Sunday, May 31, 2015

"The First Time This Was Heard..."

"A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are for...". John Shedd

The first time this was heard on Outward Bound, it struck a few as funny because while this old quote reflected on ships and the ocean, we were deep within the mountains.
Yet metaphors and Outward Bound blend together like summits and the sky, so the next few times we heard this we listened with different ears...
Now, looking far back to those origins and beginnings, many of us can see as well how Outward Bound had firstly sent us forth - launched our very selves and lives upon so many amazing undertakings.
We have since propelled ourselves towards mountain summits, then launched further when rappelling on our return. We've initiated treks so far, taken first steps out in wild places previously only envisioned, gone forth on the open ocean and among canyons so much farther and deeper than ever expected.
Such launchings...
So many wonderful journeys, all from those first fledgling beginnings.
We adventurers are born for this kind of experience. It is elemental, primal, an inherent part of us and what we do when we wander the wild places.
Soon, many of you are about to 'commence once more', for long days and as many nights. You will adventure out towards your farthest, most elusive wild place yet, with new expansive intentions, towards those dreams only known upon a map until those moments become real. 
Your goal is the creation of memories, that would not have been a possibility, without being sent off in those truly encouraging ways, much like many of us were long ago on Outward Bound..... DSD 


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