Defining adventure

A friend of mine has a very specific definition of adventure: It must involve danger to life and limb. Mountain climbing? Check. Diving with sharks? Check. Taking on a new assignment at work? Nothing doing.

For me, adventure has always included all of the above. Even taking a walk through my neighborhood has an air of adventure when I begin, not knowing what route I’ll take or what I’ll see. Certainly, a safari may be higher on the wow factor, but I don’t think it’s necessarily a requirement.

While clearing out my stacks of magazines, I found a definition of adventure that sits well with me in a Yoga Journal article by Matt Walker: "At its core, adventure is the willingness to commit to an uncertain outcome with an open heart and an open mind. It is the ability to take a leap into the unknown with mindfulness and grace."

With that understanding, it’s a lot easier to approach everything with the spirit of adventure, whether it’s making a new friend or taking off on a trip around the world.

Have you had an adventure today?