FIELD NOTES: Don't Live A Life of Fear, Live One of Curiosity
What sharks and Walter Bernardis have taught me in 3 days.
"Venture into the wild and listen to what true teachers of life have to say"
Being in the water with sharks isn't as frightening as it seems; in fact, it can be quite reassuring. When you hold your ground and meet these fascinating creatures' gaze, a sense of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence emerges, replacing any defiance. Walter Bernardis, a true daredevil, encourages me to embrace these close encounters—provided I communicate in their language and honour their space—just as we would respect a person’s boundaries in any interaction.
The influence of media and films such as Jaws is more profound than one might think. It is like a seed of fear that gets embedded in the back of our minds, continuing to resonate. You may claim that you are not easily influenced, yet consider the irrational fears that linger within us, often overlooked and accepted as normal.
My initial experience with sharks, and hopefully the first of many, lifted a veil of misunderstanding. It is surprising how I was misled for so long until reality hit me. This encounter taught me the importance of maintaining a curious and open mindset. Without realising, you may be limiting your world more than you think… So venture into the wild and listen to what true teachers of life have to say. Let go of the 'noise' that attempts to control you from a young age, eventually robbing you of countless experiences.
This narrative will contribute to a series I am developing on purposeful conservationists throughout Africa. Their perspectives can impart valuable lessons on self-realisation and inspire us to take collective action.
With thanks to SharkWise Project and African Water Sports, whom I consider remarkable conservation heroes at heart.
Trust the hunch. Find the story.
Antoine
