Correlation between surfing culture, spirituality, and religion - Research Paper Example

? Journalism and communication Introduction Some scholars conceptualize surfing as an activity where the profane (surfing)meets the sacred (spirituality). The two are in extreme ends when observed from a dichotomous point of view. However, many surfers have indicated that they find peace and meaning of life when they are engaged in this secular activity. It is explained as a water sport, whereby the surfer rides on the front part of a wave, and taken towards the shore. It is an activity that is mostly suitable in the oceans since there are strong and big waves. However, it is also practices in some specific lakes and rivers. There is therefore a correlations surfing and spirituality. Most surfers also state that they get a moment to connect with the Creator when they are at the ocean. Normally, surfers have to wait until waves begin flowing. It is at this moment that they get a chance to observe and marvel at the nature surrounding them. They enjoy the flora and fauna at the ocean and get to understand that they are a supernatural being that actually controls all these. This is also a time for introspection amongst many surfers. They get to connect with their inner being, including their role in the world. To them, creature are more than physical things, but also spiritual. However, it is not possible to talk about surfing and spirituality without mentioning media. The three parts of social cultures cannot be separated from each other. It is the media, which actually propagates the activity of surfing as well as religion. For instance, there are various electronic and print media, which have been involved in covering surfing activity. However, it is difficult for the media to report the surfers’ spiritual experiences. However, as it shall be demonstrated in the following research, many surfers who are interviewed indicate that they actually experience connection with supernatural being. Research question: Is there a relationship between media, surfing, and spirituality? Hypothesis In this researcher, the main hypothesis is that surfing is more than just an activity for entertainment. It has been used to draw surfers closer to their gods, as well as being able to find meaning in their lives. Through surfing, individuals are able to appreciate the fact that there is a supernatural being, which created all the wonders observed in the ocean. The researcher works under the assumption that there is a relationship between media and spirituality. Purpose of the study The study was carried out with a view to establish a correlation between surfing culture, spirituality, and religion. The three are important social phenomenon, which are difficult to be separated from each other. Media however, exists to complement the two activities. It allows the rest of the community members to appreciate the role of surfing in promoting spirituality. For instance, a number of films have been used to show the beauty of surfing. Several magazines have been published providing information about surfing and the experiences that the surfers go through. However, this study seeks to establish whether the assertion that the three cultural phenomenon are actually related. Literature review A research conducted by Moore (2011) indicates a correlation between spirituality and surfing. She carried a research entitled, ‘spiritual experience, and environmentalism.’ She focused her study on the surfing activities and scuba divers in New Zealand. In total, she had about 74 surfers and about 83 scuba divers. Her main aim was to establish whether there was any correlation between these water activities and spirituality. She had used the random sampling method to acquire a representative sample. According to her study, there was a close relationship between the two social cultures. Surfing, which is normally regarded as a profane activity has the potential to turn people towards sacredness. In this study for instance, about 70% of the interviewed members indicated that they had experienced some spiritual experiences while undertaking this activity. For instance, some of the individuals indicted, ‘I get time to connect with my creator.’ According to the researcher, this was the only way through which some of the surfers would get the real meaning of the wonders of creations. For instance, some of them indicated that they always wondered what happened beyond the horizon (the far that they could observe). Observing the flora and fauna at the ocean gave them the opportunity to appreciate the powerful nature of the supernatural being. This researcher went beyond focusing on the spiritual aspect of surfing to the need to conserve the environment. According to her, most human activities have been blamed for polluting the environment that is used to propagate this important social culture. She therefore saw the need to protect the environment against pollution such as oil spills, and the growth of water hyacinth. These may prevent the perpetuation of these important water activities, and therefore deny surfers the opportunity to connect with their Deity. Derry berry (2009) conducted a study with which to observe the correlation between surfing and spirituality. In her book ‘Saltwater Buddha,’ she has been able to record a number of studies, which she has conducted in a view to understand these social issues. She was concerned about some Buddhists who used to go surfing frequently. She wanted to understand what actually took place when an individual was alone in the sea. She was also concerned about the role of media in promoting spirituality and surfing. After carrying out her study, Derry berry realized that majority of the Buddhists who went surfing actually took the opportunity to collect with nature. Some of them indicated that, ‘it takes us more than 90% of the time waiting for the waves,’ one of them asserted that, ‘during this time; we are either sitting down or observing the nature.’ Some of them indicated that they take this opportunity to connect with themselves and God. ‘This is a lot of time for one to reflect,’ one of the respondents is reported saying. They indicated that there was need to focus on what was happening around, for one to appreciate the fact that there is a supernatural being somewhere. She was also able to report that there was also a correlation between social media, surfing, and spirituality. The media was used as a way of marketing surfing as a sport. As the same time, some of the celebrities in this sport also got an opportunity to take the covers of major magazines such as ‘Is God a Goofy foot?" Surfer Magazine.’ Such celebrities act as the main motivators for others to take part in the surfing sport. However, what the media do not realize is that by promoting this kind of sport, they are actually promoting religion indirectly. According to Derryberry, since there is a correlation between religion and surfing, the media therefore plays a big role in promoting the two. According to this author, some surfers get the opportunity to tell about their experiences at the ocean. It is at this time that some of the surfers indicate that they actually get time to ‘talk to their creator, marvel at the creation, and appreciate It.’ it is difficult to separate media and religion according to Derryberry (2009). She indicates that in the current times, religion has been used to promote the contemporary Christian music. The media has been in the forefront shaping the world of music. In addition to that, most televisions broadcast live preaching especially on Sundays. These messages reach millions of people throughout the world. Media has therefore become an important part of culture. It promotes the culture of the society. Poseidon (2010), focused on the spirituality in surfing culture. Just like Moore, he indicated that there was a close relationship between the two activities. However, he added the aspect of introspection and the actual expressions of spirituality. According to his study, he observed that some surfers found peace and meaning of life just by undertaking this activity. They took their time to pray and dedicate their lives to God for His wonders. To them, surfing was not just a sport but also a way in which they could get to understand their purpose of life. According to him, ‘it is an opportunity for some surfers to focus on their inner being.’ This is what he calls introspection. According to some suffers, this provides them with an opportunity to evaluate their lives. People need to know where they are coming from and where they are headed. They also need to evaluate their deeds to understand whether they are walking on the right paths of life. According to many surfers, this opportunity makes some of them receive a turnaround in their lives. They are able to change their attitudes and behavior to become more purpose driven individuals. According to the author, a number of surfers want to move away from the busy lifestyles that do not allow people to connect with their deity. With the busy schedules, many people do not have time to evaluate their lives or pray. This is observed as the only time that such individuals are able to get ample time for them. This is especially when they have to wait for the right types of the waves. Geertz (2005) carried out a study with a view to understand the whole aspect of surfing. According to him, he wanted to determine whether there was something more than just surfing. Was a symbolic part of culture? Did the people who took part in surfing express different kinds of behavior compared to other people? He indicates that he had interacted with a majority of people who were involved in this activity. The few individuals he had met had one thing in common: appreciation of nature and the supernatural power. According to him, he had observed that some of these people appeared calm and composed, and their talk had connotations of religion. These issues motivate him to undertake a study to find out whether surfing was something more than just a sport. He took a sample of 60 surfers, interviewing them randomly. He was surprised at what he found out. According to his study, some of those surfers main motivation was actually to experience the nature and get time to connect with God and themselves. About 50% of the surfers indicated that they had not realized the power of God until when they began to undertake this activity. However, as soon as they begin to observe the surrounding, they are able to appreciate the fact that they are special beings created for a specific purpose. This is especially after interacting with the sea beautiful creatures such as dolphins and different types of fish. According to them, they marvel understanding the fact that these creation existed because there was a spiritual being somewhere. In addition to that, a number of surfers indicated that they had the background of religion but had not experienced the power of God. Being at the ocean assists them to come into reality with the wonders of the world and what God is able to do. He therefore concluded that there was a correlation between surfing culture and religion. Taylor (2010) indicated that actually surfing was being used by the people who were spiritual. He made this assertion after making an observation of what was happening at the Huntington Beach, California. According to him, on Sundays, there was an interdenominational service at the beach. The minister would share the word of God and lead people to prayers. Immediately after the prayers, people would go for few sessions at the ocean. They would surf in the water while still reflecting on their lives and their relationship to God. According to the author, stating that surfing was a profane activity was a wrong impression. The sport according to him made more sense to those who had spiritual connection with their God. He observed that surfing was used symbolically by the people to express their gratitude to God. It is at the ocean and such surrounding that people are able to understand their God. They come face-to-face with the reality of creation. According to the minister of this congregation, religion is the only part of culture, which gives the society the meaning of life. According to him, it is easier for people to understand and ‘touch’ the wonders of God through suffering. It is an experience that many people cannot fathom or explain. It provides an opportunity for the non-believers to understand that there is actually a supernatural being out there. Kotler (2006) conquered with most of the above researchers on the relationship between surfing and religion, though he established that there was a condition to be met. According to him, stating that there was a correlation between the two variables was too general. He wanted to know whether all the surfers actually witnessed the spiritual experience through surfing activity. According to his study, he was able to realize that not all the surfers saw the connection between the two. Those that did actually find the correlation between the two were those who had a religious background. Most of the surfers who reported to have experienced the ‘meaning of life’ through surfing and ‘spiritual connection,’ had actually been through religious services at one point in time. According to Kotler (2006), such surfers were actually experiencing the reality of what they had been exposed to. Religion according to the author is difficult to understand. Some of the wonders make sense when one experiences what the surfers go through. Reflection and critical analysis According to different researches, which have been analyzed, there is a correlation between the media, spirituality, and surfing. All of these are important part of the culture of the society. Surfing is a common sea sport that is common in many regions that border the ocean. It is normally used for the purpose of attracting tourists, and entertainment. However, the truth of the matter is that this activity goes beyond entertainment. It is a process through which individuals connect with themselves. Other similar studies that have been carried out in different environments provide similar sentiments. For instance, majority of people carrying out different activities in the desert also report the fact that they experience contact with their creator. This phenomenon can be conceptualized by focusing on the nature of the environment, which such people are exposed to. In the desert for instance, there are all sorts of danger. There are dangerous animals such as snakes and scorching heat that can cause some health problems. When a person is in such a situation, they need comfort. They need to be assured that they will make it no matter the challenge. Religion is known to be the only social institution that gives people the hope that they need (Francis 2008). it assures that that despite the hardships, there will always be a way out. The explanation may also apply in answering the question of why there is a relationship between the spirituality and surfing. There is also danger in the waters and anything might happen. People need to be connected to their God. They need the strength and the hope to make it in life. However, this does not downplay the fact that there is a genuine connection of spirituality through surfing. The above studies have been able to answer the question that there is a correlation between media and spirituality. In the daily life, media has been in the forefront in promoting religion. It is the channel that has been used in promoting religion within the society. Currently, the contemporary musicians have used media as a way of promoting their religious messages. Though it may be observed as a way through which the media houses make their income, it directly or indirectly promotes the religious culture. It has been used for the purpose of promoting religion. It is also being used to indirectly promote surfing and spirituality at the same time. This is especially through articles such as ‘Surfing and Spirituality" Pacific University Research Article.’ There are also other short films such as ‘I surf because.’ This is a short film, which has a surfer who tries to explain the motivation behind surfing. It is though this kind of publication that the media is able to promote religion and surfing at the same time. In conclusion, there is a positive correlation between surfing, religion, and media. The three of them are imperative part of the society culture. Religion brings meaning in the lives of the people. It brings calm and serenity in individuals who get an opportunity to connect with the supernatural being. Surfing is a common cultural activity in many parts of the world such as Australia and Hawaii. The surfers have indicated that they experience spirituality through engagement in this activity. They get to connect with the real nature at the sea, through the marvelous beauty of the flora and fauna. It is indicated that this is the time that most surfers get a moment to connect with their inner being. This includes getting to understand the purpose of their lives. They understand that there is actually a supernatural being that rules the world, and therefore, their existence is not for granted. However, it is also imperative to note that majority of the surfers have spiritual background. Majority of them are either Catholics or Protestants. In some studies, researchers have indicated that the spiritual experience amongst the surfers can only be experienced by those with history of religion. They are able to get a real experience as they interact with the surrounding nature. On the other hand, media plays an important part in promoting the two cultures. This is achieved through publications or airing the live events. References Francis, Andrew, and Sylvie Shaw (2008).Deep Blue: Critical Reflections on Nature, Religion, and Water. London: Equinox, Geertz, Clifford (2005) the Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. New York: Basic Books, 1973. Jennifer Derryberry Mann (2009). The Zen of Surfing Kotler, Steven (2006).West of Jesus: Surfing, Science and the Origins of Belief.New York: Bloomsbury USA Moore, Carrie (2011) Spiritual experiences and environmentalism of recreational users in the marine environment: New Zealand surfers and scuba divers Paseidon (2010) Spirituality in Surf Culture Taylor, Bron. (2010). Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future. University of California Press, 103-126. ISBN 978-0-520-26100-6 Read More