Diving Deep with Rava Ray
Rava Ray’s love for marine life began early in her childhood. Growing up in Tahiti, she often spent time with her family as they returned from long days of fishing. While they gutted their catch, she would pass the time swimming alongside the stingrays that always lingered nearby. This close interaction sparked a deep connection and comfort with these creatures, which later grew to encompass a fascination with other marine life, including tiger sharks and humpback whales in the waters around Moorea.
Read on to learn about the unique challenges Rava faces both beneath and above the sea, and the powerful piece of advice she offers to dreamers.
MUDRA LOVE: What is the feeling you get when you are swimming underwater with sting rays and other marine life? Is it comparable to anything on dry land?
RAVA RAY: I get an immense sense of inner peace and of being one with the earth when I’m swimming with marine life. On land, I’d compare it to feelings I’ve had sitting on top of waterfalls overlooking Yosemite’s valleys in California. You feel like you’re in the presence of something greater than yourself.
ML: Are there specific moments where you feel especially connected to the sea?
RR: I connect in a special way to the sea when I feel safe in ‘dangerous’ swimming conditions. Examples of moments like these would be when I swim side by side with stingrays and tiger sharks or when I’m diving under giant waves crashing on the reef and surface unscathed.
ML: Is your connection to the ocean something that was always there, or has it been developed and fortified over time?
RR: Both. My connection to the ocean, I believe, has always been there but has flourished and transformed into an intimate relationship over the years.
ML: Do you have a favorite memory diving deep?
RR: From diving in the Galapagos with marine iguanas to filming music videos in underwater caves in Tahiti… how do I choose a favorite? One of the my most cherished memories diving though was being in the presence of a singing male humpback whale in Moorea. When he sang he shook my entire body. The experience was extraterrestrial.
ML: What are some challenges you face underwater?
RR: Knowing my limits is challenging. Sometimes I get too confident and audacious. I dive too deep, swim too far, get stuck in powerful currents. I end up putting myself in danger. So my challenge is to stay safe and humble in the water.
ML: You recently mentioned on your IG account the struggle between wanting to share and inspire others, but also wanting to preserve. This is a delicate balance for many of us. Have you gained any new insights on how best to do that?
RR: As an influencer I fear I might attract the wrong kind of attention towards the things I cherish and love like the stingrays on Moorea, my favorite spots in nature, or even my body for example. However, that fear is balanced with a sense of purpose when I read messages and comments from my followers thanking me for my inspiring content. I ponder over this delicate balance often. I hope that everyone pays close attention to what they post and how they post it. Our thirst for exposure and popularity on social media can compromise a lot of good things.
ML: In addition to deep sea diving, I know you are a creator and you like to make things. What is one word you would use to describe your creative process, whether you are quilting, making jewelry or wearable art?
RR: Patience. Patience in learning, patience in collecting, patience in sewing, patience with myself.
ML: How has motherhood changed your views on modeling, diving, creating and life in general?
RR: Becoming a mother is becoming the ultimate influencer. It has made me pay closer attention to myself and the example I am giving my son. Whether I am modeling, diving, or creating I think about what he will say about his mother when he is an adult himself. I hope I will make him proud.
ML: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone with big dreams?
RR: Don’t stand still.