Kelly

January 21, 2012

OAL 375

‘… the wise leader has no expectations, no  outcome can be called a failure. Paying attention, allowing a natural unfolding and standing back most of the time, the leader sees the event arrive at the satisfactory conclusion.’

                As the days go by throughout our trip, I’m realizing the importance of living in the now.   Time spent in the Able Tasman National Park was for personal exploration; there was nothing that was mandatory. Being that each of us could explore the park without restrictions created a since of personal adventure. Spending time with the group is a wonderful experience, but it is also important that we take the time to seek adventure and new experiences in a way that is meaningful on an individual level.  I had the most peaceful experience after a hike up to the Cleopatra Pools; I ended up falling asleep on a rock in the middle of a river- mesmerized by the sound of the drumming water that flowed past. Just by listening to the drum of the water and feeling the sun was the most meditative experience I have had this far on the trip.

‘The superficial leader cannot see how things happen, even though the evidence is everywhere. The leader is swept up by drama, sensation and excitement. All this confusion is binding.’

                My goal during this trip is to become more conscious of the process of the Tao; to stand back and truly become aware of how things happen. I good leader understands how things happen, but also acknowledges how and why things happen prior to the actual event.  I feel the catalyst of my weakness derives from getting caught up in sensations of being excited and not being able to stand back to acknowledge the process of the Tao.  The most important thing I have learned from the Tao is that things are supposed to happen the way they do- people are supposed to act the way they do; everything is learning experience and part of the unity of the whole process. “Life’s process unfolds naturally.” 

“The quiet path leads toward a most conscious existence.”

Traveling throughout the Able Tasman National Park with a single backpack is a freeing experience from the materialistic world. Even in that one backpack I still had materialistic luxuries millions of people have never even seen or would not even consider a necessity.  Traveling with what I need on my back allows me to focus on the reconnection with my naturalistic roots. It made me realize that all the necessitates in my life take away from being conscious of the process of the Tao. What do you honestly need in your life.?.  Obviously not a phone that can make waffles. The most important things that surround me are not objects; they are the relationships that surround all of us- the relationships between each other and with nature.

OAL 275

“People who surrender all their blocks and conflicts experience a free flow of vital energy… it is as if they were newly in love, not with one person, but with all creation, and their energies are as abundant as all creation”

Development of vital energy is a euphoric and harmonious feeling.  This is a life-long goal I will strive to accomplish. You must let go of desires and expectations and just live in the present. If you can spread your love to the rest of the world, the law of attraction will bring the energy of love back to you. In my mind there is no such thing as bad or evil, so there is no room to place negative judgments. Everything lives in accordance with the Tao. Learning to trust the Tao is difficult, but overcoming that will allow for effective leadership and a constant flow of energy that is not blocked by stressors. 

“Learn to trust what is happening. If there is silence, let it grow; something will emerge. If there is a storm, let it rage; it will resolve into calm.”

I’m learning that there is no beneficial outcome to try to control any situation. When people in the group try to control situation it creates tension and backfires. We are all individuals bound together into a unity of one with the Tao. The most beautiful person I have ever met once said, “we are more alike, than different”, thank you Eliza for those words, I will carry them throughout my life. We have to trust in each other and to acknowledge our individual processes that fall together to create the situation or event. Working together and conjoining our processes will create the ultimate experience for melodious growth.  We have to let things flow the way they are supposed to and everything will always work itself out, whether we are conscious to it or not.

“What people do is their own responsibility. But the pattern of their behaviors follows natural law… It applies to instance of every moment.”

Personally my motivation comes from the fact that I give myself no other option but to just do it; weather that it is climbing over an overhang rock climbing because I deep down I know I can do it without falling, or not flipping a kayak because I didn’t give myself the option of flipping. The strength of the mind out powers the strength of the body. You cannot rely on other people to give you the power to do things, but must become in touch with your own inner strength and push yourself.

OAL 250

In response to the ‘Risk’ article by Bruce Barcott, I feel that an enlightened outdoor enthusiast would have that common knowledge that when in the wilderness there are risks involved. Most adventurists seek this risk and that is why they become involved with outdoor recreational sports; there is a thrill behind it. Those who seek outdoor thrill but do not understand the risks involved need to spend more time reflecting on the cause and effect of their actions,  and the relationship between people and the powers of Mother Nature.  People place blame on everyone else but themselves. If an outdoor company provides knowledgeable leaders, sufficient equipment and suffice information for students saftey there is no reason to sue a company for the risks mother nature provides. You can’t sue the powers of nature for a hurricane or tornado.  People who are suing outdoor door companies are going to ruin the adventure tours for the outdoor enthusiasts that acknowledge the risks and take responsibility for their own actions.

OAL 362

Although it is far more fulfilling to have been able to sea kayak to the Able Tasman National Park, I still feel that water taxis are an important part of the tourism industry for New Zealand. Though it does cause an environmental impact and people flood the beaches, I feel that it does allow for people who are unable to backpack or kayak to see what the various bays have to offer.  When you allow people to connect with nature, hopefully they will be more likely to help the efforts to conserve our natural resources and take care of the planet.  My main goal as an outdoor educator is to allow people to reconnect their roots with the roots of tree, the grains of sand, and the waves of the ocean. I feel that allowing people to make that connection with nature will cause a ripple effect for the greater good. The more people feel connected to this earth; the awareness will be spread to save her.