Eve of Tuesday 2011 (Transitions)

This post is now firmly an annual affair. However, the writing this year has been more challenging as there are a number of posts I have started in the past three weeks, but none have made it to completion. Thus, this post, somewhat unsuccessfully, bears the weight of those, while trying to stay true to the Labour Day theme established in previous years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010). The result is the following.

The Tuesday is nearly upon us and transition is in our thoughts and actions. Each Eve of Tuesday post in years past has made some reference to transition (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), but this year the concept seems to be a particular focus. As you approach tomorrow’s renewal you likely have some thoughts and feelings of transition as well. The academic year, and sport seasons that so many of us follow, reach a point of change on this date or in the approaching weeks. As usual, it is important to take stock of where we have been. I know that so many of you have been on adventures again this summer. Some have left for new homes. Some welcomed new family members. Some went abroad. Some of you volunteered. Some of you set goals around health and fitness. Some of you spent quality time with family and loved ones. Some of you went into the outdoors. Many of us took risks, and experienced new adventures. Congratulations! I am so fortunate to know so many extraordinary people who strike out and engage in adventures and renewal! We shall carry our summer with us into the coming transitions. This includes carrying its victories, defeats, experiences of growth, celebrations, and trials. New jobs, new challenges, new schools, new teams, new relationships, fresh starts – all of these we will face with greater courage because of our summer, the past twelve months, and all the preceding years that have brought us to this point. We face times of transition not with mysterious strength, or merely depending on luck to steer us through unchartered experiences. Instead, we enter with the strength we have built through our past experiences, relationships, and previous transitions.

Perhaps one of the important factors of transition we are getting at here is growth. It is a topic that has been on my mind quite a lot lately. I was fortunate to go on an adventure this summer that allowed me to experience a completely new type of interconnected growth. In working with teaching colleagues from Canada and Kenya to further professional development, I experienced personal, social, emotional and professional growth. At the same time I witnessed, and was a part of other people’s growth in all of these areas, as well as the growth of community. However, I believe the effectiveness of this growth would not be fully realized if I was not able to capitalize on some transition time between that adventure, and beginning a new adventure tomorrow. The reflections, conversations, recuperation, and questions of that transition time have allowed the growth to fully set in. Now, as I transition into tackling the challenges and adventures of the next few weeks and coming year I know that I will call upon the new resources that this growth has provided. (The complete analysis of how growth and transition are interconnected is best left to another time otherwise this Labour Day post would turn into chapters).

For now, let us look towards tomorrow, the coming weeks, the twelve months ahead, and the excitement, nervousness and challenges that we are all no doubt faced with on some level. As usual, the foremost reminder is to be willing to turn to those around you for help. Times of transition are better managed with support. Further than this though, is recognizing what type of support you can give yourself. A few minutes ago I read an email from a travel mate – one who was an integral aspect of some much needed transition time I spent in London a couple of weeks ago. With the Tuesday and all the busy times of the autumn looming, a line in his email clearly reminded me to ask myself “What do I need?” It’s a question we should all be asking ourselves when we face transition, adventure, and challenges. It is not selfish to make sure we take care of ourselves. Often we remind each other “take care of yourself” “watch out for yourself”, but often we do not heed our very own advice – as more than one of you have reminded me recently. Transitions can be a costly event, but if we do not pay the price in taking care of ourselves during the time of transition – emotionally, physically, socially and mentally – then we will pay the price later in exhaustion, stress, or disorganization. The result will be an inability to be at our best, either for ourselves, or those we care about. In other words, at the time of transition, at the time of change, is when one should take the most care to ensure optimal health, and optimal growth.

Have a wonderful Tuesday. Take care of yourself and each other. I look forward to hearing about your coming adventures and experiences – please keep me up to date. I am excited about this year. While it may be sounding cliché, the words are true: we will accomplish a lot this year, together.

As has become the custom, some music will conclude our Labour Day post. Two songs this year. The first, a classic, speaks of courage, as that’s what we need sometimes to take care of ourselves. (The video also, begrudgingly subtly recognizes the Cup champs). Then, even with the holiday ending for many that read here, the second song reminds us to have fun!! (Come’on youz gotz to smile at playing with baby animals, regardless of the safety factor). After all that blah blah blah above, it’s a good take home message for tomorrow and beyond: have fun!

The Tragically Hip and Wezzer take us out then…

Peace and love – a bientôt,
IR

Energy

The human energy that I have witnessed, and connected with during my time in Kenya has been nothing short of electric. I have been fortunate to be a part of a birthday party, a closing ceremony, daily openings, energizer activities, and have watched numerous dance and music performances.

I suppose this awareness and connection to energy all began one day that I was in Nairobi, almost a month ago. I was bustling along the sidewalk, thinking about where I was going, and what I had to do. Likely with what could have been interpreted as a slightly aggravated expression on my face – as my thoughts were firing away on what I needed to get done that day. Quickly, as I was rushing past, one man leaned in front of me, and with an enormous grin on his face he exclaimed: “Smile!”. I did, and I think I’ve been smiling ever since.

Our trip to the jua kali the next day saw me physically interrupted by an elaborately painted and enthusiastic musician, and immediately I smiled back and felt the only way to truly gain experiences on this adventure – including those unexpected ones that I had no way of preparing for, or even knowing existed – was to accept energy, and put it back out.

Thus, in the past few weeks I think I have done a decent amount of dancing and moving to clapping and singing – and that’s a good thing. After all, every dance floor – whether it be an official one, or one you just create on the spot – is a good floor!

One of the highest points of energy, and definitely one of the top highlights of my time in Kenya was watching a group of Masai high school boys practice their singing and dancing for the national music festival that was in Nakuru last week. They were staying at the same school we are staying at and would practice late into the night in the classrooms. The energy was palpable, and their performance was completely lights out!!! They were keen to have it videoed, and while it took 5 minutes and 35 seconds, I’ve put a minute of it here: http://flickr.com/gp/irober/56Q2T1. It certainly doesn’t do it complete justice as I sat in awe the entire time. If you want, I can show you the entire clip on another occasion, and I have no doubts you will agree that high energy will make one smile.

Updates update

I have started the next leg of the adventure this evening. I might be updating my twitter feed more regularly than the full blog here. To follow along there go to www.twitter.com/i_rober. It’s good for quick updates when either Internet use or my attention span for writing are sparse.

Thanks for all the wishes of support!

Short Safari Reflection

The definition of the adjective awesome is inspiring awe. I recently completed a four day safari in Kenya that was utterly awesome on a number of counts. Many times I was given to complete speechlessness at the beauty of nature and wildlife. Having grown up in British Columbia this says a lot, as my home province holds a great deal of unparalleled beauty. At the same time, reflection during the four days often left me in awe of the complete imbalance there is in our world in terms of opportunities. While I have certainly been familiar and aware of this imbalance previously, this experience drove it home in new ways.

I am appreciative of the means that allowed me to have all of the experiences of the past four days. This includes both the experiences that left me in awe of the world created regardless of humans, and those that left me in awe of the world we ourselves create.

My introduction to Kenya has been amazing. The people have been wonderfully kind, and welcoming. So many people truly express that they would like the world to visit. Simply from my introduction I am convinced that the invitation is well warranted. I am very much looking forward to the next phase of this adventure with Education Beyond Borders and learning even more about Kenya.

Summary to Adventure

I was supposed to have written a few posts by now. One need only look at the previous post May 23 to note that I had ambitions of writing about a number of topics. The fifth anniversary of Être ou Avoir passed here without a whimper, and le Tour is now half over and not a word. Instead, I have been out living and preparing, and for that I make no apology – instead I encourage you to do the same. All the same, I have returned as I am perched precariously on the cusp of a new adventure, and adventure is what got this blog started in the first place. Just over five years ago I started writing here for a few reasons (check them here if you’re looking to bore yourself). I attended a monumental wedding, and prepared to cross an ocean. Here I sit, having attended a monumental wedding a week ago and am (somewhat) prepared to cross a different ocean. Thus, this post will serve to make a few connections, summarize some points that could be postings in their own right, act as a catch all, and perhaps prepare me to work on my writing while I am on this next adventure.

Firstly, a public congratulations to two of the most inspiring, and caring people I know: J & L had a wonderful wedding, and it was humbling to be a part of it.

Secondly, multiple chapeaux to the riders who poured it out to make the first part of le Tour so exciting. Namely: Hushovd, Evans, Voekler, Flecha, Sanchez, Sanchez, Cavendish, Farrar…. the list could go on. Of course, it’s been great to see my man Jens toil away with such dedication as well.

Thirdly, I am incredibly excited about the adventure that lies ahead. In less than two hours I will depart for London. Two days later I will fly to Kenya and spend about a month there volunteering with Education Beyond Borders. East Africa has been a dream of mine for a long, long time, but what makes me so very amped – and nervous – about this adventure is the opportunity to work with, and learn from Educators in a culture that is new to me. Publicly voicing this adventure reveals my passion for teacher development. This acknowledgement in this forum is also part of this adventure. I am looking forward to being humbled, learning, growing with others, and hopefully being able to give as well. If all goes well, reflections and summaries will get posted here.

Finally, I am so very appreciative of all the support I have had from family and friends. This past year was a fantastic one – not because it was always easy, on the contrary its challenges and successes combined to make it so fantastic. However, both it, and the run-up to this adventure would not have been possible without the care and support of so many intentional and positive people. Quite simply: Thank you!

I often say that I am beyond fortunate to have so many people in my life that are so caring. That still rings true – but there is also something to be said for being in this together, and there is most definitely a post on that topic waiting in the future.

Hear from you soon no doubt,
A bientôt
IR

Eve of Tuesday 2010

The air changes around the Eve of Tuesday. It’s one of the most noticeable features of this time of year. I was out for a run a few evenings ago and the smell in the air brought on a flood of September memories: dry land training, walking on train tracks, changing leaves, carpooling, and times of nervous excitement were just a few. While it’s most commonly called Labour Day in North America, the Eve of Tuesday, as it’s known around here, is an unfailing circumstance of reflection, and beginnings. It arrives with regularity, but brings with it the opportunity for new adventures, renewal, peculiarities, and risk taking. (Past posts are remarkably similar: 2007, 2008, 2009).

Before looking forward, this holiday Monday also affords us to look back at what we accomplished in the past season, or the past year. Recently, many of you overcame challenges, took to foreign lands, or laid the groundwork for what is about to come. You are to be commended for what you’ve accomplished recently, and deserve the holiday. On a personal note I’d like to thank those who offered me support in the completion of a personal adventure that took place over the past two years exactly. It would not have been half as meaningful without your support, and the balance and fun times outside of the adventure would not have been possible without fantastic friends and family.

For many, this time of year, means fresh starts to be had, and new adventures to begin. However, the next adventure is not always readily at hand, and even if it is, it’s form and features are likely ill defined. A new country, a new job, a new environment, a new relationship, new goals – each of these could be marked as adventures, but their unfolding is not simply a natural, or fated experience. We do not wander aimlessly when we adventure, even when we may appear to be meandering. Rather, our adventures are structured by the choices we make, and we are constantly making choices. We choose what words to use, and what words to listen to. We choose what paths to take, and what turns to avoid. We choose what to focus on, and what to neglect. We choose what risks to take, and what risks to avoid. We choose how to interact with those around us. These choices and so many more define the adventures we are preparing for right now, and they will define the ones that are to come. As well, for those of us that are without a specific adventure on this Eve of Tuesday, our choices in the coming days, weeks and months, will steer us to the next challenge – whether we like it or not. This is where intentionality factors in. Choices made without realizing there are options, or decisions that are unbalanced will only result in flimsy outcomes. This is not to say that we shouldn’t take risks, or sometimes make impulsive decisions. Risks and impulse are necessary to feeling alive, and taking on challenges. I am all for making mistakes, I’m quite good at it. However, risk taking, and even impulses can be intentional. Intentionality begins with personal values, and realizing these guide our choices – whether they be impulsive or carefully pondered. Intentionality continues with being aware that our choices always have consequences. Our choices reflect who we are, and who we want to be. From there our risks, our new opportunities, the relationships we want to strengthen, the challenges we want to take on, anything that Labour Day and beyond will bring will not be aimless – no matter how meandering.

Some might interpret what I am saying as a call to own your experiences, or take charge of your own balance. Perhaps. Looking back, I am content to put out what I have written for your feedback, and for you to rip apart. However, I must admit the thought process above now leads to a particular puzzle that I find coming to mind quite often recently: just how much does our cultural and historical past construct our current values and intentions?

I have no short answer for that question right now. Instead I do find it linking back to the introduction, and September memories. At this time of year we noticeably carry with us the memories of past experiences, past new beginnings. We can smell them in the air. It is somewhat like trying to go home again, but realizing home is not out there, it is in us, and that is why it shapes our values and intentions.

Finally, as usual, be ready to look to others, and have others look to you for support and balance in the days, weeks and months after Labour Day. For many of us, the speed will crank full tilt beginning Tuesday, and we can’t hold on alone. Rather it is the positives we take from our past, and the support from our present that gives us the grip. I look forward to hearing of your adventures, and intentional risk taking.

We’ll let the Arcade Fire take us out this year. You’ll have to go to www.thewildernessdowntown.com, and I suggest downloading and using Google Chrome. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s pretty much a must, as it will change how you view your interactions with media, even if you’re not an Arcade Fire fan. It’s a song and a groundbreaking video about linking to our past, but always moving forward – just like the scents of this long weekend.

“Now our lives are changing fast. Hoping something pure can last.”

Have a great Tuesday, wherever you are in the world!!

Take care,
Peace and love – a bientôt,
IR

Sunrise, Sunset

August 13, 2010

A day for a first. I have seen many sun rises, many sun sets, different latitudes, different longitudes, but a world class experience in British Columbia made August 13 a fairly awesome day. Awesome is used with its true definition in mind as there certainly was some awe when intently and purposefully taking in the rise and set of the sun from the same island on the same day. Rise over mountains and water, to set over water and mountains. Not many other places that is going to happen. Fortunate. Thanks to B for the trek in making the second half possible.

Here’s to the next first you experience.

Local Peaks

Recently, I alluded to adventures abroad giving one a new perspective on adventures at home. After returning from Costa Rica, I felt a renewed exhilaration for my travels across southern British Columbia over the previous two summers. This in no way diminished the Central America experience, which was an excellent one. The geography, wildlife, and adventures were truly unique, and perhaps once in a lifetime. Only, it all gave me a greater appreciation for the unparalleled beauty and experiences that are in Canada and British Columbia. I certainly cannot think of a wilderness more vast, yet overflowing with energy as that found in the remote areas I found myself in during the summer of 07, and 08. They were truly humbling and once in a lifetime journeys themselves.

A few days ago I went on a local hike that, while on a smaller scale, replicated these sentiments. A friend and I assailed a well known local trail. While we have both been fairly active in BC’s outdoors, neither of us had ever attempted this particular trek. It is a pair of peaks that are iconic to our city, and stand out to millions of people. However, the percentage of people that got as close as we did the other day must be unfortunately minuscule. Further, we set out early, and as a result had the steep trail, and the spectacular views all to ourselves for hours on end. As we climbed above the clouds, it was as if we had stumbled upon a treasure reserved just for us alone. You can’t really beat that. Hoping you can get out there and find such places for yourself.

Thanks to D. for a great hike!

Perspective and Travel

Not that long ago, I had the opportunity to spend an evening speaking with some fellow young adults in Lafortuna, Costa Rica. (As always, the term adult applies loosely to me, as I know some debate whether or not I fall into that category). At one point the conversation turned to talk of national and regional identities. The Costa Ricans I was with readily identified Canadians as being polite, peaceful, and caring. When they inquired as to what qualities I identified Costa Ricans with, I admitted my perceptions were relatively new. Prior to visiting the country I read a little bit about the history, geography, wildlife and culture. However, it was not until I actually spent time in the country and interacted with people that I began to get a better sense of the history, culture and people. In reflecting upon my perspective, I find myself wishing I had more time to spend with people in Costa Rica. Similar to my previous experiences abroad, it was the people who were the best part of the country. The moments when one was able to engage people in actual conversations it was evident they were passionate about their nation’s culture and achievements. In response to the question posed to me that evening I felt the people I met to be progressive, kind, joyful, and peaceful. Yet, more than the specifics of the question, it was the nature of the conversation itself that made the evening one of my favourites in Costa Rica.

I was extremely fortunate to participate in a number of adventures and activities in Costa Rica. While these experiences left me feeling appreciative of where I am able to go and what I am able to participate in, I was also left with a number of questions on perspective. Most people in the world will never be able to take a trip abroad. Even fewer will live for an extended time in another country. Is it a sense of flaunting fortune and waste to engage in these endeavours? There is certainly a lot of joy and experiences to be found close to home (more on that in the next post as well). Conversations around national identities and human relationships can happen within one’s own neighbourhood.

Thoughts like these though, actually lead me back to the beginning of the question, and I believe (or at least hope) my perspective balances out. Each time I have gone away for adventures, I have grown to appreciate the adventures right here even more. Conversing passionately about social and cultural topics in a different country gives me a new perspective about these topics back home. It is this worldly perspective that the others may have been referring to when they felt Canadians were caring. By going out into the world and engaging with it, you develop a greater understanding. Thus, in the end I think it is important to get out there if you can, but at the same time, balance it all, and look at your adventures through different perspectives. It is important to at least consider how travel could be a wasteful, narrow-minded, and wealth flaunting activity – even perceived “budget travel”. In this way it serves as a reminder that one should strive to make the activities meaningful, and not just accomplishments or crossing things off lists. Further, perhaps the most meaningful part of travel is the people. The conversation that night in Costa Rica was not on any list of things to do, but it will always remain one of the best experiences there. Be ready for those experiences in your own life, and be prepared to engage in them. Perhaps they are more important, and could come at the cost of the “to-do-list” activities. As was explained to me that night – Pura Vida. As usual, your thoughts and questions are welcomed on this. Maybe I’ve got the balance all wrong – it wouldn’t be the first time.

I am most fortunate to have met some great people while traveling this time, and they helped make the adventures truly awesome and full of laughter. Thus, in closing, special thanks to M, Rainforest Club, and Daniel.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts, in the next few days – I promise! In fact, they’re already partly written:
– perspective on adventure in BC (yes – again)
- Terry Fox Run
– annual Labour Day reflection

Porpoise Possibilities

One Short

Originally uploaded by irober.

I came within two metres of two porpoises in the wild today. I was less than 100 kilometres from my home, and after passing incredibly close to the two, I watched about a dozen of them feed. It was a completely unexpected experience, and I am sure not many people will share it in their lifetime. There are amazing sights, moments, experiences, and adventures to be had so close to your own home. You no doubt have similar unique experiences in your own life. If you feel lacking in them, perhaps it’s best to get off your computer, and out there to explore what is within a hundred clicks of your own front door. Whether it be people, places, or possibilities, plenty of the world is right there.

The photo is another part of the weekend, and yet another homage to the theme.