When I look at surf and yoga, I see, and feel, many things. These two arts are often and curiously linked to one another. I had to explore the why…
To an outsider, is it simply a Ken and Barbie beach date? Active couples on vacation and participating in their gender’s sport dutifully?
Not even close…
If you strip surfing and yoga back to their essence, what is being sought? When you take this approach, it is amazing how deep the similarities run.
Yogis and surfers simply seek balance. They seek physical balance, in the pose and in the wave, but they also are searching for a sustainable balance in life through a more focused way of living. We don’t need to start chanting, and I will not be passing the platter for an offering, but that is reality. A surfer that is only chasing the rush of a single ride will never stick with the sport through its thrashings, near drownings, and other countless pains to get good enough for that ride. In the same vein, a yogi can not reach inverted sea horse without a dedication that is unaltered, by sliding feet, sore shoulders, and possible wardrobe malfunctions. These folks are dedicated beyond the moment, past a rush, and are pursuing an inner balance. With this balance comes a sense of accomplishment. The greatness of this accomplishment is understood better when dissected. The accomplishment is rooted in overcoming oneself. These are not team sports, and greatness is found in challenging yourself and overcoming our greatest opponent. They are both focused and deliberate acts to improve our mental and physical beings and self perpetuated. Soo much for Spicoli……”dude”.
How many of us avoid discussing these passions to non-believers, because of associated stigmas? Lots of hands, especially in the back rows.
How many of us use our increased level of focus to enhance our careers, relationships, and daily lives? I’ll field this one, all of us.
These benefits are coupled with a wonderful physical by-product.
We get healthy to pursue our passion, and our passions reward us with health.
Hey, everyone over here…This is a good deal!
We should stretch, and paddle, and focus….
A deliberate lifestyle is not accidental. This way of being finds its own converts. I can encourage surfing and yoga, but to what end? You can’t really convince someone to be a hard charger; that river flows from an internal well. These will be self-perpetuated by the traveler’s heart, and found by the seekers.
Edgar~
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