The ocean can inspire awe, but for many people it is also a place of fear. In his moving essay for SeaVoice, Kaush Subramaniam meets Bento who reflects on a lifelong anxiety around the sea, rooted in childhood experiences and reinforced by stories of danger. Through patient encouragement from friends, countless hours in the water and a determination to confront his fears, Bento gradually learned not only how to swim, but how to belong in the ocean. Along the way, he discovered that the sea is neither something to conquer nor something to fear, but a living environment that demands humility, respect and understanding. Head over to SeaVoice to read the essay which explores how personal transformation can deepen our relationship with the natural world, while also highlighting the importance of ocean access, local knowledge and the communities whose lives are closely intertwined with the coast. It is a thoughtful reminder that meaningful connections with the ocean often begin not with confidence, but with vulnerability and curiosity.
Read the essay here and watch a short film from Subramaniam on YouTube.