“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
It was getting late on New Year’s Eve.
And I was ready to bolt.
My typical New Year’s Eve celebrations were far from calm affairs. One was spent at a packed mariachi bar in Mexico City. One was spent snaking my way through New Orleans from Bourbon Street to Jackson Square amidst throngs of others.
Another was carousing with revelers in London’s Trafalgar Square; still another was spent wiping tear gas from my eyes after getting caught up in an unexpected riot in Athens, Greece.
But here I was … in New York City, sitting cross- legged on a yoga mat at the Jivamukti Yoga School near Union Square.
I leaned over to peer out of the second- floor window. Below, I could see streets teeming with people.
I brought my gaze back to my mat and then to the wide and long hall. I was surrounded by people ready for a very different type of New Year’s experience.
Each year on the holiday, the center hosted a special evening of meditation to release the year past and prepare for the new year ahead. Having been in the city for several days for work, I decided this inner adventure might be an interesting way to spend an evening usually scheduled for champagne and revelry.
But as I settled onto my mat surrounded by strangers, each of us descending into our own solitary bubble of silence, I just wanted to leave.
The silent meditation, they announced, would be three and a half hours long. It would be unguided. Just sitting. My work friends were all out on the town, and here I was, alone on a yoga mat. The doors closed and the lights dimmed right as I was about to make a run for it.
It was 8:30 p.m., and the massive hall was lit only by the tiny white lights that ran the length of the walls. Stuck now, I settled in.
The room— even though it was packed with well over a hundred people— was pristinely quiet.
With nothing to do but sit in silence, over the next three and a half hours, I went on an adventure.
In my mind, I relived my childhood, I experienced vibrant memories of my grandparents, I rediscovered long- forgotten awkward teen moments, the birth of my children, amazing moments with good friends.
At midnight, a bell rang. I opened my eyes. I smiled.
Actually, I couldn’t stop smiling.
As I walked through Union Square back to my hotel, I couldn’t help but thank myself for the gift of the time and space to go on this adventure— one that didn’t require going anywhere.
You don't have to leave your life to have an adventure. The key is trying something different.
…
This Week’s Challenge: Go On An Adventure
Leading a life of adventure does not mean traveling to climb the Acropolis or gaze at the northern lights. It means looking at our own lives with a sense of wonder, of novelty. Every single day provides an opportunity to see the world with fresh eyes.
Let’s start with two reflections:
Reflection one: What is the “wildest” thing you’ve ever done? (Define that however you would like!)
Reflection two: What “adventurer” has inspired you, and what do you love about their style or attitude on life? Maybe it’s someone you read about or someone you know personally!
Now …
Here’s the challenge: In the next week, create one adventure at home or within a hundred feet of your own front door.
The ideas are endless and enticing! Maybe you’ll choose to take a guided meditation adventure like I had in NYC. You could try one of Tara Brach’s.
Or maybe it's an awe walk alone or a nature walk with kids.
Maybe it's a sensory adventure based on smells or new tastes. Hold a cooking adventure at home with friends, choosing cuisine and music from a place you’ve never been.
Be bold. Be curious.
Be courageous!
If you’re in the Cleveland area, join Scott and friends to celebrate the launch of Scare Your Soul: 7 Powerful Principles to Harness Fear and Lead Your Most Courageous Life! Enjoy a talk from Scott, a reading, a book signing, and complimentary drinks*.
*Wine + sparkling water to be generously provided Edwins Restaurant. It has been recognized internationally by the James Beard Foundation and others for its commitment to offering “second chances” to people in our community.
Seating will be limited. Please RSVP soon,
Thursday, January 19– 7:00pm
Loganberry Books - 13015 Larchmere Boulevard, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
Sharing your Success
What adventure did you go on? Share your journey and let us know what you thought of today’s challenge on Facebook and Instagram! Use hashtags #scareyoursoul and #mycouragemoment.