Horue: learning to surf the mind's waves

There are paintings on cave walls in Tahiti, from the 12th century, portraying the inhabitants standing on planks while riding the ocean waves. As the Polynesians migrated to Hawai'i, they brought this act, now known as surfing, with them. The word horue, in the Tahitian language, means "gliding on the waves."

There is evidence that ancient cultures of Peru also rode the waves, on little reed horses as they were called, over 4,000 years ago. They may have been the first surfers in history, although the standing form of surfing was conceived by the Polynesians. The sport of surfing is one of the oldest sports in the world.

In Hawai'i, surfing became a household activity, with even the royalty partaking in this sacred act as a way to connect with the gods and commune with nature. Religious ceremonies were performed where everyone surfed as a call to honor the sea and receive protection and goodwill from the gods.

Surfing is a water sport where an individual navigates and traverses the waves while heading towards the shore. The most suitable waves for surfing are found in the ocean. To surf the waves, one must ride the face of the wave, move forward, and stand on the board while balancing and gliding through or on the wave.

The waves rising and breaking on the shore are the surf; these waves come intermittently, sometimes anticipated, sometimes not. Surfers actively seek the optimum weather, geography, and water patterns to find the best surf. The wave patterns, tides, and currents are assessed and analyzed.

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As the contemporary mindfulness teacher Jon Kabbat-Zim teaches us:

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."

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When we learn to surf, one place to start is with a beginner board. These boards have more volume and are longer, making them more stable. Start out with the whitewater, a perfect place to ride the tides into the shore. This offers us a feel for the water, the fluctuations of the waves, and builds confidence.

When we learn to tap into ourselves and observe our inner waves, the beginner boards and crafts are great places to start.

Begin to notice the fickle mind fluctuations. When does the mind change thought patterns and directions? What helps us to balance and form a flow with our emotions and feelings? Maybe focus on our breath, or literally go and chill at the beach. Possibly we take a walk in nature or do some yoga. Practice what calms the internal waves so we can learn to ride in harmony.

Next, we learn to find a line. This is an expression taught in surfing where we position ourselves to catch the wave. We coordinate ourselves with the right board and insight, and when the waves do come, we are able to angle our takeoff. This is where the waves start to break. We gain momentum, paddle as they start to break; then stand, balance, and adjust. We ride with the flow of the waves.

What makes learning to surf so challenging is that no wave is the same. We may have surfed a wave and become balanced and tranquil while riding. Then there is a time of stillness; yet another comes along, and this wave is completely different in all forms and fashion.

As with our mind, the waves change constantly and quickly; fluctuations are the common denominator. With practice, though, we intuitively know a skillful way to approach these waves, as we have found the line before and are adept at observing the waves.

With this insight, we are able to adjust and maneuver each new wave with the best skills and tools; we have repeatedly been practicing these skills to approach and ride our waves with grace. This is the trick.

Repetition and consistency are essential tools with our practice. Utilize different techniques, learn from other coaches and teachers who have ridden and mastered their waves, then adopt the principles that resonate within.

It is a steep step, learning to surf, yet essential to live a life in the flow and freedom surfing the internal waves offers us. Even if we have been learning to surf for years, it is a process and progress ad infinitum, as no two waves are alike.

We become masters at the art of observing the currents and water patterns. Assess the tides often, understand the ocean, as it is a highly complex entity. Our ocean can be rough and choppy, and at other times, serene and placid.

By understanding the varying surf conditions and the design of the waves, we can decide if they are worth surfing, as sometimes the ocean is better left alone, allowing the waves to pass and waiting until the calm after the storm.

How often do the tides change? When is the weather outside optimal for a nice surf? Are we prepared to ride the turbulent waves if necessary, and do we have the ability, through consistent practice, to ride these waves with peace and confidence?

When we prepare through practice, the waves come, and we can gracefully find the line and hop on with the freedom and wisdom our training has awarded us, as no wave is too small or large for a confident and skillful surfer. Learn to ride the waves; there is freedom and joy in the ride, even when the waves seem overwhelming.

And remember, attach the leash! Know that motivation and intuition are our guides and mentors. Believe in ourselves, get to know our own truth for our existence in this life. And when riding, remember to look beyond; relax into it and enjoy the experience of freedom!

Fly on the water and hear the silence. Ride the waves as water becomes second skin. Become this one element, flow with it as it rushes through the blood. Become light as a feather, be free within all the waves offered. Freedom of thought, freedom of movement; everything flows.

They say, "Only a surfer knows the feeling." Be this surfer, ride the waves; the joy, freedom, and glory is waiting!

Cheers!

Kether

Spunky Mind

"There are a million ways to surf,

and as long as you're smiling,

you're doing it right."

Mike Coots