In an unavoidable, global standstill, we suddenly gained a lot of time and space to spend in quietude and solitude. Although this physical distancing can lead to social disconnection, it may also be a good opportunity to reconnect with our bodies, our minds, and our natural surroundings. This brings to mind the Japanese concept of ikigai – a philosophy based on finding the source(s) of value in one’s life in order to achieve self-realisation, which is rooted in the idea of reassessing priorities.

Dubbed as “a reason for being”, the word “ikigai” refers to finding what makes you tick, that make your life worthwhile, and then dedicating your days to acting for and around it. Hence, one can feel ikigai when undergoing a particular experience that incites a sense of worth and happiness, realising how much more meaningful one’s life seems because of this experience and acknowledging the elation and fulfilment that take over with this realisation. 

Due to the nature and framework of this philosophy, encouraging people to take a deeper look into their lives and foster that what is most valuable to them, the pursuit of ikigai has been described as an effective way to maintain one’s psychological health, and research has shown that having ikigai correlates with lower stress levels and an overall sense of well-being. 

In the process of finding and/or exercising your ikigai, you may consider:

1. engaging in experiences that you deem enjoyable, effortful, stimulating, or comforting;

2. engaging with several distinct values (e.g., comfort and enjoyment) within or across experiences;

3. balancing opposing values (i.e., enjoyment vs. effort, and stimulation vs comfort);

4. temporarily disengaging from experiences that have become overwhelming so as to re-engage with them later.

For many surfers, both their ikigai and their general sense of connection with themselves and the world is linked to the practice of surfing or what they conceive as a “surfing lifestyle,” i.e., things related to the coastal and marine environment where they spend so much time – their second home. Often it is the case, however, that these fundamental, sea-bound elements expand to involve other land-oriented aspects of what a “surfing lifestyle” entails, such as food, physical health, mental health, etc.

“Here in Peniche, with the lockdown, we are restricted to our home area. We have always had organic vegetables in our garden, but now with time and the need to have fresh food, we dedicate more time for planting, thinking more about the sustainability of our actions and how we can minimize our impact on the planet,” describes Felippe. “We keep a routine of walking with our dogs and stretching exercises. Melli continues to do yoga and also online classes of fitness training. I also like to set aside some time to think about and celebrate some moments we have lived while travelling – in a way, travelling in our memories.”

But one thing is definite: as surfers – and human beings, too – we are wired to have a deep, even if inscrutable attachment to nature. So much so that it is to nature we constantly turn to when faced with questions and problems. As Felippe puts it, “if you believe that Mother Earth is mad at us and purging the human race, the answer is to go outside and listen, build a garden, realign with her. The answer is always nature. Always.”

Although currently, we may not be as free to travel or frequent beaches, even a small degree of connection to the natural world – which as surfers we are so reliant upon – can yield positive effects to our health.

Here are some oft underestimated but highly powerful and simple practices to keep in mind in times when the only surfing we can do is on the internet.

Get a bit of sun

Nothing brings life more than the sun. And while we may take the benefits of this shining star for granted when our lives aren’t restricted to the indoors, in times when going outside has do be done sparingly, every bit of sunshine-induced Vitamin D we can absorb improves our health.

Surround yourself with greenery

The mere thought of going for a short walk in the forest or park sounds peaceful and enticing – especially when there aren’t many other places to catch a fresh breath at the moment. In light of this, another Japanese practice that may be worth taking a closer is the concept of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing.” But you don’t necessarily have to be in a forest to feel the benefits. According to Dr Qing Li, “It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.” While doing so, however, remember to leave your phone at home and really tune in.

Take off your shoes

If, analogizing with trees, our heads are the crown, our arms the branches, our torso and legs the trunk, then our feet are the roots to this world. So what better way to (re)connect than allowing these roots to submerge – even if only for a few minutes while walking around the garden or, as suggested above, in parks and forests. And if the pleasure that comes from having your toes moving freely and your soles massaged by the ground isn’t enough, you may consider implementing barefoot walks (inchmeal!) in your daily routine to get those beneficial electrons from the earth flowing through your body.

Get your hands dirty

Another way to feel more connected in times like these is by physically interacting with nature. Now more than ever, activities such as gardening provide us not only with something to do but also a way of tuning out of negative news – and, if we’re lucky, fresh veggies! Moreover, studies show that the mere act of gardening also has a positive impact on our health.

Spend time watching nature

All the above-mentioned are simple yet active ways of interacting with the natural world as a means to improve well-being and create a sense of connection amidst this social disruption. But even something as passive as birdwatching can help you feel less anxious, as well as deepen your bond with Mother Nature by allowing yourself to perceive details that in our regular day-to-day go unnoticed. And the best part about it is that if you can’t leave your home to do it, you don’t have to.