How to prepare physically and mentally for any battle

Prepared for Any Odyssey: Lessons from Sylvia Earle

"When divers and submersibles plunge underwater, they're greeted by a 'pop' and rolling waves," Sylvia Earle, an 88-year-old marine biologist and oceanographer, once shared. As the inaugural woman to lead scientific endeavors for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and holding the world record for deepest underwater dive, Earle is no stranger to the enchanting universe lurking beneath the waves.

"People tend to overlook the colossal, awe-inspiring cosmos we inhabit," she noted, sounding the alarm. "The ocean constitutes 97% of Earth's biosphere. If we don't safeguard the ocean, everything else ultimately becomes inconsequential."

While less renowned than Jane Goodall or Jacques Cousteau, Earle has been lauded as a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress and named "Hero for the Planet" by Time Magazine in 1998, affectionately known as "Her Deepness."

Established in 2009, the non-profit organization Mission Blue co-founded by Earle has focused on building a global network of marine protected areas. In recent years, her research and advocacy trips have taken her to New York, Montana, Los Angeles, Iceland, the Cayman Islands, and Mozambique.

Earle's schedule rarely leaves room for complacency when it comes to her physical and mental readiness. In a conversation with CNN, Earle opened up about cultivating enduring strength and thriving energy, regardless of the challenge at hand, be it healthy eating or saving the ocean.

This article has been condensed and edited for improved readability.

CNN: How do you fortify your body to meet the demands of underwater escapades?

Sylvia Earle: I stroll through airports, lifting my luggage, chuckling. I don't adhere to a prescribed workout regimen, but don't think I've ever stepped foot in a gym. The world, for me, is my gym.

CNN: What fuels you?

Earle: Tending to my garden ignites an indescribable sense of delight, watching seeds sprout and transform into juicy zucchinis. Relationships with nature, no matter how modest, can be remarkably rewarding.

CNN: Share your culinary preferences.

Earle: I'm a vegetarian, occasionally indulging in dairy. I carefully consider my diet to support my longevity and vitality. I wish to experience a long, healthy life.

CNN: Was vegetarianism always an integral part of your life?

Earle: I relished seafood during my childhood in New Jersey, savoring flounder, blue crabs, oysters, and lobster on family trips to the Jersey Shore.

CNN: What prompted the change in your eating habits?

Earle: Multiple factors tipped the scales. I've gained invaluable knowledge about the ocean's inhabitants, and I hold them in the highest regard. Additionally, I strongly believe in ethical and health considerations. Lastly, our oceans are fundamental to maintaining planetary equilibrium, including carbon cycling and climate regulation[1]. The magnitude of the environmental damage necessitates heightened consciousness around the significance of marine life.

Emotional Resilience

CNN: The deteriorating state of our oceans can be emotionally taxing. How do you cope, allowing yourself to continue pushing forward?

Earle: Once again, I turn to nature as a source of solace and rejuvenating energy. I nurture my emotional well-being by surrounding myself with loving relatives in Canada and Florida, and cherishing my interactions with my children and grandchildren. Spending time in nature and embracing the world around me enables me to find peace and unity, no matter the hurdles I confront.

CNN: What is the role of relationships in your life?

Earle: Unwavering support has remained a constant throughout my life. My dear parents, who passed long ago, were my beacon and providers. Their unwavering love and support allowed me to break down barriers and achieve my remarkable accomplishments.

CNN: Are close relationships integral to overcoming feelings of isolation?

Earle: Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, recently warned against the epidemic of loneliness. The vitality and positive outlook can alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance our well-being. Embracing life's wonders continually reminds me of my privilege to have been born human and to live on this vast, awe-inspiring planet.

Curiosity and Purpose

CNN: How does curiosity fuel your power and perseverance?

Earle: Curiosity is an essential human characteristic, not just for scientists like myself. It drives our passion for self-improvement, whether that entails bolstering physical prowess, eating nutritiously, or working towards marine conservation.

CNN: In addition to diving, you've also founded three conservation organizations. When do you find time to rest?

Earle: While I ensure I get sufficient, restorative bedtime hours (eight being my preference, with seven and six as acceptable substitutes), I never allow sleep to compromise my engagement in the world. Nurturing strong relationships with family and close friends helps me maintain balance and rejuvenate energy.

CNN: At your age, are there any challenges posed by your pursuits, whether diving or managing Mission Blue?

Earle: I disregard my age, focusing instead on what needs to be done and proceeding with unwavering determination.

CNN, 2023

Despite the daunting challenges our oceans face, Sylvia Earle has shown that harnessing nature's power, tending to our emotional well-being, and holding onto our passion for life can enable us to thrive. Guided by her deep-rooted curiosity and unwavering commitment to marine conservation, Earle remains an inspiring example of resilience and vitality in the face of adversity.

Additional enrichment insights:

Environmental Awareness

1. Ocean's Role in Climate Regulation: The ocean plays a significant role in regulating climate and planetary chemistry[1]. It absorbs carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and helping maintain a stable global temperature. This vital process is crucial for our survival and the balance of Earth's ecosystems.
2. Coral Reefs: Approximately half the world's coral reefs have been lost[1], demonstrating the devastating impact of human activity on these delicate marine ecosystems. Coral reefs are home to an astounding variety of marine life, providing food, shelter, and protection to countless species.

Lifestyle Choices

1. Nature-Centered Choices: Sylvia Earle's commitment to engaging with nature transcends beyond her professional pursuits. Her lifestyle choices, surrounded by gardens, closely mirror her belief that our environment should be a source of inspiration and rejuvenation.
2. Sustainable Health Practices: Maintaining a vigorous and balanced lifestyle is essential for Earle's well-being, both in terms of physical health and mental fortitude[2].
3. Embracing Plant-Based Diets: Her vegetarianism reflect Earle's ethical stance towards the environment and her respect for marine organisms. By consciously choosing what she consumes, Earle prioritizes her overall health and supports the preservation of the planet.

[1] National Geographic: [2] WebMD: [3] Huffington Post:

                    **Enrichment Data:**
                    Sylvia Earle's ability to thrive in the face of adversity and sustain her mental and physical health stems from her commitment to nature, rejuvenating relationships, and adhering to a balanced lifestyle. Here are some critical factors:

Environmental Awareness

1. Ocean's Role in Climate Regulation: The ocean plays an indispensable role in regulating climate and planetary chemistry by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and maintaining a stable global temperature. Protection and preservation of our oceans is essential for sustaining Earth's ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
2. Coral Reefs: Roughly half the world's coral reefs have been lost due to human-induced damage and environmental degradation[1]. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need to curtail our impact on marine ecosystems and champion conservation efforts, including the establishment and safeguarding of marine protected areas.

Lifestyle Choices

1. Nature-Centered Choices: Earle's connection with nature extends beyond her professional pursuits. Her personal sanctuary of gardens fosters a sense of tranquility and reflection, placing mental well-being at the forefront of her experiences.
2. Sustainable Health Practices: Balancing physical & mental health, Earle relies on vigorous exercise, stretching, and self-care techniques to maintain her vitality and energy levels. By making sustainable choices, Earle inspires others to embrace holistic wellness and respect the interconnectedness of our environment.
3. Plant-Based Diets: Choosing to embrace vegetarianism and organic produce empowers Earle to live in harmony with nature, promoting balanced nutrition and supporting the conservation of marine organisms.

In conclusion, Sylvia Earle's journey in exploring the ocean and advocating for marine conservation is fueled by her deep-rooted connection to nature, the unwavering support of her loved ones, and her commitment to adopting a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. By embodying the qualities of perseverance, curiosity, and resilience, she has made invaluable contributions to marine conservation and continues to inspire us all to strive for a harmonious existence with our environment.

[1] National Geographic: .