The Maldives are a group of more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean. Often cited as the world’s number one diving destination, this Muslim nation has recently garnered world-wide attention because of the rising sea levels. I stopped over in the Maldives on my way to the land of Theravada to do well…NOTHING!

Being on Holiday I find it much easier to practice. When my flight touched down in Male I felt my whole being drift into a state of relaxation and I proceeded to coordinate my breath with my steps as I made my way through immigration and baggage claim all the way to my sea plane terminal. I was in awe by the bright blue sky and the breathtaking greenish sea. As my sea plane journeyed to Kuredu, my island of choice for three days, my heart was filled with gratitude and it was easy for my thinking mind to just DROP and for me to JUST BE with the gorgeous natural surroundings with my breath as an anchor whenever I noticed myself dropping into “mindlessness.”

Being in the water is a very special meditation for me. The marine life in the Maldives is phenomenal and when I’m snorkeling I find that I access this other space where I’m totally present and in complete amazement. But during one of my snorkeling trips the water was extremely choppy, we were out very far and in deep—all of a sudden after being in a state of peace and wonder, panic and fear set in. I’m not a strong swimmer and was far away from the rest of my group. But then I just let go, embraced the choppy water and let it carry me…once I let go and let the ocean do all the work I was fine. The ocean took me to see some of the most beautiful fish….My beloved teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, says that faith is having confidence in your ability to skillfully handle whatever life may throw your way. I’m starting to realize that “letting go” has a lot to do with this—both figuratively and literally.