Riding the Big Waves of Life

Here in Hawaii, surfing is an integral part of the lifestyle. It’s symbolic of a natural way of life, and a connection to the larger forces and movements of nature. It’s why surfing is oftentimes regarded as a spiritual sport. Babies and young children are typically introduced to surfing very early on, becoming comfortable with the ocean, regarding it as a part of the ohana, or family. It primes the child for adulthood, learning how to masterfully ride the changing waves of the ocean. To grow up connected and in tune with nature and its subtle signs.

The same can be said about the way we approach life. We all have the changing waves of our lives that we find ourselves riding, wiping out in, or missing. The art of surfing mirrors the art of living. Surfing and living, is a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual endeavor. Learning to connect with the ever-changing movements of the sea of life. It asks us to honestly get to know our selves and our abilities. To release our fears, and to turn on our senses and intuition to guide us in the changing seas. To devote ourselves to cultivating our skills and abilities — exercising self-mastery in spirit, mind, and body as one aligned manifestation tool. To identify the waves, or the challenges and opportunities we desire to and can take on. To learn to commit to the waves that come our way. To know how to balance and regenerate our energy—when to rest and observe (feminine yin), and when to act and pursue (masculine yang). And to learn to be patient and enjoy the time in between the waves. We embrace and accept all waves that come our way, and endeavor to try our best. Be open to trying, to learning, to experimenting, and to trial and error. We allow the waves to teach us lessons, that will help us take on the ones that come after. And when the big epic waves of our lives do come, we are better prepared and ready to conquer with courage!

Riding the big waves of our lives takes preparation, cultivation, and self-mastery. We do not attract the waves we are not ready for. They come to us as we learn and grow, arriving to test us, break us down, help us learn, and hopefully help us grow. In surfing and in life, it comes down to five simple things: Intent, Desire, Belief, Ability, and Timing.

1. Intent: know the ‘wave’ that is for you and the one you want to ride.
2. Desire: must naturally feel the desire to ride the big wave and welcome its challenge.
3. Belief: embody the belief and the possibility that one day you will ride the big wave.
4. Skill & Ability: learn and cultivate the necessary skills and abilities to ride the big wave.
5. Timing: patience and timing is everything. Be able to recognize when its coming, and be ready to act on the opportunity to seize it.

Energy, effort and focus compounds and together, they create the necessary attraction to attract the big wave, and for the big wave to attract you. Whichever ‘wave’ you choose and however long it takes for it to manifest, you will be prepared for when the time comes if all five are aligned.