Breaking the Surface™ is an on-line platform and community, founded by Justin Osterman in 2021, to share life lessons drawn from his decades as a recreational SCUBA diver and minister. Our purpose is educational and inspirational, with the goal of equipping people to lead deeper, richer, more meaningful lives.
Through videos, public speaking, workshops, on-line posts, articles, and an upcoming book, Justin explores how the principles of SCUBA diving have direct application to people’s everyday lives.
The intersection of SCUBA and spirituality is the inspiration behind Breaking the Surface. You don’t have to be a member of the SCUBA community, or religious, to appreciate and learn from Justin’s reflections on the question “what would be possible if you looked beyond traditional ideas and institutional answers to discover what makes what’s inside of you truly part of what’s all around you?”
A lifelong spiritual seeker, after earning his doctorate, Justin went on to a serve as a religious leader of congregations for 20 years. During that time, he saw increasing numbers of people seeking spiritual insight and guidance outside the framework of organized religion. SCUBA helped him find the place he feels most spiritually at home, deep below the ocean’s surface bathed in the wonder, splendor, and beauty of the underwater world.
A self-identified “spiritual independent” today, the call to help, heal, and give hope to people that guided him into ordained ministry still informs Justin’s desire to serve others. His open mind, creative imagination, and compassionate heart make him a trustworthy guide. His unique life story, seminary education, experience serving communities, and personal spiritual journey have given him valuable insights into life.