Greetings everyone. I have been following this strand and enjoying the
discussion, which has brought salient points to think about as we
thoughtfully design and facilitate what we do in OAE. I especially like the
reference to the "spiritual adventure," which I view as a dimension of OAE
that could receive more attention, especially for different points of the
human life-course.
For example, I initially took part this past summer in a ten-day vision fast
with a group in California, facilitated by The School of Lost Borders. The
program aimed for participants (men in this program, ranging in ages from
mid-20's-58) to experience a spiritual-based inner journey focused on each
man's inner quest. Included in the journey was a five-day and night solo
while fasting. Unfortunately, because of a family emergency, I had to depart
from the group after the first day's activities. The first day was Powerful,
as each of us shared the initial statements of our purpose for being there.
I anxiously await participation in the program next year.
Just the one day's participation affirmed my thinking that such programs
might be thoughtfully woven more into the fold of OAE.
Finally, as the previous discussions have focused on the pros and cons of
sleep deprivation as a medium for OAE goals, I wonder about any of our
discussion group's experiences with fasting and the elimination of food as a
catalyst to such a type of spiritual journey.
Bruce Kime
New Castle, CO, USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Outdoor and adventure education research
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chris Reed
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:46 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The Third Man Factor
Fascinating conversation.
I agree with a lot of what's been said.
Surely the primary arbiter of what happens on OAE programmes should be the
end user.
Many leaders/providers do use the medium to get what they want, eg being
payed to do
in their work time what they like do in their leisure time.
But many different users want many different experiences.
I have met some who do want to be 'beasted' or look back fondly on near
death
experiences (due to another workers risky incompetence). Others have openly
challenged the whole notion of 'stretch' etc.
All in all I find myself more interested in the spiritual adventure that may
accompany
sleep deprivation.
If we were to sell a course with that aspect, even maybe employing medical
staff or
mental health professionals or known shamanic workers, what would we think
of it in
terms of OAE?
Can the outdoors not also provide inner adventure ?
Chris Reed
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