Do you ever find it difficult to return to everyday life after being away? Our guest blogger, Linda Brennan, shares how SCUBA lessons remind her to practice good self care when returning from a ‘deep’ experience.

Years ago I participated in a class to obtain a SCUBA certification. For those who are unfamiliar with SCUBA, it is actually an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. I was very excited to have the opportunity to learn to use equipment that would allow me to stay underwater for extended periods of time to observe and swim among marine life. SCUBA diving also appealed greatly to my sense of adventure.

The class, however, proved to be quite challenging, both mentally and physically. We had to memorize formulas for the amounts of oxygen that would be used in our tanks dependent upon the depth and length of our dive, as well as learning how to put on all of our gear underwater. Our swimming ability and stamina was tested by retrieving bricks from the bottom of a pool, and we had to know how to equalize our ear pressure during a descent so that our eardrums wouldn’t rupture. But the one aspect of the aquatic SCUBA instruction that I find to be quite applicable to landlubber situations is the concept of a slow ascent back to the surface after a deep dive.

When staying underwater in greater depths for an extended period of time, a SCUBA diver has to breathe a gaseous mixture that contains nitrogen. The nitrogen gas needs to be released slowly from the divers’ bloodstream when they ascend to the surface. If the diver ascends too rapidly, the nitrogen can bubble out of the blood and cause a very painful and often fatal condition known as the ‘bends’. When this happens, the diver needs to get to the nearest decompression chamber in an effort to try to reverse the condition. Prevention of the bends, however, is simple and painless; the diver is required to ascend slowly and periodically pause to ‘hang-on-the-line’ for a while on the way to the surface. This effort does require some planning since the diver must know how long they were underwater and how deep their dive was, as well as how much breathable air is remaining in their tank.

This SCUBA concept of a slow ascent reminds me of the times in my life when I have had to dive deep into something in my life and have then had to stay at the depths for extended periods of time. These deep dives have sometimes been unexpected and without much warning, such as the serious illnesses of a loved one or even a death. Some dives have been more expected, such as sending a child off to college, a job change, or going on a planned retreat. Deep dives have also occurred for me during particularly moving spiritual experiences or intimate conversations with friends. Even after returning from a vacation, a retreat, or a service experience, I have found myself unable to immediately return to life as usual. I may be back to where I started geographically, but emotionally, spiritually, and mentally I have not transitioned back to where I am physically standing. The return to ‘normal’ life (if there is such a thing) can feel overwhelming. I often become frustrated at my inability to transition. It is at times like this that I do better if I remember the SCUBA concept of ‘hanging-on-the-line’; stopping to rest while my body adjusts to the ascent, thereby preventing a case of the ‘bends.’ I need time to let the bubbles slowly dissolve and absorb. Trying to find the balance and the tools I need for this more gentle transition depends again, on the extent, depth, and nature of the dive.

After a weekend retreat, I may find that I just need quiet when I return home. This was always easier said than done when I had children wanting my attention when I first walked in the door. I found that some prayer time in the car on the way home, a walk in the backyard, journaling time, or listening to inspirational music when alone seemed helpful.

If my dive was deeper or the time of it more extensive, such as periods in my life where I had a loved one that I wanted to be with during serious illness, it could take months afterwards for me to transition. I learned over the years to recognize and honor my need for special self-care during these more challenging transitions. Again, for me, music, prayer, conversations with trusted friends or family members, nature, journaling, acupuncture, exercise and a deliberate reduction in social activities helped me to ‘hang-on-the-line’.

I am still learning how to ascend to the surface and transition with each new situation that occurs in my life and I believe this is a lifelong process. Each deep dive provides an opportunity for growth and change.

Longtime member of Wholistic Woman Retreats, Linda Brennan is our talented guest blogger this month. She is a biologist at Ft. Detrick and resides in Middletown with her husband Bill and playful dog Bailey.

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