In light of mental health awareness week which just took place 10-16 October 2016 and my hefty work load completing university assignments before exams start I had a couple of ideas pop into my head about peoples relationships with products and how this affects our lives.
With the seemingly constant flow of assignment deadlines and a half rehabbed ankle I have been feeling restricted in my ability to follow my usual exercise regime, which typically involves a lot of bike riding. By participating in sporting activities people gain a raft of physical, emotional and social benefits. These benefits are largely based on scientific studies; but don’t quote me on that, as I am not a scientist. However, thorough my own experience I do believe that these points do contribute positively to a range of personal health aspects as a result of participating in sporting activities. This post takes a more unconventional approach to explaining the benefits of participating in these activities (usually with cool products) and how this contributes to fullness in life.
The social aspects of sport have a much deeper meaning than, for example, just getting out on the bike with your mates. Partaking in any activity in groups is a typical need for human beings as we have an innate need and desire to connect with each other. Many action and adventure sporting activities revolve around the use of specific products and it is because of these products that we are able to form a variety of connections around us. We use products to connect with people and the natural environment; this in turn creates a sense of belonging, hood ship and purpose in our lives.
For me a bicycle is a prime example of this but I am sure many of you can relate to this through the use of other products. The bicycle brings together a group of like-minded people, who I would normally call mates. Together we meet up and ride our mountain bikes, it is the products we use collectively that bring us together. We hit the trail, the descent to the bottom of the hill following one another, provides us the platform to share the unique experience of the ride, thus acting as a basis for people to bond. This setting also allows us to connect to the trail and the natural environment. Shared experiences through these adrenaline filled activities create a buzz and stoke in the group that is hard to come by without the use of these or similar products. Additionally, the flowing feeling of your wheels on the trail gives you a sense of being part of nature; this heightens the connection between the people in the group partaking in the activity and the natural environment. It is these experiences and sensations that allow us to create the connections that fuel our lives through a sense of belonging and purpose.
These sensations translate to many outdoor and adrenaline filled activates. In this day and age we have to be thankful for the opportunities these products present. Grab your mates, connect, share the stoke and I guarantee this will fuel your life.
