212 The Power of Breathing to Get In the Zone with Laird Hamilton
Aug 10, 2015
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Professional surfer and fitness expert Laird Hamilton discusses the power of breathing. Topics include breathing exercises for clarity and inspiration, breath control in water sports, the impact of breathing on performance, the importance of doing nothing, and the three truths about life - authenticity, risk-taking, and love.
Being present in the moment is crucial to accessing the zone and requires clearing distractions and resolving conflicts.
Laird Hamilton's journey to earning respect involved overcoming racial tension and societal barriers through persistence, courage, and skill.
Personal accomplishments that Laird Hamilton is most proud of include his loving relationships with family and quitting drinking to be true to himself.
Deep dives
Preparing for the Zone
To prepare for getting into the zone, Laird emphasizes the importance of overall preparation in one's life, including factors like diet, sleep, and relationships. Clearing your mind of distractions and resolving conflicts quickly contributes to a clearer mental state. Being present in the moment is key to accessing the zone.
Earning Respect and Overcoming Adversity
Laird shares that earning respect from others was a gradual process over time. Growing up in Hawaii as a haole (white person), he faced racial tension and had to prove himself through his skills and being accepted by the native Hawaiian community. Laird's persistence, courage, and defiance of societal barriers helped shape his journey.
Proudest Accomplishments
Laird's proudest accomplishments are his family and his personal discipline. He cherishes his loving relationships with his wife, children, and girlfriend. Laird also highlights his decision to quit drinking nine years ago as a moment of immense pride, driven by his commitment to being true to himself.
Scariest Encounter
Laird's scariest encounter was when he got lost at sea while jet skiing between islands in Hawaii. Due to poor visibility from volcanic smoke, he ended up in the middle of the ocean, 60 miles north of the Big Island. The traumatic experience lasted for a full day, making him contemplate his situation and the vastness of the ocean.
Surviving the Giant Wave
In this podcast episode, the speaker shares his harrowing experience of being held down underwater by a giant wave. He discusses the fear, uncertainty, and mental struggles he faced during those 14 hours in the ocean. Despite not being rescued immediately, he held on to hope and was eventually rescued by the Coast Guard. This experience had a profound impact on him emotionally, and he realized the importance of family and the support he received from his loved ones.
Continuing to Chase Big Waves
Even after his near-death experience, the speaker continues to pursue his passion for big wave riding. He emphasizes the need to stay true to oneself, take risks, and pursue one's dreams. He believes that relationships and experiences are more valuable than material wealth. The speaker is involved in various ventures, including stand-up paddling equipment, apparel, a fitness device, and a documentary about hydrofoil surfing. He also emphasizes the importance of being compassionate, humble, courageous, and loving in order to achieve greatness.
