It’s About Perspective…

by Blair Buder

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about perspective, and the mind’s ability to change our perception of everything around us.

I was particularly struck by this idea a month or so ago when I was surfing in San Diego. The waves were small, and there was a lot of waiting in between sets, especially since it was crowded. I was getting increasingly frustrated and annoyed, and as I paddled past another surfer I commented to him about how long the wait was for waves. It was his response that both surprised me and gave me a healthier perspective on the situation: He said with a smile, “More time for meditating.. It’s so beautiful out here.”

Although his comment may not have been particularly prolific, it was striking for me to hear because it was so positive and thoughtful… and about the exact opposite of what I had been thinking a moment earlier.

Since that time, I have been trying to make a concerted effort to try to see and focus on the good in situations, especially those that are difficult; and although it isn’t always easy, it does help to try.

In almost all situations we find ourselves in, there are things that we can change and others that we can’t. We (including myself) tend to dwell on those factors that are out of our control, even though doing so is a waste of both time and energy. When we bring our awareness and focus on those things that are within our control, we then become more mindful of ourselves and our environment, and are able to respond in a better and more appropriate way.

Whether it is sitting in traffic, not surfing well, getting into a fight with a loved one, or being reprimanded at work, there is something positive to be taken from any experience. If nothing else, be glad that you are alive to experience this beautiful world we live in. As surfers, we are fortunate enough to share in a very special part of that beauty, and it is important that we carry that appreciation with us wherever we go, which my wonderful friend Marta recently reminded me of. Life isn’t supposed to be easy, but it is supposed to be a great adventure.

I hope you all try to see the good in yourselves and the world around you. Remember that the challenges we are faced with are all opportunities for growth and learning, and we have the choice to make that experience either a positive or negative one.

It’s up to each of us, every day.



Credits // Author: Blair Buder

Surfing and Gratitude

Hi all! This is Blair, coming to you from California! I am so excited to have the opportunity to reach out to you via Surfragette, to share my views, thoughts, experiences, and love of surfing with you. I’d like to start off with a few thoughts about how grateful I am for surfing. I’m sure many of you can relate, and I thought it would be a good place to start, since I am so grateful to be able to share here with you. Surfing is such a very special gift, and I am so thankful for it for so many reasons.

Surfing has brought so many gifts into my life, and I have so much appreciation for each of them. Truly, I can’t imagine life without surfing, as it plays such a large part in my life and who I am as a person. But with all that I have gained, it would not mean so much if it weren’t for the gratitude that I have for surfing to put things into perspective.

Surfing is for me, as I’m sure it is for many of you, my passion. It allows me to get through the week with sanity and a clearer perspective as to what is most important. Sometimes life can get difficult, but because I have surfing to make me happy and give me strength and peace, I know I can get through the challenges that I am faced with. I realize that I am very fortunate to be able to have something that allows me to express myself in a constructive way and makes me so happy, and I feel that everyone needs a similar sort of outlet/escape from the world. For each of us, whether it is surfing, another sport, photography, music, or art, I believe that each of us should strive to find what lights us up inside, and gives us that inner glow so that we can be the best we can be for the world. It is so important to have something like that, as it gives an important meaning and purpose to life.

As I was teaching a friend to surf recently, I realized how I have changed in terms of my perspective of my daily surf sessions. Although I always feel better after I have surfed (even after a bad session), I was startled to realize that now it takes more to make me happy than when I first began. When I was new to surfing, it would make my entire week if I caught a single wave! Over time I have gotten pickier about the conditions, and less satisfied if I didn’t catch a lot of waves. Of course my skill level has improved significantly in that time, so it is natural to expect more from myself, but at the same time I should be more thankful just for the chance to paddle out and play in the sea. I have been working on this every day, and as a result I have gained more happiness, bliss, stoke, and gratitude. I will continue to work on it, but I encourage each of you to not take the little things for granted, and try to be happy in the moment, especially if you’re surfing.

“Life is short, do what you love” – Garrett McNamara, big wave surfer

Credits // Author: Blair Buder