Two Wheel Therapy
Over the past few weeks here at SCHC, we have been taking to the trails of Powell River’s beautiful backcountry to carve up some of its world class single track downhill mountain bike trails. We typically choose trails that are moderate in their difficulty level, but it is not unusual for us to find ourselves riding something more technical or steeper than what we might be equipped for. When this happens, our smiles get bigger and our eyes get wider.
Riding the Wave
I have always liked downhill mountain biking. There is no feeling like it. The physiological response that results is a cascading wave of adrenaline and mental excitation. Humans have an innate desire to thrill seek and to move fast through this world. Moving at high speeds and making hundreds of reactionary decisions per minute is absolutely fantastic for the brain and neuroplasticity. There is a reason we are drawn to things like skydiving, amusement parks, and driving fast. We crave to feel alive and we never feel more alive than when we are living right on the edge of a very steep precipice.
I Want a New Drug
While harmful and destructive, those with addictions enjoy the intensity it provides. It makes them feel alive and tickles their thrill-seeking nature in all the right places. Not surprisingly, many of our clients find the stability and normality of sobriety extremely boring.
Wide Eyes and Full Hearts
As I see it, in addition to helping re-kindle a passion for being healthy and active, one of my main roles here at SCHC is to help guys discover what awakens their soul and ignites their spirit. I call it adult summer camp sometimes as we have so many options to choose from. All I do is encourage them to keep trying things until I see their eyes get big and their smiles get wide.
Started from the bottom … Now we’re here!
At the bottom of the run we gather like a gang of teenagers, sweaty and panting. Cuts and scrapes are worn like badges of honour and as I look around at our random collection of beauties, I get goosebumps seeing their faces alive with vibrancy and enthusiasm for the trail that we just shredded. In this moment, I promise you, booze or drugs are the furthest things from their mind.
