To be inspired feels incredible because you’re connected with your true self. The word itself means “in spirit”. In this peak state we operate through our inner powers. Our weaknesses, fears and doubts are overpowered by psychological strength. Most importantly, we’re blind to our true enemies - limitations. That’s why I say LiveUnbound exists to inspire those who are striving to discover what they are truly capable of.
Photograph by © Scott Serfas
I recently got a message from someone who is struggling with depression and it really struck a chord with me. He said “I live bound, bound by myself”. Everyone feels suppressed or limited at times but few are aware that in most cases, it’s caused by their own thoughts and beliefs. The good news is that since we create the walls, we can also destroy them. That's why LiveUnbound exists, to remind us that true freedom is attainable.
Poster designed by Andrew Murphy
The term "ole" (usually sung at soccer games and bullfights) was originated centuries ago in Northern Africa during tribal dance gatherings. Once in a while a dancer would move in such an incredible way that the spectators would chant "Allah Allah". They believed that in that moment, God entered the dancer's body, giving them the power to go beyond human capabilities. When the Moors invaded Spain they took this custom with them but the pronunciation changed from Allah to ole.
When striving for greatness, we sometimes tap into a hidden energy and gain the ability to rise above ourselves. Whether you believe it's caused by God or by an inner strength, it's a state of being that we need to cultivate.
Photograph by © Mike Leeds
Photograph by © Lucas Gilman // Kayaker: Rafa Ortiz
Photograph by © Lucas Gilman
As I’ve said before I hope I see the day when the word “work” is no longer perceived as putting time and energy into an undesirable act for a desired result. I think the key is to change the desired result from money to waking up feeling excited about the “work” you’re about to do. Funny thing is once you do that the money will follow.
Companies like Ten Tree succeeded because they invested in an idea that holds value and benefits the world. They plants 10 trees for every shirt they sell and since they launched just 10 months ago they’ve planted over 150,000 trees! I’m proud to say that Ten Tree is now selling LiveUnbound apparel.
On another note, if you’ve never seen it before, this is the HOLSTEE manifesto.
There are people who, no matter what happens find a way to get angry and depressed. And then there are those who, no matter what happens, find a way to be happy. Perspective can make you feel euphoric or depressed about the same thing!
Photo: © David Clifford
First of all, everything you can’t control! But more importantly don’t worry about failure because then you won’t try anything. And if you worry too much while you’re trying something then chances are you will fail. For example when you’re doing a trick if you think about falling then you will fall. It’s that simple. Worrying is like praying for something you don’t want.
Photographer unknown
Red Bull is officially no longer an energy drink and the sky is officially no longer the limit.
The problem of unemployment and underemployment (unfulfilling work) is here to stay unless we take matters into our own hands. Luckily, the best opportunities today are centered around creating your own assets. “Real jobs” are no longer the safe route because you have to rely on someone else in an unpredictable economy. You can’t exchange 40 hours (of unfulfilling work) a week for a secure life anymore so ask yourself - what do you really want to do?
Chris Guillebeau is leading a micro-entrepreneurship revolution right now, check him out at www.chrisguillebeau.com
© Ray Collins - Photographer
Is there anything you do regularly that makes you forget what time it is? When you’re completely lost in the ride, the destination becomes irrelevant. The beauty of each moment is no longer distracted by the dream of a brighter future.
I recently took a day trip to WaveHouse San Diego to shoot the Flowboarding Championships. They were doing some pretty amazing tricks, check it out (and share if you like).
© Marc Gerard // Athlete: Anthony Marocco // Location: Bilbao, Spain
Dare to believe that something inside of you is superior to circumstances. This state of mind turns hopeless situations into enjoyable challenges.
Rider: John Jackson // Tordrillo Mountains, AK USA // © Scott Serfas
In the 1950s it was believed that running a mile in less than four minutes was impossible until Roger Banister proved it wrong. Within two years 300 other runners joined him in running a mile under four minutes. They had the ability to do it all along but were stopped by the common belief that it wasn't possible.
One where chances of failure are high. Only when you’re face to face with defeat, an unfamiliar side of yourself takes over and overcomes. This psychological strength is unknown to the play-it-safers. Not because they don’t have it inside them, because it’s not attracted to small endeavors. It needs bold, courageous effort to flourish.
Ethan Morgan // Silvretta Montafon // Austria
Why is it that what people can accomplish is often greater than what they believe they can. Our limitations are an illusion created by us and they will be broken by us.
When you're optimistic you no longer need a sense of control. You know that life will flow as it will, taking you where you need to be.
Scene from "Where the trail ends".
Life is a river; always moving forward, barreling straight through the impossible. Some of us are disconnected from the flow of the river. This disconnect kills joy, interaction and purpose. Life's greatest adventure, all it's beauty, sails by unnoticed. But the river is never that far off. There is always a way back into the rush of moving forward.
Life Cycles OFFICIAL Trailer from Life Cycles on Vimeo.
We spend so much time thinking, worrying, questioning. Spend a few seconds lost in a moment. No time to think, just reaction and focus. All the worry and the want washed away by the rush. That's living (pharaphrased from Life Cycles).
We can't wait to reach the top of the mountain, but the happiness and growth happens during the climb. Look at the top of the peak on the right.
Photo by Will Wissman
As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.
- Emmanuel Teney
Photo by Jaider Lozano // www.6feetandperfect-gallery.com
A woman says in this trailer "Before you jump off the cliff you've got a million things racing through your mind, once you jump... nothing." I've noticed fear is like that, you're afraid before the action, not during. If you're feeling anxious about taking a leap, just know that all the anxiety fades away once you step off the edge.
European Outdoor Film Tour (E.O.F.T.) - Official Trailer 12/13 from Vincent Urban on Vimeo.
People want certainty that they won’t get hurt, that they'll be successful or that the risk will be worth the reward. The desire for certainty scares us into living unfulfilled lives, never taking the leap we know we need to take. Although we fear the unknown; we need it for progress, success and self-discovery. Embrace uncertainty.
Photo by Lucas Gilman // Athlete: Jesse Coombs // Location: Mesa Falls, ID, USA
Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.
- Machiavelli
Photo by Tom Servais // www.6feetandperfect-gallery.com
The clear road ahead - It’s easy, it’s popular, it’s comforting, it’s safe, it’s unfulfilling, it’s monotony, it’s defeat, it’s not you. Get off the next exit.
For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself:
"If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?"
Whenever the answer has been "no" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
- Steve Jobs
Feel like you're drowning? I hope I see the day when the word “work” is associated with gratification and satisfaction instead of distress and monotony. Hopefully someday “work hard” will no longer be perceived as putting time and energy into an undesirable act for a desired result. In order for that to happen, we need to change the desired result from money to waking up feeling excited about the “work” we are about to do. The funny thing is that once you do that the money will follow.
© Tim McKenna // Athlete: Teiva Joyeux // Location: Teahupoo, French Polynesia
You'll have a whole eternity to think inside the box.
By wrdbnr.com
Do you feel like you already know what today is going to be like? Routines and comfort zones threaten our growth. If a relationship's not growing, if your skills aren't growing, if you're not growing, it doesn't matter how much money you have, how many people love you, you're not happy. If you feel like your days are mundane and predictable then pretty soon your weeks will be the same. Then months, years and even your whole life. Make it a habit to surprise yourself with spontaneous adventures.
More important than skills or knowledge is your emotion and psychological strength. This invisible force shapes your destiny. Your ability will get you up in the air; your state of mind will land you safely.
Photo by Ricky Adam
Take on a challenge that you always thought was beyond your capability. Pursue an idea despite not knowing if people will respond positively. Dive into a relationship even if you've been hurt. Embrace vulnerability and reveal yourself without holding back.
Exposing who we are (good and bad) takes lots of courage. The root of the word courage is cor—the Latin word for heart. It's originally meaning was “To connect by revealing all of your heart.” For more on this watch Brene Brown's Ted talk.
Photographer unknown
Photo by ©Clark Little
Photo by ©Mike Leeds
©Ugo Jump
You need to be able to sacrifice who you are for what you will become.
Photograph by Sarah Lee
Belief is confidence emerging from the anticipation of success.
Photograph by Jussi Grznar
The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask. A line from a great travel documentary "180 degrees South".
Photograph by Jussi Grznar
This documentary "Touching the Void" (also on netflix) tells an incredible survival story that is definitely worth watching. Joe Simpson escaped certain death on his attempt to climb Siula Grande (6,344m) in the Peruvian Andes. Alone with a broken leg, 100 feet inside of a crevasse, he had no chance of climbing up. He had to decide whether to give up and wait for his death or climb down the crevasse into the dark unknown. Venturing into what seemed to be a dead end was a decision that wound up saving his life. Sometimes the path we need to take is disguised as a treacherous road to know where.
If you look back in history, taking a plunge or facing danger is usually associated with freedom and strength. It seems like in the present, it's almost always associated with fear and pain.
Photograph by Oli Gagnon
When you travel you realize that people are wrong about other countries. This is Africa.
Photograph by Jody MacDonald
If there is an official LiveUnbound sculpture, then this is it!
Sculpture by Zenos Frudakis Location: 16th and Vine Streets, Philadelphia, USA
The limitations of what we can and can’t do were created by us and will be broken by us. Breaking boundaries or going against existing beliefs often seems unrealistic and even foolish. But since they are inaccurate to begin with, it's okay to be "foolish". Do it not only for your own personal freedom, but also to spark the imagination of those trapped in the illusion of inability.
Photograph by Andrew Buckley
When was the last time you woke up and felt like today was going to be the best day of your life? Let go of the tired notion that the best is yet to come. Today is a new day with unlimited opportunities.
Photograph by Scott Serfas
What if your commute to work looked like this?
Photograph by Clark Little
If you're interested in how the picture above was captured then watch this video. This is just another day in the office for photographer Clark Little. He is a perfect example of how you turn your passion into a successful career.
These are the forgotten athletes. When doing what you love you don't need spectators, funding, world records and medals.
USA = 43 medals
China = 42 medals
Britain = 22 medals
Freedom = ∞ medals
Video by Claudiu Voicu and Tim Shieff.
Here are 2 quotes about the downside of logic and reasoning:
"The secret of flight is you have to do it immediately, before your mind realizes it's defying the laws." - Michael Cunningham
"Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway." -Mary Kay Ash
"The Morning Glory". If anyone knows who the photographer is please comment below.
How do people know how fast they should go when hitting a jump? If you speed check too much the consequences can be harsh and if you go too fast it can be even more dangerous. We don't mathematically assess how fast we should go, we rely on our instincts. They are worth our trust and if you question them you'll pay the price.
Photo by: Adam Falk
"Project Unbound" is LiveUnbound's next video and we want you to be a part of it. Record yourself or a friend answering one or both of these questions:
1. What holds you back in life?
2. How do you overcome what holds you back in life?
Submit videos to yali@weliveunbound.com (phone videos are okay) or upload a private or public video to youtube or vimeo and email me the link. Thanks!
-Yali
A lot of people ask me how I'm able to afford to "live unbound". To answer that question first let me say that for me success is not measured by how wealthy I am; it's defined by how much freedom I have. The freedom to do the things I love, explore the world and spend time with family/friends. In the world we live in we do need a certain amount of money to own our desired freedoms. So many people spend their whole lives chasing this money, doing work they don't like. That's not very fun and is usually ineffective so try doing something innovative, exciting and beneficial to the world (If you're worried about the "how" start here). We live in a time where the creator has more power than ever before. We don't need publishers, studios, sponsors or big corporations to back us; we just need ideas that spread (for more on this watch the documentary below). Pick an idea you undoubtably believe in. Belief is everything and it fades quick so hold on tight. As Henry Ford said whether you believe you can, or you can't, you are right. Execute with complete focus, dedication and hard work. Don't worry it's not 9-5 work, it's 'make you feel alive work'. Everything won't snap into place perfectly, so stay persistent.
In short: Passion > Ideas > Execute > Belief > Hard work > Focus > Persist > Success
Too many people live in quiet screaming desperation. Working long, hard hours at jobs they hate to enable them to buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.
- Nigel Marsh
Not us...
Photographer: Chris Burkard Location: Buchupero, Chile
It's not our abilities that stop us from making the impossible possible, it's our belief. If you don't believe that remember that (as Ray Bradbury said) we are an impossibility in an impossible universe.
Mark Visser Rides JAWS at Night! from Mark Visser on Vimeo.
We all have talents but most people have no idea what theirs is. Find your talent and develop it. It will take you to places beyond your imagination.
Photographer: ©Richard Hallman Kayaker: Tao Berman Location: Nelscott Reef, Oregon
I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going and I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and begin our flight. You may not know where you're going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.
― C. JoyBell
© Thomas Ulrich Athlete: Mike Robinson, Dave Major Location: Pilz, Eiger, Switzerland
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
-Lao Tzu
Photo by Marcelo Maragni
We live unbound because despite our fears, despite the pain we've endured in life, we still continue to embark on new daring adventures.
We walk through life dodging the obstacles in our path. But some of us don't walk, we move as fast as we can despite the risk. Our confidence combined with an ability to free our mind of thoughts and have pure awareness keeps us safe. Often safer than those who walk. We live unbound.
Photographer: © Sterling Lorence Athlete: Matt Hunter Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada
There has been more change in the last 100 years than in the last billion years. This is due to our ideas and our ability to execute them. Our imagination allows us to visualize incredible future possibilities. Then we pick the most amazing ones and pull the present forward to meet them.
Photo by Marcelo Maragni. Wakeboarding in Serra do Cipo.
We all want to be able to make a living doing work that we love. Work that allows us to express ourselves, create impact, help others, travel the world or whatever it is that you desire. We often settle for less because of life's challenges and responsibilities. Yesterday I posted a poll on the LiveUnbound facebook page asking: What is the biggest obstacle you face when working towards turning your dreams into reality? Money obligations won by a landslide with 86 votes. It's ironic because financial success usually happens when people are passionate about what they're doing. It's easy to fall into the trap of playing it "safe". As for the runner up, fear is usually not connected to any true danger or threat. People are afraid of something that might happen, not something that is happening. Kind of reminds me of this picture.
Photo by © Above Photography
I never set out to become anything in particular, only to live creatively and push the scope of my experience for adventure and for passion. Solid ocean swells powering through deep cold water, ignite the imagination, whisper possibilities, you always learn something. We all take knocks in the process, cold creeping into your core, driving you mad while you hold position and wait for the next wave to come. For fires of happiness and waves of gratitude. I feel genuinely lucky and hand on heart say I love doing what I do. And I may never be a rich man but I'll have a tale or two for the nephews. And I dig the thought of that.
-Mickey Smith (paraphrased)
