John Gardner, a former professional skateboarder, made a significant life change, stepping away from the skate scene to dedicate his time and energy to mental health awareness. Leaving behind sponsorships and the pro-skater lifestyle, John pursued his passion for helping others, establishing “Nothing But Today,” a mental health consulting firm focused on mindfulness, breathwork, and suicide prevention. This article explores his inspiring transition and the techniques he teaches to navigate stress.
A Calling Beyond the Board
John’s decision to pivot from professional skateboarding stemmed from a deep-seated desire to address mental health challenges. He acknowledged the financial security he was leaving behind but felt a strong pull towards mental health advocacy. He explained, “Over time, I’ve just felt this gravitational pull to pursue it and learn more about it and offer it to people.” This move wasn’t just a career change; it was a conscious step towards aligning his actions with his true calling.
He admitted that being a pro skater was starting to feel unhealthy, saying, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t burnt out towards the end.” This realization, combined with his growing interest in mental health, solidified his decision to step away and focus entirely on his new path. He viewed his skateboarding career as a chapter that had run its course, making space for a new, more fulfilling chapter to begin.
Stepping Away with Support
Leaving the skateboarding world was a significant move, and John was initially nervous about how his decision would be received. However, the reaction from the skateboarding community was overwhelmingly positive. He shared, “every single person I spoke to was overtly supportive.” This support, from major sponsors like DC and Creature to friends and fellow skaters, was a testament to the respect John had earned and the understanding of his sincere intentions. The positive response reinforced his belief that he was on the right path, allowing him to transition without looking back.
A banner showcasing John Gardner’s transition from a professional skateboarder to a mental health advocate.
Building a New Foundation
Now residing in the mountains of North Carolina, John is actively working to build a solid foundation for his new career. He has been accepted into the Masters in Social Work program at Western Carolina University, and he is preparing for his studies by taking courses related to suicide prevention, mental health first aid, and even ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. He is also focused on expanding the reach and impact of “Nothing But Today”.
“Nothing But Today”: A Vehicle for Change
“Nothing But Today” is more than just a business for John; it’s a vehicle for sharing stress-regulation techniques that have been instrumental in his life. His organization offers mental health training to corporations and schools, teaching foundational practices such as proper breathing techniques, the science of meditation, and the importance of sleep hygiene. He also emphasizes the mental health benefits of skateboarding, weaving his past and present experiences.
Overcoming the Winter Blues & The Power of Reflection
Recognizing the seasonal challenges to mental well-being, particularly during winter, John advocates for getting outside, even on cold and cloudy days, emphasizing the importance of sunlight for mental health. He also suggests that the winter season, while challenging, presents an opportunity for reflection. He acknowledges that facing uncomfortable feelings is difficult, but it is a crucial step in the journey to self-awareness and growth.
The Deep Rest Tour: Mindfulness and Prevention
John’s “Deep Rest Tour” was an initiative focused on teaching mindfulness, breathwork, and suicide prevention techniques. He taught how to observe emotions without reacting, emphasizing that understanding our feelings, like anger, without letting them control us is vital. He stressed the importance of slow exhaling for calming the nervous system, correcting the common misconception that deep inhaling is the best way to reduce stress.
Practical Techniques for Stress Reduction
John recommends utilizing breathing and eyesight to regulate stress. He explained, “Your breathing and your eyesight are some of the most powerful tools you can use to regulate stress.” He advocates for controlled hyperventilation techniques like cyclic hyperventilation, which can help build resilience to stress. Additionally, he suggests that widening your field of vision, as opposed to focusing on screens, can help to ease the mind and reduce tension.
Addressing Suicide with Openness
John doesn’t shy away from talking about suicide and suicidal ideation. He believes open and honest conversation is essential to breaking down the stigma around mental health. He says, “My philosophy is that if we’re more open and we talk about these things, it makes them less nuanced and less taboo so that we can hopefully together find the tools so that this doesn’t happen.” He stresses that talking openly about these difficult issues can help people feel less alone, potentially preventing tragedy.
The Ultimate Meditation Retreat Seminar
When asked about his dream meditation retreat, John mentioned Brother Dai Gaic, the “skateboarding monk” he met in Germany, as well as figures from the skateboarding world whom he sees as embodying meditative qualities: Wes Kremer, Brandon Turner, Shintaro and Masaki Hongo, Karim Callender, Frank Gerwer, and Gou Miyagi. He believes that these individuals bring unique perspectives and experiences that could enrich the practice.
Meditation and the Skateboarding Experience
John revealed that he has meditated on skateboarding tricks, visualizing them before attempting them. He explained that, once, he had a dream about a line at FDR skatepark, meditated on it, and then executed it successfully. He has also found that using EMDR techniques, which involve focused eye movements, can be very helpful for concentration while skateboarding.
The High of Mindfulness
John noted that while he has experienced a “high” through meditation and breathwork, it’s different from substance-induced highs, explaining that it provides “a very tranquil prolonged sense of calmness and clarity without any sort of come down.” He believes these highs, which he described as unity and personal sovereignty, are attainable through practices like holotropic breathwork.
Advice for Those Feeling Down
John’s advice for those struggling with stress or depression is to “try to identify what you use to escape the feeling.” He suggests recognizing unhealthy coping mechanisms and, instead, sitting with discomfort to understand its message. He emphasized that discomfort, while uncomfortable, can be a valuable tool for growth. He also uses the metaphor of clouds passing and the blue sky appearing to convey that tough times do pass and that it is vital to stay the course.
Conclusion
John Gardner’s transition from pro skateboarder to mental health advocate is an inspiring example of pursuing one’s true calling. By sharing his personal experiences and the techniques that have helped him, John is making a significant impact on the lives of others. His story encourages everyone to reflect on their own well-being and to seek support when needed.
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