Hello, my name is Bretton Hamilton. I'm an experience designer with games being my medium of choice. I am a strong believer in throwing yourself into experiences you wouldn't otherwise explore. In my years of experimentation and exploration I've discovered several experiences that I've become a very big fan of. This article focuses purely on Spot and Fitness that I've discovered and found profound joy with. I would love to write articles down the road that explore my other less active experiential passions; DMing for Dungeons and Dragons, Board Games, Sketching, etc.
Rock Climbing I'll be the first to admit that I've grew up with a crippling fear of heights. I mean I struggled with vertigo, nausea, and the whole shi-bang. When I moved out to Australia I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone by heading to a local rock climbing gym. I've been going on and off for about two years now, and I'm much more confident around heights. The moment I knew I had accomplished what I originally set out to do was when I was able to go rock climbing with my younger brother in Thailand last year. I scaled a two-story natural cliff. I still lock up if it's been awhile since I've had a climb, but these days I go to the rock gym about twice a week!
Pole Fitness
A good friend of mine is a talented pole dancer and instructor. The first time I was invited to attend one of her performances I had the preconception that pole dancing is primarily an erotic or exotic practice.
I very quickly learned that Pole performance is not only very elegant and expressive, but no more erotic than ballet or other performance arts. A few mates and I decided to sign up for a few courses and fell head over pole for the sport. It has become an excellent opportunity to refine body awareness, improve flexibility, and develop upper body strength.
Urban Exploration Since spending my college years in Chicago, I've developed a strong love for living in the city. This new lifestyle actively opposed my upbringing in suburban midwest and the years spent living on the west coast. I grew up building forts and playing in the woods. About an hour or two out from Sydney in any given direction is lush forest or beautiful beach, but my buddy and I decided to spend some time exploring our own backyard. Literally!
What we discovered was some incredible, overgrown waterways, abandon buildings, and storm drains filled with graffiti. There is clearly groups of individuals that routinely explore and map out the underground tunnels and passages beneath Sydney. We make a point to observe and explore as opposed to marking our progress.
Adventure! I grew up with a nomadic family that jumped between States as family members got new jobs, earned promotions, and longed to see different parts of America. Once I made the leap over to Australia, I realized that there were loads of affordable adventures within a few hours flight!
I'll spare anyone still reading a mountain of photos and stories and sum it to say that we are lucky enough to live in a globalized world. It has never been easier in the history of mankind to travel and see more of the world. I don't think my love of adventure can be quenched and wherever I end up, I'll find tiny ways to explore and discover things all around me!
Thanks for giving things a read. I wrote this piece to hopefully reveal a bit more about my personality and what I do for fun and sport! I only intend to post these kind of blog posts once every few months. Next week we'll be back to the usual fare.