Everyone experiences the ocean differently, some are terrified of how vast and mysterious it is, while others feel the most at peace when able to breath in the salty air and hear the waves crash on the sand. Both of these feelings are completely understandable. The ocean is terrifying.  With one giant wave it can consume you and spit you out like unsavory food. It contains sea creatures that are perfect killing machines, gobbling up their prey, which you could be mistaken for. However, despite this the ocean has a calm feeling as well. The crashes of the same waves that can trample you are relaxing to listen to. The marine animals are fascinating to study and awe-inspiring to see. Because of these opposing characteristics, the ocean perfectly embodies respect. You cannot be consumed by fear but must also be wary and respect its tremendous power.

Respect is one of the first ideas taught to children just like the ocean was home to the first life forms on earth. Growing up, respect was the most important thing in my household; if my brother and I respected my mother all would be well. But if we talked back or disobeyed we would be put in time out. In the same way, if you respect the ocean and its life forms, you will have wonderful experiences and truly understand its beauty. However, if you are naive or arrogant, you may end up covered with jellyfish stings or battered by the waves.

Because of my respect for the ocean, I feel as though it respects me as well. I understand the possible dangers that the sea holds and I make sure to take the precautions necessary. Just as my mother gave me time outs if I didn’t respect her, the ocean has disciplined me for any blunders I have made.

During my second dive after receiving my scuba certification I ascended too quickly and got a reverse block, giving me excruciating pain for the rest of the day. I had not respected the powerful pressure of the ocean and the reverse block was its way of chastising me. Experiences like this could scare off certain people, but it only made me respect the ocean that much more.

Respecting the ocean will not only help you better feel at peace in it, but can also save your life. If everyone respected our oceans and treated them with the adoration they deserve, our world would be a much better, understanding place.