Deep Blue Beyond

by Dr. Gregory Lawton

Recently an article appeared in the Men’s Journal entitled, “Real Men Don’t Use Scuba Tanks.” In spite of its testosterone laden title I read the article with avid interest and realized that another one of my “secrets” had gone mainstream.

I am a free diver, and no that doesn’t mean that I don’t pay to go diving, it means that I dive without scuba gear. I discovered free diving in 1970 while swimming in a canyon in Arizona. It happened by accident, one of those fortuitous events that are life changing. For years, and until I went to see the movie The Big Blue, I had no idea that other people were free divers as well.

Free diving involves learning exquisite breath and body control. From a technical perspective the free diver learns how to relax their body and mind and hold their breath for long periods of time. Free diving world records are set at over eight minutes and over 400 feet under water.

I have no interest in setting world records; I am only interested in the experience of (as Kirk Krack, a free diving champion and instructor states) connecting “with my inner dolphin.”

On one absolutely glorious day I was free diving in the ocean off of the coast of Maui and while I was swimming down deep into the ocean I had one of “those” experiences - a moment of deep personal insight and discovery. I realized that I was my own greatest impediment to personal change and growth. This was a big moment for me because I realized that if I could just get out of my own way, I could be much happier and my life would move ahead without as many problems.

Free diving, like Yoga and Tai Chi, is another form of meditation. When we learn to control our breath, we alter our blood chemistry and brain waves. In part, this is all triggered by changes in blood gases and an alteration in the rhythm of the movement of the diaphragm, but it is also the result of the intention of our minds.

All that you need to take this journey is yourself, a body of water, a Lycra or Neoprene body suit and a snorkel and mask. Use a body suit that is thick enough to protect your skin from sun, cold, and mosquitoes, and that provides some degree of floatation. You can leave your kayak and paddles at home. A quick trip to a quiet river or lake and you are ready to slip into the deep blue beyond. A word of caution, watch out for boaters, swim where boats don’t go or stay close to the shoreline and in shallow water. If you are not a particularly good swimmer use a good life jacket, the thinner low profile ones designed for whitewater kayaking are usually a good choice but make certain that it allows room for unrestricted arm movement.

Dr. Gregory T. Lawton is the founder and owner of the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences in Michigan and Indiana with nine training centers. He is a licensed chiropractor in Michigan, a naprapath in Illinois, and a certified acupuncturist in Idaho. He is nationally board certified in acupuncture, chiropractics, physical therapy, and radiology. He is also the author of numerous books on subjects ranging from medical massage and medical acupuncture to holistic health care, clinical nutrition and martial arts.