“Panic set in. No air was coming in, and my mind raced with questions: Could I make it to the surface slowly and safely without getting decompression sickness (the bends) or lung overexpansion? The logical answer? Probably not. I was too overwhelmed to think clearly.” - Chaela Sumner

The Art of Connection: Scuba Diving

Mindfulness is a powerful tool, no matter the situation. Whether you're underwater exploring the vast unknown or in the saddle connecting with your horse, staying present can mean the difference between panic and control—or even life and death.

I often emphasize mindfulness in horsemanship, but its value extends far beyond the barn. Presence of mind grounds us in the moment, keeping us focused and calm, even in high-stakes situations. Here’s a personal story that illustrates how mindfulness—and training—saved my life:

My husband and I were scuba diving a few years ago. Our dive had just begun, and we weren’t that deep—maybe 20 to 30 feet below the surface.

Then, out of nowhere, my regulator stopped delivering air to my lungs. It simply stopped.

Panic set in. No air was coming in, and my mind raced with questions: Could I make it to the surface slowly and safely without getting decompression sickness (the bends) or lung overexpansion? The logical answer? Probably not. I was too overwhelmed to think clearly.

Eyes wide with fear, I turned to my husband, who hovered a few feet away. I slashed at my neck with my hand, signaling that I was out of air.

Thankfully, we had trained for moments like this. We’d practiced. But I never thought I’d actually have to use this particular skill.

John calmly swam over and handed me his spare regulator (commonly called an octopus). I shoved it into my mouth and took greedy gulps of air. It took several minutes to steady my breathing and calm my nerves. When I finally recovered, I latched onto John’s back, and we completed the dive.

The failed system could wait until we were back on dry land. What mattered in that moment was staying present and focused. Presence of mind, paired with training, literally saved my life.

The same principle applies to horseback riding. A client of mine once shared her own harrowing story:

She and a friend were on a trail ride when a cow unexpectedly charged at them. Her horse panicked, rearing and bucking, oblivious to the fence separating them from the cow. In the chaos, my client had the presence of mind to stay calm, hold on, and guide her horse to safety.

The aftershocks of the incident came later, both for her and her horse. A week afterward, we worked together to address the residual trauma her horse carried from that experience. But in the moment, her calm presence likely prevented a serious injury—or worse.

Mindfulness is more than a buzzword. It’s a life skill. Whether you’re riding a horse or diving deep underwater, cultivating presence of mind helps you stay connected to yourself, your environment, and those who depend on you. It’s the art of connection, and it’s worth practicing every day.