I’ve been reflecting on the inspiration I felt attending the world premiere of the film The Body Follows the Mind with Taylor Knox at our very own Vuori HQ this week. The film explores the mind’s ability to overcome limitations and the power of coming to know oneself.
One of the reasons I came to work for Vuori was the focus on mindset, mindfulness and intentionality; critical tenets of my own path to wellness and self-actualization. Sitting outside with my team and my family in our amphitheater, breathing in the ocean air and surrounded by many surf industry veterans I have seen at big events throughout my years in the space, there was a synchronicity in the experience and the message Taylor was sending in the film.
After years of pushing so hard for greatness, he redefined what that meant for himself. To include joy. That kind of “should” hustle and intensity replaced by a different, more holistic and nourishing intensity that is about living it all in a way that feels amazing. Extraordinary. Despite the many obvious ways that I am not Surfers’ Hall of Fame inductee, Taylor Knox, the arc is one that resonates deeply. Indeed, that is very familiar.
Taylor shared truths I’ve discovered in my own life as well. That many (not all) of the things that challenge us and hold us back come from inside. And the answers we are seeking can also be found inside. There is an important exploration within that is available to us all with the power to unlock so much.
I spend a lot of time there. And, one thing is certain: It is that time, attention and intention that I have invested that opened the door to the things I was so enjoying in that moment. My son wouldn’t be here without it. Probably not my partner either. Definitely not the career I built, listening for what lights me up.
I am passionate about living an integrated life where all parts are aligned, weave together and nurture and sustain one another in a virtuous cycle. I find it extremely fulfilling and energizing. And, it’s an all-in way of doing things. Which is also challenging, particularly when all of the parts are pumping. There are definitely moments of “Holy sh*t. What is happening right now?!”
As synchronicity would have it, I am in one of those moments right now.
Planning a move to enable more glowy moments like this one I was experiencing, but doing it in a compressed timeline through major work and life events. Everything. Everywhere. All at once. I believe it will ultimately be beautiful and exhilarating. And worth it.
And, it is also true that uprooting a life lovingly and carefully constructed over 14 years is hard. It is also a container of so many feelings. And memories. And feelings…
Combined with the stress and other emotions of all the things, it’s felt at times a bit like sitting on top of a powder keg playing with matches. Or, perhaps like wiping out and getting whipped around in the proverbial spin cycle.
Waves have long represented a powerful metaphor in my life. Waves of work. Waves of emotions. Darkness and light. Hopes and dreams. Ebbs and flows.
I remember learning how to navigate the ocean after moving to California as a kid. At first, particularly on red flag days when the waves were big and terrifying, it felt to me like they would go on forever. Swimming as fast as I could to make it through the intimidating wall of water before it crashed on me. And, if it did end up crashing on me, diving deep and grabbing hold of the sand below to ground and steady myself. Over time, the anxiety building, thinking “I can’t go on like this. I will never get out of this. What am I going to do?! Help!”
And, then, I learned about lulls… No matter how intense the sets, the lulls always come. Eventually. You just have to stay calm, be patient and look for the rhythm.
We also have choices beyond simply being at the mercy of the overwhelm. We can find our flow and ride the wave. Harness the power to propel us. Or, we can swim out past the waves and wait them out. Which I see a bit like taking the seat of witness consciousness. Watching the intensity from behind. And, even as we choose to take rides in the flow, knowing we can return to that seat at any time.
So, it made me smile when someone in the audience asked Taylor what it was like catching the 52-foot wave that won him the Big Wave Championship. He said “When you’re riding a wave, you’re not looking backwards. You’re looking forwards.”
With a full heart, I looked ahead at the backs of the heads of the two people I hold most dear and gave thanks for this incredible ride, and all that is in front of us.