Journey Underwater is reshaping how we approach scuba diving by integrating mind-body wellness into every dive.
The ocean has long drawn people seeking perspective and pause. For some, the sound of waves along the shore offers a moment of calm. For others, it’s the stillness beneath the surface — where movement softens and attention naturally narrows — that creates a sense of quiet focus. Journey Underwater, founded by Dr. Calina Ouliaris, seeks to enhance this experience by blending the sport of scuba diving with mind-body wellness through its unique Dive In™ framework. This new approach goes beyond diving as a sport—offering an opportunity to experience the underwater world as a tool for reflection, presence, and personal development.
Diving into Wellness: The Vision Behind Journey Underwater
Journey Underwater was born from Dr. Ouliaris’s vision to create a more intentional, reflective approach to scuba diving. As a consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Ouliaris understands the profound impact that mindfulness and somatic practices can have on mental health. She wanted to create a space where people could engage with the underwater world not just as an activity but as a pathway to deeper well-being.
That vision was shaped further through her collaboration with Simon Lugan, a yoga instructor and experienced dive professional. After discovering scuba diving in 2011, Lugan was drawn to the confidence and perspective the underwater world offered him. Over time, however, his work within traditional dive operations highlighted the limits of fast-paced, standardised instruction, where it was often difficult to adapt dives to individual comfort levels or learning styles.
Together, Ouliaris and Lugan developed Dive In™—a framework designed to approach scuba diving as a somatic practice. This framework combines physical elements such as breath and movement with psychological techniques like attention and environmental awareness to foster a mindful connection to both the ocean and oneself.
More Than Just Scuba Diving
For many people, scuba diving is an occasional activity, often limited to holidays or special trips. Journey Underwater approaches diving differently, encouraging participants to develop a more ongoing relationship with the water.
The Dive In™ framework provides structure that can be applied before, during, and after a dive. Rather than focusing solely on performance or progression, the approach emphasises awareness, pacing, and attentiveness — allowing each dive to become a more considered experience.
This structure makes the framework accessible to a wide range of divers, from those new to the sport to those with years of experience who are seeking a slower, more reflective way to dive.
Dive In™: A Groundbreaking Approach to Scuba Diving
The Dive In™ framework is a unique approach to diving, integrating breathwork, movement, attention, and environmental awareness. It reframes the way divers engage with the underwater world by emphasizing mindfulness and somatic practices. Through breath control, body awareness, and a focus on environmental connection, participants learn to immerse themselves in the experience, fostering a deep, meaningful presence in the water.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Dive In™ approach is its e-learning course, which serves as the foundation for the program. This online course is accessible to anyone, anywhere, and offers divers a chance to engage with the principles of the Dive In™ framework before they even enter the water. It combines theoretical guidance with short, practical exercises designed to be revisited over time. A companion app makes these practices easily accessible, whether at home, while travelling, or between dives.
For many, the lessons of Dive In™ extend beyond the dive itself, influencing how they approach life, manage stress, and develop a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.
Redefining Scuba Diving: A Personal and Reflective Practice
Journey Underwater’s approach stands in stark contrast to the high-volume, performance-driven nature of many traditional dive operations. Rather than focusing solely on performance or certification, Journey Underwater is centered on creating a personalized, supported diving experience. This model is especially beneficial for individuals or families who may need extra care in the water—whether due to anxiety, past trauma, or simply a desire for a more reflective and intentional dive.
Dr. Ouliaris has seen firsthand the positive impact that diving can have on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being. “Diving isn’t just about going underwater; it’s about creating a space for reflection, presence, and growth,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with yourself.”
Journey Underwater’s small-group or one-on-one retreats prioritize psychological safety and individual pacing, ensuring that each participant can experience diving in a way that feels calm and manageable. This thoughtful, slower-paced approach allows for greater attention to each diver’s needs, fostering an environment where the mental and emotional aspects of diving can truly thrive.
Finding Calm Beyond the Water
Journey Underwater recognizes that wellness is a journey that extends beyond the dive itself. Through the e-learning course and ongoing practice, participants are encouraged to bring the same qualities of attention, calm, and presence into everyday life — whether at home, at work, or while travelling. In this way, the underwater world becomes not just a destination, but a reference point for slowing down and reconnecting with experience.
Start Your Mindful Journey Today
Journey Underwater offers an invitation to experience scuba diving in a more intentional way. Whether you are new to diving or have spent years exploring beneath the surface, the Dive In™ framework provides an alternative path — one centred on awareness, care, and connection.
Start your journey towards deeper, more intentional diving today by visiting www.journeyunderwater.com. Discover how this innovative approach to scuba diving can offer you a greater sense of calm, presence, and well-being—both in and out of the water.
