Keeping Your Airway Clear
The very first step: take a deep breath. It shouldn't be difficult, right? Now, try doing that underwater. You've got this. If you keep clawing for air, maybe you'll catch an air bubble. You're desperate to keep breathing, but oxygen doesn't reach this part of the ocean. No one can hear your silent gasps, and you're no longer sure which way is up.
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Holding Your Breath
Don't let the water in.
Vladimir Maricic lasted 29 minutes and 3 seconds holding his breath. "Light work."
The human brain is a stubborn thing. Anything we see or hear online convinces us that we can do it too. But what we don't see is the effort, the tears, the sweat, and the blood poured into that so-called "light work."
As you hold your breath, counting...
"1... 2... 3..."
...slowly turns into...
"I... need... air."
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Aspiration
Now you're in full panic.
You let your guard down, and now water is filling your lungs. You're clawing your way upward, but every time you try to scream or gasp, it's more water. More water. More water.
It's too much.
You no longer have the energy to keep swimming. But then, one question echoes through your mind:
Which way is up?
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If you've been paying attention, you've probably realized that I'm not really talking about drowning in water.
I'm talking about drowning on a much deeper level.
The real question is:
Will you ignore my drowning, too?
