The Yin & Yang of Adventure and Rest
November 16, 2022 // Lazy sunsets in the DR
December 8, 2022
There’s a delicate balance between adventure and rest. A yin and yang between the two that when properly respected, benefit each other mutually. There’s nothing more that I love in this world than discovering new places. Trying new foods and flavors, immersing myself in cultures different than my own or living a little wild in the pursuit of good thrills. And if I had it my way… If our bodies and minds were designed to do so, I’d spend every last minute and dollar chasing those moments. But they aren’t. And much to my initial disappointment (and semi rude awakening), our bodies simply are not designed for constant stimulation, thrill or excitement. Just as the moon and sun, the seasons, days, months and years are cyclical by nature. We too are cyclical beings. Created for activity followed by rest. Followed by activity then rest again. And through my travels, I’ve realized that the more in tune I am with this equilibrium, the more enjoyment I find in both. And for all the times that I abuse this balance to chase more activity, more adventure, more more more… I find myself tired, stressed, overwhelmed and burned. Which is not where I want to be.
May 2021 // Playa Maderas Sunsets — From my months lived in the beautiful country of Nicaragua
When I was young I had this dream of living out of a single suitcase, perusing the world country to country, every several months. No end in sight, constant newness, adventure and making films of it all. The dream! Or so I naively thought… Well I ended up doing that. And it took all of 3 months to realize that I hated it. Where was home? I had none. When do I get to slow down? I couldn’t. Days, weeks and months were moving too fast and before I knew it, it was already time for the next adventure. I thoroughly missed out on the richness of some of these experiences because I had neglected the essential element of home and rest. I was living my dreams but I wasn’t enjoying it. That’s a confusing feeling to have after spending three years trying to make it a reality. It left me feeling battered and defeated at the years end.
I’m a bit older now (and I like to think at least a little bit wiser) and I’ve learned the vital importance of rest. The non negotiable of a home base to come away to. A place to unwind, recharge and settle into the coziness of domesticated comforts. I live in San Diego currently. A lovely, Southern Californian surf town where the weather alone can refresh the tiredest of souls. I’ve taken to this rhythm of adventure -> rest. Adventure -> rest. And it’s changed everything. While I’m home, I get the chance to think. The space to dream new dreams and reflect on fulfilled ones. It gives my body time to build anticipation, excitement and gratefulness for new travels rather than stress and exhaustion from the overstimulation of past rhythms. I now cherish the ability to cultivate routine and take care of my body and mind. The two things that I value most. Given this newfound cadence, while I am on the road, living what I love the most, I find more presence knowing that I can let it all loose in this moment because I have a place to go home to at the end. I feel excited to get back to my place of refuge. My sanctuary of relaxation. The one place in the world that’s mine and only mine. Where I can drink warm tea, read, write and just be. Where I can call family or grab dinner with close friends. To enjoy the feeling of belonging to a specific place. I suppose this is a topic for another article but I love both ends of the extreme. I’m not one for standing on fences. It’s either: How can I get as dirty and wild as possible or how can I come home and ease into the most extreme comforts I can imagine. Balance baby. Love it. Need it.
5/21/2022 // Memories south of border
