July 21, 2006
Sangha Support For Yogini C
Greetings Coach,
I just read the post on DL from YoginiC and felt the emotion in the words. Having worked in the field of outdoor education with youth for many years as an Outward Bound instructor, I can appreciate what YoginiC is going through... And it is a through, not a stay. Life is always changing for you, for me, for Y and for C... it never ends. Change just is. Turning to the wilderness as a guide is just one step on that journey. The wilderness speaks and speaks with depth. It takes time for anyone to tune in to the message. I hope Y is going out into Moab for many days and finds the courage within herself to breathe... feel.. and listen to what the wide world has to say to her.
Y will come home with a lot of questions and with many open doors inside her. A most essential part of her return will involve YoginiC’s acceptance, open heart, mind and ears. Be prepared to listen and talk with an open heart when you see Y upon her return. The wilderness is a primer for a stage that involves both Y and C. This stage will last for the rest of their lives. And as C probably knows on some level, both of them have to travel together at times and apart at others. On those occasions when one gets to travel with someone so important, be mindful of the experience, be mindful of your agenda, be mindful of the agenda of others.
The most powerful key to wilderness for youth programs is what happens after they come home. Moab will forever be a part of Y as will the skills and lessons she faces out there. YoginiC, search for new commonalities with Y when she returns. And remember the wilderness is everywhere – just up the coast, off shore, in the hills and trails near home, and even down the street at the park. Bring the love to your bardo and share who you are like it was the most important race of your life.
Peace,
warrior chreist