Reading time: 2 minutes
Dear PhiloSurfer,
After 30 weeks of writing these letters, time has come for a proper introduction.
As you know, I’m Ignacio Iturralde, the flow facilitator of The PhiloSurfer Club.
This is my backstory:
As a young man I rode my first wave in Southern California. It was to be the start of a lifelong passion. But I left for Spain, lured by temptation of status and money. I traded my surfboard for a suit and tie, lost sight of my path.
I was young (stupid) & immortal.
The corporate life left me adrift. I was hollow, searching for purpose. My days contained Nietzsche’s void, Sartre’s nausea. I was stuck spinning wheels, a kook in a gray office.
Disobeying the Big Kahuna, I had turned my back on the ocean.
In time philosophy shone its light, revealing the examined life as my true calling. I left business behind and immersed myself in academia.
I studied philosophy and later anthropology, researching the sociopolitics of Mexico’s narcos. Rigorous disciplines for the mind. And glassy waves for the soul (in Punta Zicatela, Barra de la Cruz, Chacahua).
Throughout it all, the ocean stayed with me. Surfing kept me focused on passion not possessions, presence not prestige. Surfing showed me the way of flow. The ocean gave me back a sense of meaning every time I felt my moral compass not pointing the right direction. It would always whisper in my ear:
“Be the surfer, become the wave.”
I found my purpose is to share knowledge with others. So I began teaching, writing books on philosophy, political thought, children’s literature.
“Philosophy for the masses!” became my motto.
I spoke publicly, fostering philosophical discussion. I started The PhiloSurfer Club on social media. My mission here is to spread the lessons learned from surfing, from a life lived in examination, from the greatest thinkers of all time.
I also developed the course Philosophical Soul Therapy, currently enrolling for the second edition:
I have taught students obsessed with status. In high schools, at the university, online. I always ask them…
Money? Yes, but..
What for?
I too had chased materialism, forsaking my passion. But philosophy and surfing set me straight. Knowledge and self-awareness have become my reference points in the lineup of life.
I finally understood that freedom has the shape of a surfboard. And that we must find meaning in the meaningless.
Though I’ve been awarded internationally, the journey continues. Just like the Socratic Pole star:
Know Thyself.
I keep searching for truth and virtue, “the ultimate ride” as Bodhi put it.
So, here, is my standing invitation to you:
Let’s paddle out into the swelling sea of ideas together.
Our inner nature yearns to reconnect with passion and purpose.
Out there is where fulfillment lies.
Happiness too.
Best rides,
PS. Here it is the SECOND EDITION of my
PHILOSOPHICAL SOUL THERAPY COURSE
I have created a course on How Philosophy Can Soothe Your Soul in 5 modules:
- Introduction: The power of self-knowledge (Socratic life coaching)
- Module 1: How to deal with anxiety like a Stoic thinker (or a big-wave surfer)
- Module 2: How to manage expectations like a Cynic guru (or a soul surfer)
- Module 3: How to fulfill your purpose like a Peripatetic student (or a pro surfer)
- Module 4: How to be happy like an Epicurean virtuoso (or a stoked kook)
- Module 5: How to live in harmony like a Taoist master (or a smooth longboarder)
- Bonus: How to face death like an Existentialist intellectual (or a solo surfer)
Starts on January 2024.
3 weeks.
2 groups:
Group 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Group 2: Saturdays & Sundays.
90’ sessions.
Only 12 seats ava¡lable in each group.
Use the EARLY15 coupon for a 15% discount until November 15th.
Additional recommendations:
- “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life” by William Finnegan takes readers on a captivating global journey as the author shares his lifelong passion for surfing and his quest for the perfect wave. From Hawaii to Australia and beyond, Finnegan’s memoir immerses us in the nomadic surfing lifestyle while offering profound insights into culture, identity, and the interconnectedness of humanity. Through exhilarating tales and introspective reflections, “Barbarian Days” inspires readers to embrace the transformative power of travel and celebrate our shared experiences as citizens of the world.
- “How to Be a Stoic” by Massimo Pigliucci: Pigliucci’s guide is a clear and practical journey into Stoicism. Offering philosophical wisdom in everyday language, he equips readers with tools to navigate life’s challenges. With a blend of ancient Stoic principles and modern application, this book is a valuable resource for those seeking resilience and tranquility in the face of adversity.
- “Consolations of Philosophy” by Alain de Botton – Engage with De Botton’s thought-provoking exploration of philosophical ideas as sources of comfort and guidance. Specifically, delve into his discussion on Epicurean philosophy and its emphasis on friendship as a crucial component of a happy and meaningful life.
- “A History of Western Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell – Bertrand Russell’s classic work provides a comprehensive overview of the development of Western philosophy from its origins in ancient Greece to the 20th century. This engaging and accessible book offers insights into the major philosophical ideas and thinkers that have shaped the Western intellectual tradition.
- “Midlife: A Philosophical Guide” by Kieran Setiya: A thoughtful exploration of midlife, Setiya combines philosophical depth with practical insights, guiding readers through the existential challenges of identity and purpose. Accessible and empathetic, this book serves as a companion for those seeking meaning and fulfillment in the midst of life’s complexities.
- “Caught Inside” by Daniel Duane – This book delves into the world of surfing, offering insights into its culture, history, and the spiritual aspects of riding waves. It combines personal narratives with reflections on the deeper meanings of surfing, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the sport’s impact on identity and life.
