Laura Dora the Explorah

OAL 275

1. After reading chapter 48- Uncluttering your mind, I thought about our two days spent at Paynes Ford rock climbing.  First of all, I was mentally and physically drained from our previous activities, so uncluttering my mind was difficult.  My mind was racing with thoughts about the many techniques to climbing, food, Takaka, and more.  On top of the thoughts I was trying to listen to Adam and Brandon.  Due to this, I didn’t find my mock climb very successful and I was fumbling more.  What I needed to do was unclutter my mind and simplify my work.  The next day I woke up with a clear head.  I focused on uncluttering my mind and simplifying the process of lead climbing.  My work became more powerful and direct as I relied less on knowing just what to do, just as stated in chapter 48.  Uncluttering my mind is a positive and important process for my motivation and work.
2. Chapter 35- Keep it simple ties into chapter 48 about unclutter your mind very well.  If you unclutter your mind, your own actions will flow more smoothly and stay in the present.  As far as our group process, I’ve noticed we become more motivated and work better together when things are put simple.  Our group is free from chaos and drama when we all take a deep breath and return ourselves to a positive awareness.  Our group will be more motivated and supportive if we keep things simple and stay present.
3. I really think chapter 33- Inner resources, is crucial to my personal motivation and success.  Again, this process ties into staying present.  The clearer I am with myself the easier it is for me to know myself and manage my own life.  I am learning how to be content with what I have, especially when thing don’t go as I wish. This is a crucial process to letting things go.  I am moving through my motivation and actions by taking things in as they come.  I will positively develop my inner resources as I become content, establish clear goals, carry-on in peace, and learn to let go.

OAL 375

1. Chapter 72- spiritual awareness was present in my own expedition into Abel Tasman.  I had moments where my spiritual attribute was more present than others.  I really felt an inner and outer radiance when we were kayaking out to the island.  It’s funny when such a presence hits you.  At this moment, I was paddling in awe with the movements and the scenery around me.  I sensed the unity of all creation.  Mentally, I was taking note of the ripples in the water, the placement of rocks, and the unknown beneath me in the deep waters.  Throughout our trip, moments such as this hit me.  I have noticed I am more spiritually aware in moments of awe and when I’m surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Throughout our Abel Tasman trip I felt low and open (ch. 66).  I didn’t impose a personal agenda; instead I went with the flow of the present activities.  I was learning and practicing the leadership role of following.  I feel like I followed more of the natural ambience rather then a person.  Personally, I think that is the general idea of ‘following’.  I followed the sand to find water (refreshment) similar to the way I followed the river, jumping from rocks. And from each process, I learned something new.  I managed my expedition in Abel Tasman low and open- I was open to the natural ambience and low/conscious to each step on the way.
3. One aspect to life that was on my mind while in the woods of Abel Tasman (AT) was materialism (ch. 53).  There are so many things in our everyday lives we can all live without.  This mind state is very present when in the woods because you are away from many materialistic things.  In other words, less is more, and the more you’re aware of this, the easier it is to avoid materialism.  The quiet path is the way to go.  By quietly stepping on the earth you instil little harm.  If you quietly approach materialism, the less likely you are to exploit others.  Owning a tent at first seemed far less materialistic than a house.  However, in AT, the night I slept outside I realized I didn’t even need a house, yet alone a tent.  Gazing at the millions of bright stars I realized the many materialistic things I could easily live without.  Throughout my expedition I was aware of this and focused on the quiet path to conscious existence.

OAL 362

I think the concept of commuting people via water taxi is a fun alternative.  However, I think AT and its natural dwellers would be far better wit out it.  First of all, the taxis require oil which pollutes the air and water.  Thus causing harm to animals and plants.  It also promotes laziness in humans.  If you want to reach AT, why not use your own feet to walk in or your physical strength to kayak?  It is far more enjoyable, better for you, and it instils less impact on the natural environment.

As far as Paynes Ford, I didn’t feel bothered by the many bolted routes.  I think it’s great to cater to the many climbers and it is also safer.  However, I could see a negative impact if it deteriorated or caused physical damage to the natural area.

OAL 250

It is very unfortunate a death such as this occurred while enjoying an outdoors sport.  However, this isn’t the first story I and many others have heard.  Shit happens and life does indeed move on. Therefore we need to all be aware of our surroundings and risk involved in any activity we participate in.  I’m sure this man knew the potential risks he was engaging himself in.  And I’m sure his wife knew as well, she probably stayed at home and worried.  That said, suing a company for your lovers death is not very appropriate.  And unfortunately in the world we live in today, people will sue anyone just for the giggles of it.  I find it completely dumb and pointless.  So, if you want to save your ass, you better make sure every client you know is aware of the risks.  Also, don’t only make sure they’re aware, but communicate with their spouses.  It would be smart to always have your client fill out a paper that states they’re at their own-risk and the company will not be held accountable for any injuries or fatal accidents.  However, I believe the company is accountable if the guide lacks the proper knowledge, deliberately puts their clients at risk, or they are using inappropriate equipment.  You can also relate this situation to motor vehicle accidents.  For example, I was in a severe car accident and almost lost my life.  If I acted like the wife in this article, I would have turned around and sued the tire company.  I could have used a lame excuse such as the tires lacked the strength to keep my car on the pavement, thus allowing the snow to grip my car into a tree.  The thought of suing never even crossed my mind, I know I’m at risk when driving a motor vehicle.  Every single individual is at their own risk when driving and also participating in outdoor activities.