Curator's Words: Birch Aquarium Explores 'Meditation Ocean'

Exploring the Depths of Connection: “Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base” at Birch Aquarium

The Curator’s Words is an ongoing series that offers a unique perspective on current exhibitions through the insights of curators. One such exhibition, “Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base,” invites visitors to reflect on the deep connection between humans and the ocean. This exhibit, currently on display at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, explores the meditative qualities of being submerged in water.

Megan Dickerson, director of exhibits at Birch Aquarium, shared her thoughts on the exhibit, which opened on November 20 and will run through February 22. The concept of meditation is central to this exhibition, drawing parallels between the act of breathing while scuba diving and the mindfulness practiced in meditation.

In scuba diving, divers rely on a finite air supply, allowing them to exist in a world not naturally suited for human life. Beneath the surface, the invisible becomes visible as bubbles rise toward the light. Breathing can even physically affect movement: a breath in leads to ascent, while a breath out causes descent. This physical and metaphorical link between humans and the ocean forms the foundation of the “Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base” exhibit.

The exhibition also highlights the growing understanding that immersion in natural environments can enhance empathy, awareness, and wellbeing. Studies suggest that this is especially true for aquanauts, who spend extended periods underwater. Their experiences often include feelings of calm, interconnection, and perspective similar to the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts viewing Earth from space.

A Unique Collaboration

The exhibition was born from the collaborative efforts of artist Hope Ginsburg, who is both a meditator and a diver. Through her project, the Meditation Ocean Constellation, she weaves together practices of meditation and diving with artists, scientists, and other practitioners. In her earlier work, she filmed divers meditating at their research sites, particularly in the Florida Keys, where the effects of ocean warming on coral reefs are evident.

Having worked at Scripps Oceanography, I have witnessed the challenges faced by coral scientists as their life's work changes before their eyes. This experience aligns with Donna Haraway’s concept of “staying with the trouble.” It has become a mantra for me: yes, things are bad, but still — stay with the breath, stay with the trouble.

I reached out to Hope in the spring to explore a potential collaboration. She had just completed dives and documentation with the Meditation Ocean Constellation at Aquarius Reef Base, the world’s only undersea research habitat. Since 1993, Aquarius has rested 63 feet below Florida’s Conch Reef, hosting hundreds of missions. Although no research missions have taken place since 2020, Aquarius now serves as a refuge for marine life despite surrounding coral decline due to climate change. When Hope expressed openness to sharing her work in progress, we seized the opportunity.

Challenges of Capturing Underwater Footage

Capturing footage of nurse sharks, cup corals, and Caribbean octopuses alongside human divers required five years of planning and numerous permits. Aquarius Reef Base is located in a research-only area of a marine sanctuary, necessitating meticulous planning down to the moment.

The exhibition also features interviews with staff, aquanauts, and divers involved in Aquarius missions. One fascinating story involves aquanauts who have come to know specific animal residents of the reef, such as an Atlantic Goliath Grouper named “Sylvia” after regular Aquarius aquanaut Sylvia Earle. Many aquanauts view these animals not as specimens or “others,” but as neighbors and unique fellow beings.

Expanding the Concept of Underwater Living

While the exhibition focuses on meditation in nature and the awe of undersea life, it also addresses practical questions about living underwater. What do you eat? Where’s the bathroom? To answer these, the exhibit includes interpretive installations.

One installation explores the history of undersea habitats, highlighting the peak of their development in the 1960s and ‘70s. This year marks the 60th anniversary of San Diego’s SEALAB II, where astronaut Scott Carpenter, Navy staff, and Scripps Oceanography researchers spent nearly a month living underwater just three-quarters of a mile from Scripps Pier. Visitors can see challenge coins and artifacts from this ambitious project.

Another installation simulates the interior of Aquarius Reef Base, complete with bunks, galley tables, and stories from Scripps Oceanography researchers like Dale Stokes and Jim Leichter, who have completed multiple missions there. One of my favorite stories involves the “poop gnome,” but you’ll have to visit the exhibit to hear it.

Embracing the Sublime and the Everyday

A Zen saying states, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Learning about the everyday logistics of life underwater feels akin to this. Researchers go to Aquarius to collect data, but they also encounter moments of the sublime, such as Dale Stokes’ experience of witnessing a sudden wave of bioluminescence glowing through the dark.

As the famous meditator Ram Dass said, “we’re all just walking each other home.” Hope Ginsburg’s “Meditation Ocean” body of work extends this idea beyond our human kin to the billions of other beings we share this planet with. In the end, we’re all walking each other home.

Visit “Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base”

When: Through February 22, 2026
Where: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
Admission: $24.95 to $39.95
Phone: 858-534-3474
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu