When we talk about health, we tend to focus on the anatomical structures and on the functioning of the human body.
However, we rarely consider our brain - and what lies inside - as an organ that might (or might not) be fresh and vigorous.
Mind surfing is a non-religious experience.
It has nothing to do with spiritual beliefs; it is rather a mental experience that allows surfers to "rehearse" actions and movements that we want to complete and achieve shortly.
"When I'm really tuned in, I can mind-surf. I can watch the waves from the beach and feel the movements of my body, which is kind of useful.
The words are from Kelly Slater, the greatest competitive athlete in the history of surfing and one of the most successful sportsmen of all time.
Our brain controls everything.
Our emotions, our actions, our decisions, our goals, and our thoughts. If we train it right, we can get it ready for when the time comes.
And that moment can be a decisive wave of a heat or one of the biggest and most challenging rides of our lives.
But it can also be useful for our daily surfing routine - a sharper cutback, a deeper tube ride, a faster take-off, or a fully completed re-entry.
A Journey Into the Subconscious Mind
As you progress on your mind-surfing journey, you'll also notice gradual improvements in your mood, memory, and stress levels.
Mind surfing works, and it's a creative tool, too.
How many times have you dreamed about adding a subtle twist to a classic surfing maneuver? How often do you think of a difficult trick that was never tried before?
Our subconscious mind is an incredible territory and leads us to self-discovery.
When you mind surf, you explore skills that you thought you didn't have. When you mind surf, you open the doors of imagination and make it a reality.
Mind surfing is nothing more than mental practice.
It's a self-inflicted brain stimulus that will result in a reflex action. It's like transforming ideas into images and then into real-life movements.
And that's why it works fine with surfers.
Mind Surfing 101
So, if you're ready to improve the control of your near-future impulses in the surf and experience the ocean from a different perspective, let's get it started.
Here's how to mind surf; here's how to ride the waves of your brain:
- Indulge yourself in a relaxing place;
- Close your eyes, take several deep breaths, and transport yourself into your favorite surf break;
- Picture yourself paddling out and duck diving the first set of waves;
- Listen to the sound of the waves breaking behind you;
- Feel the drops of water running down your face;
- Let the first set of waves go by, and free yourself from anxiety;
- Look 360 degrees around and then fix your eyes on the horizon line;
- Slowly close your eyes and clear your mind;
- Open your eyes and let your heart decide which wave to paddle for;
- Surf the wave with your mind and soul;
When your mind gets in the wave, let it explore the details, the temperature of the water, and the muscle actions.
The ride will slowly become more vivid and more real, and your body will naturally adapt to the flow.
Mind surfing requires a lot of regular practice, but when you get there, you'll feel like you've reached nirvana. It's a great sensation.
Need additional inspiration for your surfing life?
Try our meditation program for surfers, and experience our yoga poses for wave riders.