🌊 Surfing Life’s Big Waves: Finding Courage in Uncertain Times

Montara State Beach

“The waves are roaring louder than ever — maybe it’s not just the ocean, maybe it’s the times we’re living in.”

Lately, I feel as though both our collective conscious — the shared awareness, values, and beliefs of a society — and our collective unconscious — the deeper, universal storehouse of archetypes and instincts Carl Jung wrote about — are profoundly stirred.

Do you feel it too?

This evening, I went to Montara State Beach to sit with the waves. The ocean was booming — louder than I can ever remember. Maybe it was just me, but it felt as if the world itself was thundering.

Watching the waves crash with wild, chaotic energy, I began to think: How do we sit skillfully with the big waves of our lives?

Two brave surfers paddled out into the froth, and I found myself wondering what drew them in while so many others stood back, simply watching from the parking lot. Even the shorebirds were darting back and forth, running toward the water only to race back to safety before the next wave.

For me, waves symbolize uncertainty — and wow, are we in uncertain times. Here are some reflections on what surfing big waves has to teach us about living well right now:

🌊 1. Always Go Out with a Buddy

Life’s biggest waves are not meant to be faced alone. Find your people — the ones who remind you who you are when fear starts talking too loudly.

🌊 2. Learn to Discern Fear

There’s fear that protects you and fear that holds you back. Courage is the portal that lifts us from a low state of vibration into a higher one. Ask yourself:

“Am I holding back because I’m truly unsafe, or because I’m afraid of growth?”

Then act with courage.

🌊 3. Embrace Skill-Building (and Wipeouts)

Those surfers clearly had experience — probably earned through plenty of wipeouts. Don’t be afraid to fail. Skill comes from practice, and practice comes with getting wet.

🌊 4. Observe Before You Jump In

Take the time to notice what’s happening before you leap. Watch the waves. Learn their rhythm. Let nature teach you how to move with her before you try to dance on her back.

🌊 5. Step Out of Your Ego

True growth happens when we leave the comfort of what we know. This sweet spot — where we’re slightly off balance — is where transformation happens.

🌊 6. Be Fully Present

Big waves demand presence. If you’re distracted, you will get knocked down. It’s the same in life: if we aren’t paying attention, we miss the signals that keep us upright.

🌊 7. Allow Vulnerability

Getting tumbled, getting scraped — these are part of the process. Don’t fear the discomfort. Vulnerability is what allows real connection and depth.

🌊 8. Learn to Flow

Waves don’t care about your agenda. Flow means listening — moment to moment — to what life is asking of you. Nature always gives cues if we’re awake enough to notice.

🌊 9. Know Your Why

To leave your comfort zone, you need a strong reason. Big waves require purpose. Let your “why” anchor you when things get scary.

🌊 10. Resource Yourself

Surfing big waves — literal or metaphorical — takes preparation. Check in with yourself: Are you physically ready? Emotionally resourced? Spiritually grounded? This is the foundation that allows you to face life’s swells without capsizing.

Tonight, as I sat listening to the ocean roar, I felt both small and connected — as though the waves were reminding me that chaos can be beautiful, powerful, even holy.

And really, what is the alternative to embracing the unknown? Living small? That might be fine for some — but how would you ever know how big your life could truly be?

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts — how do you surf the big waves of your life? Share in the comments and let’s learn from each other’s courage.