Go scuba diving or snorkeling in a coral reef.

“I was sitting underwater on a metal platform preparing for my first scuba diving adventure. At the Great Barrier Reef. [...] Towering coral formations teamed with little schools of fish, flashes of yellows, blues, stripes, and spots frolicked in the water. It was a busy, happy little ecosystem of color and life and peace. When the dive first began, I was cautiously mindful of each breath, thoughts polluted by everything that could go wrong. Now, on the ocean floor, my existence felt surreal in these surroundings. Breathing below became as second nature as breathing above the surface. There is captivating tranquility in the coral ecosystem.”

“Oh, happy day, we were led to a clownfish! This single clownfish was so tiny and bright and seriously adorable. He weaved through, rubbed on, and gleefully danced around that anemone like he was tickled with joy. Like an indoor cat escaping to roll and bask on a hot sunshiny patio. I don’t know how else to describe this clownfish. To my surprise, the dive instructor indicated that we could touch the anemone. It unexpectedly felt rough and sticky. Not rough like gravel, rough like a cat’s tongue.”

“Moving on I spotted some beautiful parrot fish, and some butterfly fish. As I swam further and further away from our boat the larger the fish seemed to become. Then I spotted my first very big fish...until I realize the 10 foot fish I was starring at was indeed a shark! As my first adventure I decided to play it safe and swim in the opposite direction that he was going. [...] Swimming in the opposite direction I came across a shallower area of the reef that was no more then 5 feet deep. There I was enjoying the beautiful fish and corals, when I another large fish emerged from behind me and right under me. It was another shark! This time within 3 feet...basically in arms reach. I just floated still, feeling he was so close even the flip of my fins might accidentally kick the beast. He soon moved on, thankfully leaving me intact :-).”