To control myself, I control my breathing, turning it into a Zen-like exercise. As I do, the environment seems to absorb me. I become one with it. And then something magical happens. I see the sharks more clearly.
Gill slits, eyes and mouths come into focus.
The grace of their swimming awes me. I begin to admire them. As I do, my fear dissolves with my exhaust bubbles. I settle back down to the bottom on my knees, next to Omar and his stick. He gives a signal to Smitty, who is watching the action from back on the boat.