Preparing for Any Battle: Lessons from Sylvia Earle
"When divers and submarines dive underwater, they hear a 'pop' and see waves in the water," Sylvia Earle, a 88-year-old marine biologist and oceanographer, once shared. As the first woman to lead scientific endeavors for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the holder of the world record for deepest underwater dive, Earle is no stranger to the immense universe hidden beneath the waves.
"People often overlook the huge and awe-inspiring universe we live in. The ocean makes up 97% of the biosphere. If we don't protect the ocean, everything else eventually becomes meaningless," she noted, issuing a dire warning.
Though less famous than primatologist Jane Goodall or marine biologist Jacques Cousteau, Earle has earned recognition as a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress and was named Time Magazine's first "Hero for the Planet". Despite her notoriety, she's humbly known as "Her Deepness."
Established in 2009, the non-profit organization Mission Blue she co-founded has worked to build a global network of marine protected areas. In recent years, Earle has conducted research and advocacy trips to New York, Montana, Los Angeles, Iceland, the Cayman Islands, and Mozambique, where she delved into prolonged underwater expeditions.
With a packed schedule, Earle doesn't leave her physical and mental readiness to chance. CNN asked for her insight on cultivating—and maintaining—strength and vitality, regardless of the grueling endeavor. Her advice applies to everything, from health conscious eating to saving the ocean.
This conversational piece was edited for brevity and clarity.
CNN: How do you prepare your body for the demands of underwater exploration?
Sylvia Earle: I take a casual walk through the airport, lifting heavy luggage and placing them on my head (Earle laughs). I don't have a specific routine, but I don't think I've ever visited a gym. The world is my gym.
CNN: What do you do?
Earle: I enjoy gardening. There's immense joy in watching tiny seeds sprout and grow into juicy zucchinis. Simply engaging with nature goes a long way.
CNN: You mentioned that you grow your own vegetables. What did you eat?
Earle: I'm a vegetarian. I sometimes consume dairy products, but I try to be mindful about what I put into my body because it becomes a part of me. I want to live a long and healthy life.
CNN: Have you always been vegetarian?
Earle: As a child, I grew up in New Jersey and we ate fish occasionally. We'd visit the Jersey Shore and devour flounder, blue crabs, oysters, and lobster.
CNN: What changed your mind?
Earle: I made the decision to refrain from consuming wild and marine organisms for several reasons. I simply know too much about them. I respect them greatly. I respect myself. I'm not certain about what they've eaten. This is a matter of ethics and health. There's also a scientific justification: It's crucial to appreciate the role of marine organisms in planetary preservation.
The ocean is crucial in regulating climate and controlling planetary chemistry. It's a disheartening thought that if we lose our rainforests, we can adapt. However, if the oceans become damaged, we may not be able to recover. Unfortunately, half the world's coral reefs have vanished.
CNN: You started exploring the ocean in the 1950s, but its health has degraded in recent times. How do you cope with the emotional toll such realities have on you so you can continue fighting?
Earle: I rejuvenate my spirit and soul by immersing myself in nature and other people's concerns. My family primarily resides in California, but I also have relatives in Canada and Florida.
CNN: How important are your relationships with family and friends?
Earle: My parents supported me throughout my life, no matter what happened. I have the support of my children and grandchildren today. This kind of support is endless. It's like the saying, "we love you no matter what." I enjoy spending time with other people, but I also enjoy solitude.
CNN: In a recent study, US General Surgeon Dr. Vivek Murthy stated that we're facing an epidemic of loneliness. Do you believe that a positive attitude is key to overcoming feelings of isolation?
Earl: Sometimes I feel like the world is suffering. But there's always reason for hope. Wonders abound everywhere. You'll notice tiny flowers blooming in seemingly impossible places. It's easy to get lost in the daily grind, forgetting that life itself is a wonder. Think of how else life could be. I wish I could wave a magic wand, showing people how amazing it is to be alive, what it means to be human, and the gift of wonder that we have.
CNN: How critical is curiosity to your energy levels?
Earl: Yes, it's important to keep the human spirit alive in us all. The mental aspect is crucial in diving. You simply need to let go a little. There are many people who say, "You can't do it. You're too big. You're too small. You're too old. You're too young. Your skin is the wrong color. Your language is the wrong language." I simply say, "yes, there are many skeptics."
CNN: Besides diving, you've founded three organizations to advance ocean research and conservation. When do you sleep?
Earle: I try to get a few good sleep hours. Eight is wonderful, seven is acceptable, and six is enough. I once thought I needed less sleep, but eventually realized that giving your body time to rest and recuperate is essential.
CNN: Does your age present any challenges in your work, whether it's the amount of time you spend underwater or your role with Mission Blue?
Earle: I don't think about the age I am. I just keep moving forward and do what must be done.
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CNN: What methods do you use to sustain your physical strength and mental fortitude?
Sylvia Earle: My focus is on nature rather than regimented fitness routines. I love gardening and find solace in engaging with the natural world. By observing the transformation of small seeds into ripe vegetables, I am inspired to take care of myself and my environment.
CNN: How do you mentally prepare for the ongoing demands and challenges in marine conservation?
Sylvia Earle: I rejuvenate my spirit by connecting with other humans and embracing the world around me. My family provides unwavering support, and I feel deeply connected to my children and grandchildren. I also enjoy solitude and deeply cherish the time I've spent alone in the ocean with only my U-boat for company.
CNN: The US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently warned about an epidemic of loneliness, and you've shared your thoughts on these emotions in the past. How do you think fostering a positive outlook can help combat feelings of isolation?
Sylvia Earle: Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face in protecting the ocean and our planet. But then I remember to look for the small wonders that surround us daily. I've seen the most extraordinary scenes – flowers blooming in impossible places, animals displaying beautiful behaviors that remind us of the incredible diversity of life. I even think of the possibility of being able to wave a magic wand and show people the beauty of life – of being a human being and having the capacity to marvel.
CNN: Curiosity has been instrumental in your discoveries and achievements. Does that hold true not only for your life but for others as well?
Sylvia Earle: Yes, I believe that curiosity is essential for all of us. It's a powerful force when you apply it to the undertaking of long-term goals, whether that's maintaining good health, eating right, or saving the ocean.
CNN: You've founded three organizations to further ocean research and conservation. How do you manage your time and energy to satisfy such demanding endeavors?
Sylvia Earle: I always make an effort to get enough good sleep hours. Eight is wonderful, seven is acceptable, and even six is enough to recharge. By giving my body time to rest and recover, I'm able to approach each day with renewed vigor.
CNN: At your age, do you ever question your abilities in the face of the tasks at hand, whether diving deep or leading Mission Blue?
Sylvia Earle: I don't dwell on my age. I'm focused on continuing what needs to be done.
CNN, 2023
Sylvia Earle's preparation for underwater exploration draws upon both her physical fitness and her love for nature. With a curious and ever-exploring mind, she maintains her vitality and mental resilience by engaging with the world around her and fostering relationships with family and friends. By setting a clear purpose for her work in marine conservation, Earle remains motivated and adaptable, capable of overcoming the challenges that come with protecting our precious oceanic environment.
Additional insights provided in the enrichment section:
Physical Preparation
- Extensive Diving Experience: With a history of over 1,000 hours of scuba diving under her belt by the age of 34, Earle's extensive experience honed her physical endurance and diving skills.
- Fitness and Health: Geared towards the demands of underwater exploration, Earle likely maintains top physical shape, ensuring she can perform at peak levels.
- Specialized Equipment: Earle has worked with advanced submersibles and underwater equipment, such as Deep Rover and Deepsea Challenger, requiring specialized training and physical adaptation.
Mental Preparation
- Scientific Curiosity: Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Earle pushes beyond conventional boundaries, leading her to make groundbreaking discoveries and contributing to our understanding of the ocean.
- Collaboration and Innovation: Earle's fruitful collaborations with engineers like Graham Hawkes have resulted in technological advancements that have furthered our ability to explore the depths of the ocean.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Facing numerous challenges, including sexism and technological limitations, Earle's resilience and adaptability have enabled her to face adversity and progress in her field.
- Advocacy and Purpose: Earle's advocacy for marine conservation and her role as an explorer-in-residence for the National Geographic Society provide her with a strong sense of purpose, empowering her to continue her work in ocean exploration and preservation.
[1] National Geographic: [2] Excellence.org: [3] AFAR Magazine: [4] Smithsonian:
