening while we’re ensnared in the daily grind - commuting in traffic, wandering through malls, or scrolling through Netflix. Unseen miracles are happening every day on this marvelous planet… and we’re not appreciating them. Nor protecting them.

You see, what lies beneath the surface isn't just an ocean. It's an entire planet with its unique rhythms and mysteries. Why don't we take a closer look at what lies below? Sadly, we are even causing harm to an ecosystem we haven't fully comprehended yet. That's why I extend an invitation to you: replace 'I'm afraid of the sea' with 'I respect the sea'. And also 'trust the sea'. Yes, 'trust'. The ocean has a healing touch, but whether you allow it to heal you is a choice only you can make. And if nature is healthy, it can heal you. Have you experienced it? When the sea cradles you, its waters embrace you, its soothing sounds quiet your mind, and your worries seem to diminish. You find peace because you are home. Remember, your ancestors emerged from the sea, and your cells carry that ancient memory. Let's make our hearts remember too. Leave prejudices on the coastline. Let's inspire and encourage one another to explore, cherish, and safeguard our precious underwater planet.