“You either dream of experiencing something or actually do it.”
Cover Photo by: @harrystamatov
I recently watched this video by Adam Russell. Then, I sent it to a few friends and watched it again. He explains that life is happening and ‘time passes anyway’ whether or not we acknowledge it – a gentle nudge and a simple reminder for anyone who needs it. We sometimes think the future is a better time for what we want now. But, new commitments arise, people age, savings dwindle, and the ‘later’ mindset remains. Humans have infinite reasons not to do something, and everyone is busy. Timing is always right or wrong depending on perspective. “Regardless of whether we’re here or not, time will pass anyway.”
The privilege and paradox of choice
One of the most sobering adult realities has been accepting that choices determine life. The paradox of choice is a studied concept showing abundance doesn’t equal satisfaction. This also applies if you’re privileged to have a choice. Gratitude reminds us to acknowledge this and live simply. Travel teaches us that less is sometimes more – joy, contentment and freedom. Still, we seek external answers and guidance as if we don’t know ourselves. We overcomplicate decisions and desperately cling to the ‘best’ option that doesn’t exist. Like picking a Yoga Trade opportunity, one is not better than the other, each just elicits a different experience. Choices determine our course and reroute us.
Be your comfort zone
“What if we’re too scared of losing time, so we look at routine as a comfort zone so nothing can go wrong”. New starts are scary and despite our best efforts to control everything that happens to us, sometimes we must adjust to unforeseen situations. “We falsely believe that if we constantly remind ourselves of all the terrible things that we didn’t see coming, we can avoid them.” (Brianna Wiest, The Mountain Is You). And with change often comes doubt. Whether you seek change or it finds you, both require bravery and resilience to push through and grow. We establish routines to create certainty and feel safe. As yoga instructors, we’re taught to structure classes so students can anticipate what’s next. For example, from seated postures to standing, sun salutations and balancing, students can assume that returning to seated or reclined mat work indicates the class is almost done. We do this to alleviate fear of the unknown and help students gain confidence and feel comfortable. Routine is different for everyone but follows the same concept and satisfies our need for knowing. Focusing inward rather than looking to people or places for security makes us feel at ease knowing that our comfort zone is us. And wherever you go, you will always be.
Brianna Wiest says it best in her book The Mountain Is You:
“You cannot stay where you stand if you want to change your perspective and life. Your new life is going to cost you your old one. It’s going to cost you your comfort zone and your sense of direction. It’s going to cost you relationships and friends. It’s going to cost you being liked and understood. It doesn’t matter.”
Surf coaching, lessons and boards are from @cafe.comsurf
Look first, choose better, and take care of the universe
I recently returned home from an impromptu surf trip that my friend and I decided on in casual conversation. Within one week, we picked our departure date, booked flights and set off. Rather than list why it wasn’t entirely logical, I’ll explain why it was: a chance to step back, reconnect with nature, see somewhere new and enjoy this one precious life. Everything else would be there when we returned. And it was. My life didn’t suddenly halt, but I felt more productive, lighter and had renewed clarity.
While surfing, a friend always says, “Take care of the universe”. To put out only what you want to receive; the best waves – and things in life – come from patience and selectivity. And if it doesn’t work out, keep paddling and try again.
Humans are conditioned and influenced by unique circumstances. Assess yours and start with small daily choices that align with your big goals. If it’s international travel, spend 5 minutes a day researching and planning, so it becomes a priority and not a burden. Remember that safety and proper preparation are essential even for spontaneous adventures.
“Chase that dream, say hi to that stranger, book that trip, because if you don’t someone else will, and time will pass anyway.”
Sources:
*All quotes (unless otherwise stated) are from Adam Russell’s video Time Will Pass Anyway.
Book: Brianna Wiest’s The Mountain Is You.
