What could we name the mutual sharing of an experience purely for the moment that is? Being? How can we even describe it? Would I be bold to even suggest the basic moniker “life” is happening here? Skaters seeking a medium to aid in their downward descent and the pavement on the pacific coast, built for travel, willing to oblige. These moments can be so transient in life, if ever experienced at all. Just a downhill glide into the moment, the sunset is eluding cherry red, lavender and rich papaya and Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco California on its downward descent offers a westward view of the Ocean that generates a solacing refuge. The skaters do not seek refuge in the view or the ride however, they are merely asking the road to tag along for a moment.
I have so many congruences from own life experiences that coincide with this YouTube video of California skaters gliding into the abyss of the night. The slowed Steve Lacy track, blurred images that replicate an early 90s VHS recording, and seemingly cooperative traffic that looms over the impossible. It all sounds very cliche, almost movie like. How could I possibly have replicated this scene in my own mundane existence? How could I even dare to compare my own life experiences with YouTube perfection? Life doesn’t come with audio and visual editing tools in the moment or perfect soundtracks. No one was there to post a video log or even a “selfie” for that matter. There was however the human component, it’s always been there.
So, what about this video resonates with me and where are the similarities in my own life? For me I think it takes me back to a period of time that is now difficult to grasp. A time in my adolescence where activities were purer to me. The activities haven’t changed, but my perceptions of them have, I’ve also changed as a human. The added benefit has to be present in my mind now. “What is the meaning of this fun engagement?” Things I would tell myself daily, to illicit the induction of more dopamine to keep this vessel from crumbling. Watching this video on loop brought a time of diversion that was unadulterated by the “5 benefits of skating” type philosophy we see now. Everything has to have a benefit for us now, or else we seem to be wasting our precious time. It took me back to a time where I experienced the moment and before Gurus told us it was so beneficial. Before Instagram reels played noetic music over general feel-good quotes across a landscape unknown and often outside of a hiking trail. Isn’t it slightly enticing to want to do something for fun, merely so we can pass the time? Is this how we treat all things? What is the benefit?
This philosophy, stoic or efficient is a really good way at look at life. What does this friend or partner do for me? What does training at the gym do for me? What does surfing really do for me? All great questions when performing a task analysis and dissecting our lives. I feel however we sometimes miss out on the human component, the agape factor. What is more human than loving something or someone altruistically, meaning love without the possibility of reciprocity. I am interested in tagging along merely for what you are or who you are without the intrinsic or extrinsic benefits I’d receive. Just a ride. An agreement to do no harm to each other or use each other, a reciprocal arrangement, free of strings and projections.
Of course, there are always benefits of accomplishments or finding companionship. That’s usually the aftermath of a pursuit of something. What brought about this nostalgia from this video was the combination of it all. An altruistic love for the ride, companionship and the accomplishment of such skill to expertly skate down a highway. These rare moments when fate grants us this experience, should be savored. How lucky am I to access this video at any time, to spy on agape, to spy on the capture of a present moment? Supremely fortunate to be alive in this time, also fortunate to witness the fleeting effects of chasing happiness or any other phenomenological feeling.
So often in my search for continuous meaning I have used certain activities to negate the loathing effects of life. The drag, dregs and drabs of everyday existence, without meaning they are daunting. I have surfed for symptom reduction; I have tried skating for symptom reduction. They work. Even as a modality without a cognitive behavioral or psychoeducation component they are still amazing. Isn’t that enough? In those moments of participating, I am doing what existentialists call “being in the world”. How convenient. Dissecting this statement brought me to meaning without even seeking it. To simply be in the world is not really a choice, really. We are breathing living, trying to stay alive in the uncertainties of a world that’s spinning and spiraling into the cosmos. Amidst this chaos I chose to grab my surfboard and get into the ocean, I chose to watch this YouTube video and transplant back in time. I chose to reminisce. I choose to write about these experiences. In the events of my limited time on earth, the moment is being cherished with choice, just choosing to enjoy the ride, albeit momentarily.
This weekend I am going surfing. I purchased a new Aipa board months ago and I think it’s time to finally test it out. Ships aren’t meant to stay in port and living in the moment isn’t always meant to come with 10 listed benefits, a Joe Rogan quote or a YouTube video explanation.
Activities this week:
BJJ, Surfing, Crafting ( stained glass)
Books I’ve been reading:
The Will to meaning, The Eden Project, The Doctor and the Soul
Music I’ve been listing to:
Amy Winehouse Anthology
WU Tang Essentials
Be your shadow – The Wombats