Mindfulness: Life with Purpose

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Water Words

Sometimes a message just hits home – for me it was a yoga class about 2 years ago. A quote, right timing and a curiosity for “present moment awareness” set me on an adventure I called “Power of Presence SUP,” meditations to hear while paddling. It’s funny – once you become aware, the signs, lessons, energy and path that’s right seem to open wide.

Often on a long paddle the rhythm of the water and the movement set my mind adrift. Other times, it sets my mind on fire. After a fantastic TEDx Women Bend conference last week – it was on fire! Stories are me! And this was a day of harnessing our own story, beginning with, “What is life asking me to do now?” Through exploration of inspiration, intuition and insight we can create the story (and the path) that’s right for us, right now.

Our story can begin much like the conference began – with poetics of authenticity. Krayna Castelbaum dazzled us with poetry selections that left me with this message, “A new beginning of the heart is waiting for you to be ready to emerge.” That’s solid enough to grapple and gnaw on for a 4-5 mile paddle on a sunny day.

Or maybe when the surf looks daunting the phrase she shared, “Learn to find ease in risk,” could be very valuable.

Poetry. I haven’t really immersed in the rhythm and wisdom, rhyme and heart of poetry for a long while. My poetry is in the water, waves, currents and wind.

I am inspired to give time to poetry, to the bold words of others stoked on life lived boldly and with heart. Thank you Krayna for sharing. And the next time I get crushed by a shorebreak and finally grab my board to paddle out again I can be grateful with these words resonating, “Courage kindled and you stepped out eyes young again.”

Mindfulness, meditation and the gift of poetry on the water.

Power of Presence: SUP and Meditation

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Water Words

As more and more attention is given to the practice of meditation, we come to realize where the magic begins. The power within meditation begins with breath awareness. Have you had that moment in a yoga class when you follow a breath all the way to an open heart – and that still moment at the top – then followed the exhale with full awareness? That’s just one opportunity for the power of presence.

SUP Meditation: Presence on the water

Traditional meditation practiced while seated provides a rich opportunity to calm our mind-body and bring a new mindful presence and balance to life. For those of us who find a sense of meditative calm while on the water, a unique practice called “Power of Presence SUP” or P2SUP can allow us to meditate while enjoying our favorite pasttime.

It’s easy to head out for a paddle and become scatter-brained and defocused. Thoughts of work/relationship/life problems, busy-ness and plans chatter through our mind. With P2SUP guided meditations, anyone can enjoy a mindful and present meditation practice while standup paddling – from the very first session. (Learn more here)

Have you ever started out on a paddle ready for calm and realize you’ve got a monkey-mind along for the ride? The monkey mind bounces around from one thing to another. It is as if we are on an out of control horse, heading to the nearest cliff. Our senses and emotions become reactive, not reflective.

Breathing Meditation: Enjoy a P2SUP experience (give us 15 minutes)

The goal of meditation is to diminish the self into focus and mindfulness so we can be free, compassionate (with ourselves and others) and discover stress-free calm.

SUP has a great effect to calm the mind. Even while paddling our ability to pay attention is sometimes degraded by the fast pace of our modern world. Before a training paddle, or one that is simply being out on the water, taking time to pay attention and practice a p2SUP meditation is the key to this end. Our sport provides us with many opportunities to meditate. p2SUP can be your guide as you develop your own practice over time.

Explore More:

We invite you to Live Presence and Share Presence.

Introduction to P2SUP

Explore, “All SUP is Yoga.”

Kialoa Paddles: Po’okela, Laulima and Malama

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Water Words

Over the years Elder SUP has shared stories about people, places and events. We have enjoyed adventures and “talked story” with some incredible athletes and SUP-pers. For me, each outing on the water was powered by one KIALOA paddle or another – from the Gerry Lopez designed Hulu GL race and surf, to the Tiare adjustable (designed specifically for women) and many more. Recently, as we developed the “Power of Presence SUP” (P2SUP) program of guided meditation for SUP, we needed great boards to share with participants. Fortunately, our timing coincided exactly with KIALOA Paddles’ launch of two great new inflatable boards. (Spoiler Alert: One of the coolest videos you will see is at the end of this article)

KIALOA has built innovative Outrigger, Dragon and SUP paddles for over 24 years. Their mission, according to Jim MIller, KIALOA’s director of new business development, has expanded as ,”producing the best products for paddlers through innovative design, selective materials and a lean manufacturing process.” This summer they unveiled the inflatable Waikiki and Napali which join the initial soft top Aloha.

As we build our newest business here at Elder SUP we looked for sponsor support from companies with a mission and culture aligned with ours. We were fortunate to have the support of Sweet Waterwear – and KIALOA Paddles. We admire and respect the way KIALOA employees live like they paddle following the guiding principles of their core values: Po’okela (excellence), Laulima (teamwork), and Malama (stewardship). We aspire to have these same qualities drive our decisions and actions as we grow P2SUP. Just as the KIALOA team appreciate those who have helped them along the way, we appreciate KIALOA and wish them all the best.

Meanwhile, it’s time to get out on the water on our 12’6″ infalatable KIALOA Napali. My favorite young paddling buddy, Julia, joins me on the Aloha soft top. We are out to have some “clean up the river” fun.

This article would not be complete without a story from KIALOA’s own, Meg Chun. Here is the story that goes with this amazing video example of the spirit that drives the people and the company.

TEAM KIALOA 2015 from FocalBoxProductions on Vimeo.

All SUP is Yoga

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Water Words

In the moment with Amber Patrick, owner of Groove Yoga Bend (http://www.grooveyogabend.com/)

Yoga is meant to meet your needs day by day and moment by moment. Practice should reflect what you are trying to bring into balance at the time whether it is body, mind or spirit.

If you’ve spent the day staring at the computer, your body may yearn for an energizing, active practice. If you’ve spent the day hiking, you may decide a soft, restorative practice is in order.

Grace and balamce with Gillian Gibree, owner of Paddle Into Fitness http://paddleintofitness.com/

Grace and balance with Gillian Gibree, owner of Paddle Into Fitness http://paddleintofitness.com/

As a standup paddler, you are likely familiar with the fast-growing practice of SUP Yoga. Practicing poses while on a standup board is art in action.

In the truest sense of “yoga practice,” a different approach is also possible. Once you SUP, your body, mind and spirit are connected like never before. The paddling stroke delivers a rhythmic burst of exercise endorphins and release of adrenaline. As water flows by beneath your board, tickling your toes, the nervous system calms down. Subtle demands for balance and being centered call for constant adjustments. Many call SUP a great core exercise. In fact, it is a practice that can soothe you to your core existence. All SUP can be practiced in a manner that delivers many benefits of yoga even if you never execute a downward dog or Uttanasana (forward bend).

Have you ever been practicing stillness while in Child’s Pose as your mind raced, thoughts tumbled or an achy “this or that” distracted? Have you ever experienced an instructor whose voice led you through a guided path to calming, focus, and a quiet meditative state? If so, you have a solid understanding of what Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP) can provide.

Imagine yourself standing on your SUP board, paddle in hand, ready for a paddle across a lake, up a river, through ocean ripples or a glassy bay. Imagine being able to put your earphones on and connecting that ordinary paddle to a powerful mind-spirit guided practice. If this sounds intriguing, simply fill out our CONTACT form, ask your questions and join in.

SUP Yoga: Power of Presence

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Water Words

Beyond the pose – P2SUP connects to your mindful presence and power of attention

What if you could incorporate some powerful aspects of a yoga practice while standing and paddling the traditional SUP way? While your body moves with powerful, rhythmic and continuous paddling strokes your mind and spirit can engage in the sort of meditation and mindfulness that enhances a yoga practice. We invite you to explore Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP)

Serenity via SUP Yoga (credit Bowen Island Sea Kayaking)

No matter where you live, if there is water there will be standup paddling. The same goes for SUP Yoga. There are hundreds of well-trained instructors leading beautiful classes for all abilities. Why do SUP yoga? There are so many reasons.

Ideally, when we do yoga on the water, we can let go of control or wanting to execute poses perfectly. At any moment, the wind or current can change everything. Whether you practice yoga the traditional way (on land) or enjoy SUP Yoga, we invite you explore a different practice – one we call Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP).

The power of presence delivers many benefits even if my Triangle pose is less than stellar

What is Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP)? Presence is a noun, not a verb; it is a state of being, not doing. Our moments on the water, on our boards while engaged in the joy of paddling are precious. To generate the most benefit and to consciously savor the experience you can enhance your SUP with “the power of presence.”

P2SUP is a series of articles and (eventually downloadable podcasts) that will guide your SUP experience. Our attitude, perspective and mindfulness designs our experience. With P2SUP we gain more than strength and flexibility of body as we paddle- our mind and spirit develop new perspective and focus. Be present and breathe!

P2SUP was inspired by my yoga practice, but does not include traditional SUP Yoga poses or movement. Come explore!

Elder SUP

Connecting Across Generations and Oceans

Tag Archives: power of presence