Heroic Journey Wilderness Adventure #2
Heroic Journey Field Report
Field Report #1 - Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Good morning Judi's House Team,
Here are some notes from the first 60 minutes of Heroic Journey. In many ways, the first 60 minutes are the most important.
Wow! We kicked off the second national Heroic Journey course last night. The group arrived in Leadville and as they "circled up" for the first time they were welcomed by the sound of thunder. Within minutes we lead them through some "ice-breakers" before facilitating the “intro-talk”.
A good "intro-talk" is vital to a successful experience. This is when we set the tone for a course that embraces compassion and demands physical and emotional safety. In my speech, I honor them for being courageous and strong. I make clear, that courage doesn't mean "fearless", but that it means that we move into our challenges despite our fears. I make clear, that strong doesn't mean "not needing others" or "bottling things up", but that strong means "opening your heart" to others and being vulnerable. I acknowledge that they began their Heroic Journey when their loved one died, when they decided to come to Colorado, when they jumped on that jet at 3 a.m. in the morning.
I remind the teens that time moves quickly and our Outward Bound Heroic Journey will be over in the blink of an eye. I ask them to savor every second, to be present, to "squeeze the orange" and get all of the juice out of it.
Next we did our check-in, Judi's House style with each teen sharing their name, age, who died, and how they died. For many it was the first time. It was beyond powerful. I wish all of you could have been here.
I've got to go now. Mitch (Dickman), our film director - Listen Productions, and I are on our way to the ropes course. Stay tuned ...
Stout is out!
Field Report #2 - Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hello Judi's House Team,
We have had a busy last couple of days. I can't count the number of times I have had teens share with me that Heroic Journey is the first time they have felt like they could talk about their grief. I am told repeatedly, by the kids, that they appreciate the balance of adventure and grief activities. For those of you who can't be with us, I would like to provide some insight.
What are we doing on Heroic Journey? This is what you can see on paper.
Day 1 - Arrive at DIA and drive to Leadville. Ice Breaker activities, Opening Circle and big group "Nightly Circle".
Day 2 - Ground initiatives and ropes course. Big group "Water Ceremony".
Day 3 - Rock Climbing with Big Group. Small groups "Nightly Circle".
Day 4 - Peak Ascent. "Dedication Ceremony".
Day 5 - Solo "Power Bracelets".
Day 6 - Celebration and Pin Ceremony. Big group "Campfire Share".
Day 7 - Course ends. Travel to DIA.
This is what you can't see on paper. 25 high school teens, from around the country ...
Day 1 - Awakened to the reality that they are not alone in their grief journey.
Day 2 - Discover that they are courageous and that honoring their loved one, who has died, feels better than trying to forget him/her.
Day 3 - Establish a deeper level of trust, become friends and allow themselves to be vulnerable.
Day 4 - Find that, despite hardship, they are resilient.
Day 5 - Use healthy methods to cope when "the waves of grief" come in.
Day 6 - Laugh and cry as they share memories of their loved ones.
Day 7 - Leave for home and embark on a new chapter of their Heroic Journey, but with the knowledge that they are courageous, strong, resilient, and most importantly that they are not alone.
Quote of the Day
"I thought it was going to be a bunch of hippies trying to make us cry...but it's not, it's more about connecting with people who feel like I do and not bottling my sadness up." - 16 year old female particpant
Stout is out!