One of my heroes growing up was Jacques Cousteau. Not only did he nourish my love of the sea and inspire me to pursue a degree in Marine Biology, he modeled something important about people: that we have many talents and that our life path can encompass many things. Jacques Cousteau was an inventor, activist, public speaker, musician, writer, environmentalist and film maker to name a few.

Seeing someone live such a versatile life gave me the confidence to believe in the quiet voice inside of myself that was urging me to pursue the many passions that I felt swirling around inside of me. In a society that often tries to narrow the path a person can travel, I was freed to live a multi faceted life. In my journey I have worn, and continue to “wear many hats…” as an activist, writer, artist, teacher, epicurean, humanitarian; and as creator and president of several organizations. I am fascinated by both spirituality and science; I see them as complementary instead of opposing entities.

And just as he was someone who had an awareness of worlds within worlds and the courage and passion to explore them, I too have become aware and have experienced the many dimensions and wonders of my inner and outer world that can, at times, defy convention. Cousteau’s life invited me to broaden my horizons and see nature and life from a grander perspective.

Jacques Cousteau inspired me to explore the gifts of nature, and he helped me to cultivate my awareness of the essential relationship that we have with the environment, and the responsibility that we have to protect and nourish Mother Nature, as she nourishes and protects us.

I am grateful to be in the company of the many Jacques Cousteaus of the world who are dedicated to awakening society to the best of ourselves and to the physical world we depend on. It is my sincere hope that The Ata Mōra Institute enriches your life, inspires you, and helps you in all the ways I have been helped by those like Jacques Cousteau.