I’ve spent the last 10 days soaking in all that the West coast has to offer, ranging from sunset strolls along Vancouver’s Seawall, to early morning hikes through palm tree forests near Palm Springs, California.

This has been a much-anticipated break that was originally planned around a training course with the Ido Portal Team, just outside of Vancouver. Once I bit the bullet and committed to the course, I decided to plan an escape around it that would let me visit with west coast friends before venturing down to Palm Springs, the childhood oasis where my grandmother lives, to which I hadn’t returned since before I flew the coop to university.

Over the course of the trip, I’ve noticed how even when I’m on “vacation”, I can’t let go of the urge to “do”. In other words, it’s really hard for me to sit still and just relax. My first morning in Vancouver, I stumbled upon the Hive Climbing Gym, where I got to work on my brand new bouldering practice. When I moved on to Victoria, my days included trips to the local community centre gym with my girlfriend to help strengthen her gorgeous post-baby bod, as well as walks through the forest with her little one. Eventually I returned to Vancouver and set out for Port Moody, spending the weekend with the Ido Portal Team at Engineered Bodies training 10-7pm both days. Despite my best efforts to treat my time now in Palm Springs as the “vacation from my vacation”, the last two days have revolved around day trips out to different hiking spots, including Joshua Tree National Park. It wasn’t until about 2pm today that the urge to sit poolside with nothing else to lift but a Kindle finally set in.

Regardless of the type of movement I’m doing, I love a good physical challenge—whether in a climbing gym, under a barbell, on steep, windy terrain or on my yoga mat. I remind myself every time of two things: first, never to take my ability to move for granted, and second, never to take my movement practice too seriously. Movement is play made physical, and by keeping that in mind, we remain in a constant state of exploration and expansion.

Looking for some inspiration on how to bring more fun, innovation and creativity to your life, whether at home or on vacation? Check out this video on how to Never Leave the Playground!

If you’re not looking to escape beyond your own backyard, seize the opportunity instead to experiment with movement that can feel like an adventure all its own.  And if you ARE looking to get away on an adventure, remember that you could join me in Costa Rica next month at Blue Spirit Retreat Centre! Feel free to contact me for more information, even you’re booking at the last minute!