Why Mermaiding?

It can’t just be me – seems like suddenly there are mermaids everywhere, no? In advertisements, at pool b-day parties, fulfilling wishes, swimming in aquariums and even “dive” bars around the world. Don’t get me wrong, I have no complaints! I am extremely fond of this trend - suddenly I have a wardrobe of mermaid shirts that people have gifted me because they thought of me when they saw it – how lucky am I? J

For me professionally, the timing of this boost in mermaid popularity couldn’t be better. My original mermaid project was in 2013, working with Atlantis Submarines in Cozumel. Unfortunately, constant current at the dive site made the world’s first open water mermaid show extremely challenging, and we could no longer do it safely within budget. While I was heartbroken at the time, I remained firm in my belief that everything happens for a reason, and it happens at the exact right time.


Foto by Miguel Nunez

Consequently, my dream mermaid program shifted in a different direction, and continues to evolve today. These days, not only do I offer formal education and training for ladies aspiring to be professional mermaids, I have also created several other mermaid experiences and programs that encourage girls and women of all ages to dive into discovery of their inner mermaid. Here, during our mermaid sessions, we provide a safe and comfortable environment for peace and self-exploration in a lite-hearted, fun, yet "deep" and meaningful way...



Foto by Mik N' Drik Photography

Recently I've connected with like-minded conservation mermaids, and we are organizing projects

that aim to develop ideas for oceans, mermaids, and freediving. They have inspired me to dive deeper into ocean conservation issues. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and very excited to see what a network of mermaids around the world can accomplish in collaboration.

So...why mermaiding?

What about it makes me so sure that you ladies will fall in love with it if you just give it a try?

I believe now more than ever, we all need a little escape from the madness every once in a while. A way to keep things in perspective, to slow down and remember what is important, what matters, get back to basics, and let go of whatever is causing stress in our life. Too often we get so caught up in the daily grind, and consumed with all the distractions out there, that we fail to see that a little bit of peace and calm still exists somewhere. 

Mik N' Drik Photography

Once we take the time to nurture our own well-being, pay attention to what keeps us centered on an individual and personal level, it automatically shines thru in all of our experiences. A solid foundation is what gives us confidence, makes us feel strong, keeps us grounded, and generally healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Myself being a naturally quick-tempered Italian, I can ensure you that a bit of time spent mermaiding is just the remedy to cool me down, bring things back to perspective, and recover balance from anything that might be out of whack. At times, it also works to cleanse any stagnant energy that I’m looking to literally wash away and leave behind. When things get really intense, nothing works your body hard to the core as much as a solid mermaid fitness workout session with the merFin!

When we release stress, take time for rest, and let go of all the madness for a while, we are undoubtedly sharper and better prepared to face challenges or endure any hard times that come our way. On the same token, stress release provides space to be completely present. To fully enjoy all the good times, to feel loved, and love your loved ones on a whole other level, in a deeper sense than you ever knew to be possible.

To me, and I'm sure to all of you ladies as well, there is no stress remedy that compares to the healing powers of vacation - especially one on a beach with crystal clear waters in front of you. Cozumel, Mexico is everything Caribbean with a warm welcome at an affordable price.

Why not give it a truly feminine touch and add some mermaid magic to complete the island vibe?

Mik N' Drik Photography

When you return home from your mer-vacation in Cozumel, I hope that you not only go back feeling well-rested, rejuvenated, and full of awesome stories to tell about all the discoveries you made, and experiences you had; I also hope that you keep a piece of that chill, mermaid-relaxed vibe thru your daily life. Once you’ve felt it, it’s easy to find a way to integrate that stillness and silence no matter what the situation.



Mik N' Drik Photography

I am so grateful to live in a place with spectacular views, where the different shades of blue hypnotize you, and the jungle transports you to a time where life was much simpler. Here, the pace of life alone infects you, causes you to slow down, and eventually allows you to reach a level of deep relaxation and tranquility. It would be my pleasure to share the mermaid vibe with you, and give you a taste of a mermaid lifestyle that can either provide the perfect getaway, or actually become your new career path if you choose.

Thanks so much for diving in to these aquatic adventures with me!

www.cozumelmermaids.com

Smile, Breathe, Get Aquatic!

The First Drop!

Here it all begins ~ the first drop in an unknown sea of posts. In creating this blog, I have a lot of hopes and wishes for it, and I thank you so much for dipping your toes in.

My name is Julie, but my family and friends have been calling me "Jewels" ever since I can remember. I had been recently certified to SCUBA dive when the internet was really beginning to change our world, and eventually we were all forced to tap in to our creative side and come up with an email address. I was lucky, mine was easy to come up with; jewelsdiver. It was Me. Actually, it still is; I am Jewels Diver on facebook and pretty much anywhere else you go on the internet.

I grew up in COlorado with the Rocky Mountains very close by. I have always been an aquatic person - learning to swim as a baby, starting on swim team at age 6, and my first job at 16 being a lifeguard and swim instructor. Since then, my professional career has always been intertwined with what I love to do and am passionate about. Among other jobs in the aquatics industry, I continued on to be a certified SCUBA instructor, water fitness instructor, and more recently freediving instructor and mermaid trainer.

I must say freediving and mermaiding are my favorite water sports now, but don't tell swimming or SCUBA ;) After my first course, my freediving experience went straight to the competitive arena in 2006. One of the highlights of my competitive freediving career is being a (former) US record holder for a freedive without fins to 44 meters (145 feet). I was also honored to represent the USA at various international competitions including the 2008 Team World Championship. The women's team won a silver medal there, we came 2nd to the Russian team with Japan just behind for 3rd place. These days, I consider myself a retired competitive freediver. I find the joys of mermaid training, and swim & freediving instruction much more rewarding. My focus now is on education for all ages, and especially empowering other females in a male-dominant dive industry.

Aquatic activities have always been a part of my life on a personal, competitive, or professional level. I feel very fortunate and lucky that it is still my way of life today. I live one block from the Caribbean Sea and I wouldn't have it any other way ~ well, maybe actually a place ON the beach would be nice ;)  I LOVE to get back to the mountains in the summer or winter, I definitely enjoy the rolling hills and plains of the midwest, and even enjoy the desert in the appropriate season. But I know I will always live where there is water ~ of the crystal clear caribbean-type to be exact.

At the end of the day, maybe my island lifestyle, outlook on life, and chosen profession are all just a way to indulge in my own desire to be on vacation ~ a permanent vacation! :) But I am certain that it all means more than that...I know that I am where I'm supposed to be. A freediving mermaid is Who I Am.

Thanks so much for diving in to these aquatic adventures with me!

www.swimfreedivecozumel.com

Smile, Breathe, Get Aquatic!