Recently I had the pleasure celebrating a very big birthday on the island of Kauai. It was magic. If you’ve been there you know what I mean.

Giant palms trees, deep-red rock, jade green Waimea Canyon. Snorkeling with Butterflyfish, Moorish Idols, Picasso Triggerfish, Parrotfish. The names alone inspire dreams. On my last snorkel day, it was late afternoon and the sun was setting. A friend and I snorkeled off a reef close to shore in very deep water. Two young men kept us company in their large red kayak. Below the surface, I watched a gorgeous giant Green Sea Turtles glide through silt mottled salt water. Then, I released a bag of bread crumbs. Within minutes hungry Triggerfish rushed to my side nearly eating out of my hand.

But the trip was by no means perfect. Changeable skies brought dramatic downpours, high winds, and sudden rain swells that caught us unprepared. By contrast, we enjoyed lush warm temperatures, sunny days, and plenty of panoramic views. The highlight for me was riding next to a troupe of playful spinner dolphins as we toured primeval Na Pali coast by Zodiac sea raft. The ride was bumpier than smacking boulders down a steep grade. But for a a few minutes, with dolphins at my side, I forgot the pain in my rear and drank in the majestic, mysterious ephemera. And I laughed.

This was my Nirvana moment. I was completely in love with these dolphins. My heart swam with them, right then and there in that chilly monstrous ocean. Their bliss became mine and their freedom a totem for my soul. I was unafraid of everything. I wanted to jump in the water and swim beside them, with them and of them. Separation and the idea of fear evaporated. My spirit flew.

Getting from Hawaii to Nirvana is a journey. Not every step you take feels blissful. In fact, I characterize it this way: Hawaii is as turbulent as our hearts. Like life, being in the moment, cracking open blocks of fear and letting in the playfulness of dolphins is a path to joy. Like Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, Peace Is Every Step. Some days that feels more true than others.