March 20, 2010

I spent this afternoon, the first day of spring, basking in the sun on my back deck. After three intense days of physical activity I forced myself not to be too physical. The unusually warm spring day and sun inspired me to do some maintenance work on my body. I took out the foam roller, a yoga mat and some surface tennis balls. I knew I wanted to work on a few ‘problem’ areas of tension in my upper chest and hips, the two girdles needed some love. I rolled into these uncomfortable places, breathed through it and soaked the sun. I then used the resistance stretching methodology to guide me through my frame. Its this kind of self-care moment that is especially needed for incredibly active people but of course has its very important place for anyone. It could easily be argued that to heal thyself is the highest form of wellness, or in my case…Weller-ness.

March 22, 2010

Reflecting on a recent cruise I was struck by how vast and humbling the great oceans are. I gazed into its void which brought peace and healed some human wounds making me more supple and alive.

I daydreamed I was left out to sea with nothing but 15,000 foot deep oceans in all directions. Floating out to sea. A terrifying thought… the enormity of all that is.

I’ve taken up Stand Up Paddle (SUP) surfing and these contemplations motivate me to sign up for the ‘open ocean’ Montauk to Block Island paddle in September. 18 miles of more floating across the sea.

Hmmm, am i going to do it?

-ari