Hope is a word connected to “change”.
A link between present and future, that leads us to a path of transformation.
When we have hope: we see the possibility of change.
When we have hope: we act towards the change.
Oceans Missions and The Hope Expedition aim to change the way we relate not only to our oceans, but also to our own selves and others. That’s why this year, in collaboration with Piratas do Amor, we worked not only on our common mission for protecting the oceans, but also dove deep on our individual journeys as humans.
After all, “in order to be the change we want to see in the world, we need to reconnect to our human nature, learning to navigate with mastery into our inner ocean and taking back the helm of our lives” as Raíssa Teles, our personal pirate therapist, says.
Besides sailing and science, community living aboard a traditional wooden ship and celebrating the declaration of the first Hope Spot in Iceland, we also had the opportunity to get inspired by the ocean to learn about our own selves.
During our 7 day expedition we collectively and individually faced the fears that still hinder us to live our potential, while discovering aspects of our souls that want to be revealed, expressed and shared with the world. A journey to embrace our full authenticity, perfectly composed of shadows and lights, in order to become better creators of our realities and shape the world we want to live in.
While on water or land, we created a light, deep and safe space to become more aware of our unique gifts to this Planet and strengthen our collective of Ocean Ambassadors.
We all know that it is time to set sails towards new horizons of life on Earth. This is an invitation to align our courses with the inner compass of our hearts, sailing with purpose while spreading hope through the seven seas and beyond.
Welcome aboard!
Having Raíssa and her spirit on board gave the entire experience a 180-degree turn. Embarking on an adventure such as an expedition in the arctic and sub-arctic waters is already, by itself, a form of challenging yourself that very few face in their lives. If you add to this an emotional and introspective journey of reconnection and communication, with yourself and with others, what you get is a life-changing experience.
Delving into nature, hand in hand with someone who accompanied us on our way to ourselves, has been revealing in many ways. We have cried, we have laughed, we have shared dreams, hopes, fears and sorrows, and together we have created a refuge on the waters of our beloved Hope Spot.
Ópal has been the perfect setting for this experience, giving us the warmth of a home and the security of an empire, leading us to realize everything that makes these waters a crucial place for the survival and health of our oceans – and, therefore, of our planet and ourselves.
We have learned about biodiversity, about whales and their mysterious customs, about the loyalty of birds and their brave migrations, about the crucial importance of the Arctic ecosystem, which rests on the tiny shoulders of the phytoplankton that inhabits it. We have learned about currents and winds, about how to navigate a schooner that was created for war but now fervently serves peace. We have learned to empower ourselves, to be confident in our mission, to raise our voices towards the sun and demand to be heard, with a “My name is… and I say HI!”. In short, we have learned to admire and respect what surrounds us by learning about it and loving ourselves more.
And everything, with an eye on the horizon: A future where the ocean and humans finally live in harmony.
Let this wonderful experience be just the first of a long and prosperous partnership, and friendship.
What our ocean ambassadors on The Hope Expeditions said about this experience:
“The Hope Expedition has taught me that it’s actually really easy to get involved with science and make a difference in the world without being a scientist or needing a PHD.
It’s taught me that by sharing our passions, total strangers will almost immediately become your friends. Some for life. But most importantly, I’ve learnt that taking part in expeditions as an artist is where I’m meant to be. And I will pursue this for the rest of my life.
Realising this dream is priceless and I will remember this trip forever.”
Tom Napper.
“I would have never thought that sailing through Iceland’s vast coastal beauty would make me truly delve deep into myself in both fascinating and saddening ways. I have always been interested and fascinated by nature’s beauty and could rest for hours just taking it all in. Raissa encouraged us to connect with nature on a deeper level and explore our passions and weaknesses.
The confined space of the boat and the shared experience brought our group closer together, fostering a sense of trust and openness. It was remarkable how strangers quickly became companions on this voyage of self-discovery.
It is a truly amazing and unique experience to be able to open up to yourself and to others and to learn more about yourself in such a unique and amazing way: on a boat, with 15 other adventurers, surrounded by the beauty of Iceland’s sea, mountains and beaches.
This boat vacation taught me the importance of self-reflection and the value of embracing vulnerability. It showed me that growth and personal development can occur in unexpected settings.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this experience and to have had Raissa as our guide. Through her own passion, her kindheartedness and attentiveness she makes it so easy to open up and most of all she makes it seem so simple to overcome fears and weaknesses.”
Johanna Franke.
About Raíssa & Piratas do Amor:
Raíssa was born in São Paulo, Brazil, but chose the ocean as her home. As a facilitator and pirate therapist for more than 10 years, she has guided hundreds of people on journeys of self creation, love and reconnection to nature.
Together with her partner Christof, she founded Piratas do Amor in 2018 and they have been prototyping various learning journeys on their own sailing boat in Brazil and now, on Tall Ships in Europe.
Piratas do Amor curate and offer creative voyages at sea to reconnect us to our own nature and together, leave a better trace on Earth.
To learn more, check their website at www.piratasdoamor.com
