GETTING OUT THERE
Today was the most glorious winter Sunday in Cape Town. After some time in the office, I nipped out and hit the beach. Glenn Beach is a little beach nestled between Clifton and Camps Bay, two beaches in Cape Town that are world famous for their beauty. When you lie in the water waiting for the waves, the sun is setting behind you, lighting up the mountain in front of you and sparkling in the water around you. After ending up with a classic left break, I headed home. There was still light, so I stopped off on the way home and ran in the mountain. The paths took me up close to the back of Table Mountain, with the sun setting below me over the sea, sending a streak of red light down towards the shore. Different colours shimmered over the horizon, and the fresh sea breeze was blowing into me. Walking along the coastline, getting that fresh sea air, is refreshment for the mind and body in a very deep sense.
The day before I had spent a few hours riding around in the mountains around Cape Town, and the mixture of adrenalin and exhaustion was just what the doctor ordered.
We all know how invigorating it is to walk besides the sea, or in a mountain. There are the obvious reasons, like the exercise and beautiful environment. There are the spiritual aspects, like the peace and tranquillity and opportunity to escape the stress and bustle, and get an opportunity to tune in.
And then there are the largely unknown, but very powerful factors. For example, negative ions have a potent effect in charging and cleaning our body. They are completely devoid in an air-conditioned skyscraper, and are in the most abundance near the sea or on top of a mountain. Which is why a surf, or a ride or run in the mountain, literally leaves us feeling charged – we have been recharged.
The more subtle, deeper factors, can also not be ignored. Sitting for a break in a beautiful setting, and understand that you are a part of this environment, that you have as much a right to be in existence as any other part of it, and you need to consider yourself as a part of this whole, and not as an individual speck. You share in the majesty of the mountain, and you are also no more important than the fly buzzing in your ear.
Last month I had the absolute pleasure to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and snowboard in New Zealand. Words cant really describe how powerful those experiences were for me, and how much that break helped me to prepare for my next chapter of professional life.
My advice to everyone, is to get out there and do these types of activities as often as you can. The physical benefits are fantastic, and the more you do it, the stronger you get and better you feel. The mental benefits are just as wonderful, the stress is washed away and the mind is cleared.
As always though, it is the spiritual aspects that are the most important. And when you spend a lot of time enjoying life to the very fullest… it grows your heart and broadens your smile. Whatever your profession, find the outside activities that you enjoy, and do them. As often as you can. Will make you a more balanced and happy person, and those around you will benefit as much as you do.
Don’t underestimate the subtle effects of being in this kind of environment. To be a part of Creation enjoying itself is a special thing.