We’ve all heard the Baz Lurman Song Suncreen with the sage voice telling us: “do something that scares you every day”. We’ve also most probably written off the advice as nice sounding but not really that apt for our situation. I challenge you to try this advice for a week tho, just one week, and see what happens.
My belief is that the human spirit is by nature and adventurous one and this sense of excitment and play is one that must be nurtured in the modern world if we are to enjoy life. Otherwise the unnatural processes of modern living run us, crush our spirits and make for an unhappy mix. Play and adventure therefore have a function less frivolous than one might think.
Today I explored the new Mountain Bike trail at Barnets Demise in Belfast. Situated near Shaws Bridge beside the river Lagan its very accessible from the city by either the Lagan Towpath cycle path or by car. On arriving at the trails I discovered that this would be the thing that scared me today. I left an hour later exhilarated and extremely happy.
Within the local area there are a number of winding trails spanning across the Lagan Meadows and Barnets Demise areas. These paths run through fields, woods and gravel paths up and down hill across the area for quite some way.
In the woodland of Barnets Demise there are a number of slalom type trails for Mountain Bikers. Not being a Mountain Biker myself I attempted a more moderate course myself for the first time. I say more moderate in that it looked semi-sedate until I was at the top of the course with a distinct twinge of fear churning my stomach looking down at what awaited me.
A moment of courage and I was away on a woodland roller coaster ride whizz ing through the trees and making small jumps that were gigantic in my own mind. Taking tight turns at speeds just marginally in control of the bike. This was more fun than I can remember having for a long time on a bike.
The trails are excellently marked and designed in a way that routes can be planned on ability ensuring you don’t get in over your head. Despite this the routes are also quite challenging and exciting. With a number of progressively more difficult routes I imagine that it would take a lifetime to master them all so there’s no danger of boredom.
Tired but happy after an hour on the trails I cycled back through the Tow Path wondering what tomorrow will bring… What excitement and adventure? You see it’s always guaranteed when you commit to doing something every day that scares you. Embracing that tingle in the stomach and going for it brings a sprinkle of magic back to life that doesn’t solely have to be a physical adventure. Flirt with someone, pick an argument with the office bully, ask your boss about a difficult subject you’ve been avoiding. Take a risk. Feel the tingle.
I dare you…
I double dare you….
Rusty Surginor
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