The Importance of Rest as an Adventure Filmmaker

As an adventure filmmaker, the demands of capturing the perfect shot and crafting compelling stories often lead to a relentless pursuit of excellence. The thrill and excitement of my career can sometimes overshadow the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Recently, I took a journey back to the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up, to rediscover the value of rest. This experience reminded me that taking time to unplug and reconnect with nature is essential not only for personal well-being but also for maintaining creativity and passion in filmmaking.

Rediscovering Peace in the Pacific Northwest

Growing up on the magical islands off the coast of Washington State, the crisp air and the scent of old-growth forests always had a calming effect on me. There's something pure about the Pacific Northwest—perhaps it's the sea air or the dense forests filtering out pollution. Running through these ancient trails is not just a form of exercise; it's a meditation that brings me closer to nature and farther from the stresses of my career.

Each step I take on these soft forest trails is a reminder to slow down. The stillness of the forest, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the scent of evergreens all contribute to a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere. This might look like a regular trail run to some, but for me, it's a crucial part of my creative process. It's a moment to unplug, clear my mind, and find balance.

A Seaplane Adventure

To maximize my time on the islands, I chose to take a seaplane instead of the slower ferry. The seaplane ride itself felt like a mini-adventure. As the propellers started, we slowly glided away from the dock, leaving Seattle behind. The plane gently lifted off the water, and soon we were soaring above the coastline. The views were breathtaking—the blue water stretched out to the horizon, dotted with small islands and boats, while dense forests and quiet beaches passed beneath us.

This quick escape from the daily grind was the perfect way to start my trip. As we approached the island, the landscape shifted to rocky shores and tall evergreens. The pilot brought us down smoothly, and we skimmed across the water, landing in what felt like a paradise. This seamless transition from the sky to the peaceful island was a reminder of the beauty and tranquility that awaited me.

The Demands of Adventure Filmmaking

Adventure filmmaking is often romanticized for its thrill and excitement, but behind the scenes, it's filled with pressure and a relentless pursuit of perfection. When I started my journey, I believed that success would come from relentless effort—perfecting every frame, mastering every edit, and pushing the boundaries of my craft. However, over time, I've learned that true growth as a filmmaker doesn't just come from technical mastery; it comes from nurturing the whole person.

Being in the Pacific Northwest offers a unique form of therapy. The gentle beauty of the landscape, the sound of the ocean lapping on the rocks, and the distant calls of birds create a serene backdrop that is both grounding and inspiring. This environment provides a necessary respite from the high-pressure world of filmmaking.

The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to burnout, which stifles creativity. In the early years of my career, I found myself constantly pushing to produce more content, often neglecting my need for rest. It wasn't until I started experiencing burnout that I realized the importance of balancing work with downtime.

Exploring New Avenues of Rest

In an effort to stay active while recovering from a foot injury, I've taken up swimming. This trip marked my first open water swim. The experience was exhilarating and a reminder of the importance of trying new things and pushing personal boundaries. Stretching out before diving into the cold water, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Swimming in open water, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, was a profound experience. It brought a sense of clarity and a reminder that life is not just about the next project or adventure—it's about being present and appreciating the journey as much as the destination.

The therapeutic effects of cold water immersion are well-documented, from reducing inflammation to boosting mental clarity. For me, this swim was more than just physical exercise; it was a mental reset. The sensation of the cold water against my skin, the rhythm of my strokes, and the vastness of the open water all contributed to a feeling of liberation and peace.

Redefining Identity and Success

One of the most significant realizations I've had is that my identity is not defined by my work. Growing up on a small island, I'm often greeted by familiar faces. This sense of community and connection is a stark contrast to the often solitary and high-pressure environment of filmmaking. Talking to old family friends like Robbie, a captain of a whale-watching boat, reminded me that there's so much more to life than the hustle.

Life is about community, small joys, and shared stories that shape who we are. Here, I'm not just a filmmaker; I'm a part of a community. This realization has shifted my focus from merely completing projects and chasing accolades to building meaningful relationships and telling stories that resonate on a deeper level.

The notion of success has evolved for me. In the past, I equated success with the number of projects completed and the recognition received. Now, I see success as building and nurturing relationships, making a positive impact, and telling stories that matter. This shift in perspective has brought a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose to my work.

The Stories That Matter

The stories I aim to tell are not just about adventure; they're about the human spirit. They're about mothers taking up mountain biking because their sons inspire them, teachers building canoes for their students, and mountain guides sharing their love for the outdoors. These stories are grounded in empathy and connection. The more I cultivate these qualities in myself, the more authentically I can capture them in my work.

In the past, I measured my success by the projects I completed and the accolades I received. Now, I realize that true success lies in the relationships I build, the lives I touch, and the stories I tell. It's about being more than just a filmmaker; it's about being a human being fully present and engaged with the world around me.

Empathy and connection are at the heart of storytelling. When I take the time to connect with the people and places I film, the stories I create resonate more deeply with audiences. This connection cannot be faked; it requires genuine engagement and a willingness to understand and portray the human experience authentically.

Nurturing Well-being

This realization has shifted my focus from honing my craft to nurturing my well-being. Physical activities like trail running and swimming, along with mental health practices like journaling and therapy, help me maintain a balanced life. Here in my hometown, I find the perfect setting for this balance. The island's natural beauty and close-knit community offer a respite from the high-pressure environment of filmmaking.

Taking a step back, breathing, and appreciating the simple things in life is crucial. It's a place where I can be myself, free from the expectations and demands of my career. This time away from work is a reminder that life is not just about the next big thing but also about the little moments that make it all worthwhile.

Incorporating well-being practices into my daily routine has been transformative. Journaling allows me to process my thoughts and emotions, while therapy provides a space for introspection and growth. These practices, combined with regular physical activity, create a foundation of stability and resilience that supports my creative endeavors.

Reflections at Sunset

As I walk down to the beach in front of my house, overlooking the Salish Sea, I watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. These moments ground me, offering a sense of peace and clarity that fuels my creativity. It's in these quiet, reflective times that I find the inspiration to tell stories that resonate—stories that capture the essence of the human experience.

Filmmaking, at its core, is about connection. It's about connecting with the people we film, the audiences who watch, and with ourselves. By taking the time to step away and engage in activities that nurture my soul, I become not only a better filmmaker but also a better person. It's a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery, balancing the demands of my career with the needs of my well-being.

Sunsets have always been a source of inspiration for me. They symbolize the end of a day, a time for reflection, and the promise of a new beginning. Watching the sunset over the Salish Sea, I am reminded of the beauty of endings and the potential of new beginnings. This reflection fuels my creativity and renews my commitment to storytelling.

A Call to Fellow Filmmakers

To all the filmmakers and creatives out there, remember that your well-being is just as important as your work. Take time to explore the world beyond the camera, engage with different perspectives, and connect with people and places that inspire you. In doing so, you'll find a deeper, more authentic connection to your craft and the stories you tell.

At the end of the day, the most compelling stories come from a place of genuine understanding and empathy. So, take care of yourself, nurture your passions, and continue to create with heart and soul.

The journey of a filmmaker is not just about the technical skills and creative output. It's about the holistic development of the individual. By prioritizing well-being, we open ourselves up to a richer, more fulfilling creative process. This approach not only enhances our work but also enriches our lives.

Chasing Bioluminescence: A Magical End

As the sun sets and darkness envelops the island, I prepare for another adventure—searching for bioluminescent plankton in the water. This phenomenon creates a beautiful, glowing effect in the water, something we don't often get to see. As I wait for the sky to darken, I reflect on the day's experiences and the peace I've found here.

With my camera set to a low shutter speed and ISO cranked up, I capture the faint glow of the bioluminescence. While not the highest quality image, it's still a magical sight. Filming stars at 200,000 ISO is pretty crazy, but it captures the essence of this moment.

The bioluminescent plankton is a reminder of the magic that exists in the world around us. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to appreciate these wonders. This experience was a beautiful reminder to stay curious, to keep exploring, and to find joy in the natural world.

Returning to Boulder with a Renewed Mindset

As I wrap up my time on these islands and head back to Boulder, Colorado, for a busy few months of filmmaking, I carry a sense of peace with me. Not just from being at home with loved ones, but from the connection I've rekindled with myself and my surroundings. This mindset is something I'll carry with me, a reminder that taking time for oneself is not a luxury but a necessity.

It's what allows us to create with passion, tell stories that matter, and live a life full of meaning and purpose. And that, ultimately, is what makes us not just better filmmakers but better humans.

This experience has reinforced the importance of balance in my life. As I return to my work, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. I am reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination and that taking time to rest and recharge is essential for sustained creativity and well-being.