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Applying my adventures to help others, and what you can do for yourself with a mini-adventure.
I am reading the book Adventure Revolution: The Case for Living Boldly in an Era of Easy
Belinda Kirk is an explorer and the leading campaigner promoting the benefits of adventure on wellbeing. In 2009, Belinda established Explorers Connect, a non-profit organisation connecting people to adventure and has encouraged 30,000 ordinary people to engage in outdoor challenges.
As someone whose pastimes include swim, bike, run, climbing, kayaking, rowing and trekking and who has sought fulfilment by trying to be the best I can (at sport) or helping others do the same (I am a coach and mentor) I love this book and identify with the formula for happiness.
PERMA is an acronym for a model of well-being put forth by a pioneer in the field of positive psychology, Martin Seligman. According to Seligman, PERMA makes up five important building blocks of well-being and happiness
• Positive emotions – What brings you positive emotions?
For me being outdoors and doing physical things, including the mental toughness to plan, and execute the challenge is something that makes me feel good. Clearly people are different but most adventure activates on land, sea or air have this element.
• Engagement – What activities do you get completely absorbed in?
Those activities that cause us to really focus, to avoid a capsize, or rock fall. Or maybe spot a bird or whale. They all get us to ‘live in the moment’ to be present, to be mindful. Adventures do this.
• Relationships – What relationships bring you joy and support?
Working with others as a team, or working alone to motivate yourself nurtures relationships. Either the external people around you and important to your success, or the voices of doubt, hope and encouragement in your head. Adventures activate this.
• Meaning – What larger purpose or cause do you feel drawn and connected to?
For me having a goal was always good. As a Commonwealth Games athlete I was the best I could be, but not a medallist. The goal was more important than the result. The same is true of 4 gold medals I have from British Rowing. 2 were as a rower, and 2 as the cox/coach helping others achieve their goals. But all the time it was about trying hard and working toward a goal, with a common purpose. The medals don’t mean that much, indeed I am usually depressed and disappointed after each because that goal is complete and the reward means less than the journey. So I immediately find a new journey.
• Accomplishments – What would you like to accomplish in the next week, month, and year?
Getting anything done is an accomplishment. It need not be sporting or life threatening. It is simply a sense of completion plus growth, of value possibly pride or contentment. Adventures do this.
Having recently kayaked for 14 days in the Greenland wilderness I am running mini-kayak expeditions around Jersey as I train for my Sea Kayak Leadership Award. If you have a kayak and fancy a mini-adventure, get in touch.
Importantly, I am currently talking with James Ark about how my Coaching, Mediation and outdoor activities can help fathers reconnect with their children after separation or divorce. This can be an incredibly tough time for the whole family.
Coaching can support people to be the best people that they can be. Mediation can help with resolution if not reconciliation. Adventure, as noted above, can help reconnection and provide an environment to build new relationships within ourselves and with others.
Links and resources in comments (including about James Ark Charity)
If you are interested in Coaching or Mentoring send a direct message, I would be happy to discuss.
Tim@ThinkingFeelingBeing.com
Ex-Athlete, now Change Practitioner, ICF Coach, IoD Mentor, Mediation Practitioner
Helping people and organisations achieve their goals.
We #facilitate and #support the #thinking, #feeling and #action needed to #resolve and move forward. #timhjrogers #coach #mentor #mediation #jersey #icfbookclub
COMMENTS
PERMA makes up five important building blocks of well-being and happiness
Some further reading, with links to videos including TED Talks
https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/#emotion
https://positivepsychology.com/happiness-wellbeing-coaching-perma/
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/perma-model/
James Ark Charity
https://www.facebook.com/jamesarkjersey/about
