I have had the privilege of traveling to some inspiring places. I’ve walked the ancient streets of Tallinn, Estonia and sensed the centuries of history lingering in the cobblestones. I’ve swum with sharks in the turquoise blue waters of Bora Bora. And I’ve stood on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland to witness the mighty Atlantic hurl its waves against the rocky face. But experiencing Antarctica was something else. Something grand, glorious, and Godly.

Just writing about my time spent on the frozen continent stirs emotions and memories of pristine beauty, magnificent grace, and unrivaled majesty. It was everywhere — in the frosted mountains, in the exquisite ice sculptures, in the graceful glide of the humpbacks, and in the stillness of the cold deep water.

Wherever you looked, Divinity looked back.

I’ve often wondered why Antarctica touched me more than the other incredible places I’ve visited. Other than the uniqueness and unspoiled beauty of it, why was it so moving and holy? The answer that comes to me is that I was (at least partially) spiritually ready to receive its glory.

By December of 2019, I had spent almost two years learning a different way to think and live. I had tools I didn’t have before — and I used them. I listened to Eckhart Tolle’s teachings on the long plane rides to Antarctica and read lessons from A Course In Miracles in our cabin before going to bed. The teachings were in the background of my thoughts, so I was more open to fully experiencing my surroundings.

Setting Sail to the White Continent

We sailed to Antarctica on Hurtigruten’s, MS Midnatsol, with 482 passengers. Travel to Antarctica is governed by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). IAATO is a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.

Once onboard, every passenger is required to attend IAATO briefings on minimizing human impact on wildlife and the environment. Ships may only land in Antarctica if they are carrying less than 500 passengers, with a maximum of 100 passengers allowed on land at any one time.

In addition, each passenger is issued an expedition jacket along with insulated rubber boots that must be washed and sanitized upon returning from land to prevent cross-contamination.

We’re fortunate and grateful to have visited Antarctica when we did. Shortly after our return to the US, the chaos of COVID-19 began unfolding. Below is a snapshot of our cruise itinerary.

Antarctica changed me. I was expecting an adventure and experienced a journey. One that took me to the depths of my Self and allowed me to stand humbly in wonder at nature’s Divine magnificence.

But, you don’t have to go to Antarctica to find the Divine. You can do that right now from wherever you are. Divinity is everywhere—all around us—all the time.