November 26, 2003
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Topic: A cause for all – having fun, learning about the world, pushing your limits
Dancing acrosss the icy cold Linville River, w/ 50+ packs on. You do not want to fall in!!!This took place on our group’s 3-day solo at the end of our Outward Bound course. Our group planned our route, our food, where to camp, when to rise in the morning, how fast to hike. We dealt with blisters, fatigue, group issues, intense bonding, extreme laughter. This was the ultimate in learning about ourselves, our group, having fun, being free, experiential learning, beautiful sites, physical challenges. And when we got back, we all had to run 13 miles. At times we pushed ourselves. At times we pushed others. Now, I’m pushing all of you out there reading this.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If people can’t break free and fight for the simple freedoms in life, having fun, doing things for themselves, not being a prisoner to work and jobs, then we can never expect people to band together on political issues. Let’s face it, people have too much to deal w/ in their own lives, too much drama going on, to worry about the global drama of the war in Iraq, poverty, education, the environment. To actually do something about those issues, people first have to give up the rat-race, give up the pursuit of a safe, secure, “normal,” “traditional,” American way of life.
So, let’s start off and be goofy a little, since if we can’t laugh a little, we’ll all go mad. Let’s share stories, jokes, successes, put ourselves at ease, instead of diving our heads into a wall trying to figure out why so many people who want to change the world, are stuck trying to unite with their online journals?
Ann Marie has formally agreed to join forces w/ yours truly. More drivers wanted.
Comments (3)
travelling around the world with a big backpack full of shit is great isn’t it. welcome to the blog ring.
I followed your link from ganryu’s site. I like your site it’s very cool. Everyone from North Caroliana that i’ve met so far have really great views on their blogs!
Man that’s great. I’ve always enjoyed backpacking. The simplicity of it, the stillness of the exertion.
I particularly enjoy forest hiking in summer rain. There’s nothing like it.
But brother, you’re right about the politics. People have to learn to think freely, to find an authentic existence outside of the mill or the cubicle, and this involves turning off the idiot-box and connecting with the real world. Until people can do that, as long as they remain hypnotized by reality tv and funny insurance commercials, they’re going to be just cattle, herded from pasture to pasture to slaughter.
But you get stuck with your job and your family and you say, “no I’m free” and the next thing you know you’ve got credit card debt and mortgage payments and you’re not so free anymore, but you’re overweight and comfortable. Its normal living, herd living, status quo living, nihilistic consumerist living, that kills us.
Teach by example, brother. Propaganda by deed. I love what you’re doing, what you’re saying.