Live the Active Life

Go Your Own Way

By Outside magazine's 2011 Chief Inspiration Officer Ryan Levinson

Last December, I was chosen as Outside Magazine's Reader of the Year. The editors told me that I was selected because I managed to continue leading an active life after getting diagnosed with a form muscular dystrophy. Sure, but what that title doesn't hint at is that I still often struggle with my own motivation to lead a better life. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't strive to be better—particularly as it relates to this world we all live in.

Recently, some friends and I sailed to the Coronado Islands, a small chain of deserted islands off the coast of Baja, Mexico, for a few days of exploration and fun. We paddled iSUPs , inflatable standup paddleboards, in the turbulent water surging between the near-shore rocks; dived with sea lions and abundant marine life; marveled at the flocks of birds precariously perched on the sheer cliffs; watched the sun set; the moon rise; and generally fell into the rhythm of the place. But rather than follow the standard path of most sailing expeditions, which are often damaging to the environment, we decided to do things our own way in hopes of making the trip as "friendly" to the environment as possible. We called it the "Greener Challenge."

I rigged the boat's electrical system to run 100 percent on solar power. We sailed whenever possible to minimize engine noise and the use of gasoline. We anchored in sandy bottom areas partly to avoid damaging the rocky reefs. We followed minimum impact practices similar to the "Leave No Trace" principles listed by the National Outdoor Leadership School. We even used a composting toilet from Natures Head. Individually, none of these practices are exactly new. But together, they represent a new way of thinking for my friends and I. We'd always approached these trips in the same way as everyone else—heavy use of gasoline, pump toilets that were often discharged into the ocean, and other environmentally detrimental practices that we just assumed to be the regular way of doing things.

After experimenting with our Greener Challenge, though, we're now looking forward to future trips when we can be even more eco-friendly. We'll never be truly "green." But the constant struggle to be better is perhaps the best you can do. All it takes is the willingness to learn new things and the will to go in your own direction.



Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal

By Outside magazine's 2011 Chief Inspiration Officer Ryan Levinson

Do you define yourself largely by what you do? Are you a climber, a hiker, a diver, a surfer, a cyclist, or some other kind of active outside athlete? Me too, but about ten years ago when I was in my mid 20s, I was diagnosed with FSH muscular dystrophy, a disease that causes my musculature to steadily wither away. The doctors told me it was unrealistic to continue my active life. I was told to quit it all and "learn something useful like keypunch." Instead, I choose to risk catastrophic muscle loss and continuing living the active life we all love.

Then this year I was chosen to be Outside Magazine's "Reader of the Year." I was encouraged to share stories about what inspired me, how I accomplish what I do, stuff like that, but what I wanted to write was, "It's all a lie." It felt like everyone was focusing on what I do, not who I am. They were setting a trap, because one day I won't be able to do any of that stuff. Then what? Will I still be a surfer, an EMT, a diver, standup paddleboarder, a triathlete? Will I end up like Al Bundy, struggling to prop up my ego with stories of past adventures? Or do all those labels and stories just exist as ego-opium for our fragile minds?

There's a deeper, more fulfilling, more inclusive dimension to all of this stuff. Too many of us forget that we are all equally a part of each other and of this amazing world. Any illusion of separation is just that, an illusion, a story our minds like to tell to protect our fragile egos. We need to get over all that. We need to realize the freedom, power, and pure joy waiting for us when we embrace that accepting ourselves as integral components of this amazing universe is far more fulfilling than thinking of ourselves as separate individuals—even ones who do cool things. In my first blog post for Outsideonline.com, I wrote that "surfing is not about your ability to maneuver a board, but rather it is about how completely you experience the moment." We can stand there dreaming big but living in fear, or we can look up, explore, love, and live free of ego and doubt. I'm losing physical ability, but guess what, so are you. This is not a dress rehearsal. This is your life. Don't be afraid to live it.