We've entered The Season. You know -- big holidays, big fun, and big stress. Stress is the Grinch and your staff is vulnerable. Your guests and clients are vulnerable as well. It's not about competition. It's not about profits. It's about celebrating experiences and relationships. Every day offers a chance to make someone feel better about being with your organization. How about trying to create a "Holiday Stress-Free Zone."
No crushing lines. No 70% off at midnight. Become the alternative to seasonal mania. What's the alternative? It's another opportunity to celebrate life and our communities (rather than make a mockery of The Season).
Great smells. Great tastes. Great sounds. Great imagery. Great camraderie. Great experiences. Holidays have all the potential. Your organization has all the potential. Be the alternative. Everyone you touch will appreciate the effort made.
The Jar of Life
I was asked the other day to explain what "recreation" and "leisure" is and this is what I came up with...
Think of life as a glass jar and in that jar you fill it with rocks. Each rock represents a aspect of your life- a "have to" thing such as a job or family, school or whatever. In no time at all you'd fill up your jar with rocks- geez- in some cases you'd over fill your jar. As you look at the rocks in your jar of life you'll see there are many nooks and crannies- spaces around the rocks in the jar. If you pour sand into the jar you'll see that those empty spaces, no matter how tiny, fill up to make the jar complete and full. Think of the sand as your recreational and leisure opportunities in life- those things that you don't have to do but help full up your jar of life and make you a more complete individual.
Got sand?
Think of life as a glass jar and in that jar you fill it with rocks. Each rock represents a aspect of your life- a "have to" thing such as a job or family, school or whatever. In no time at all you'd fill up your jar with rocks- geez- in some cases you'd over fill your jar. As you look at the rocks in your jar of life you'll see there are many nooks and crannies- spaces around the rocks in the jar. If you pour sand into the jar you'll see that those empty spaces, no matter how tiny, fill up to make the jar complete and full. Think of the sand as your recreational and leisure opportunities in life- those things that you don't have to do but help full up your jar of life and make you a more complete individual.
Got sand?
Sometimes You Need to Step Back
I’ve just returned from conducting my annual clinics in Southeast Alaska. It’s a special place to be sure. The wildlife is nothing short of breathtaking. Close encounters are both heart-thumping and mind-numbing all at once. I – love – this – place!
The biggest challenge for me was handling a few guests who seemingly didn’t value the uniqueness of wildlife viewing in this ancient arena. How is it that I can have the back of my neck tingling just from the prospect of another whale encounter, while these very same guests “couldn’t care less if we ever saw another whale.” I mean, can you fathom what I’m saying here? They couldn’t care less!
I had to step back. I had to take a long deep breath and basically meditate for the moment. As a recreation leader, a guide, a mentor, all I can do is try to facilitate opportunities and run a safe program. So with that in mind, I had to adjust my approach to provide what these guests wanted and not fixate on what they were missing. It was a challenge. I was again reminded that being a professional in this field often requires that “ego be set aside.”
Each guest got what they wanted. They were all smiles and compliments. They couldn’t wait to put down a deposit for next year. In fact they did just that.
I have mixed emotions about the outcome. I need to take “another step back” and accept that the choices my guests made were the choices they valued.
Cheers, Ken
The biggest challenge for me was handling a few guests who seemingly didn’t value the uniqueness of wildlife viewing in this ancient arena. How is it that I can have the back of my neck tingling just from the prospect of another whale encounter, while these very same guests “couldn’t care less if we ever saw another whale.” I mean, can you fathom what I’m saying here? They couldn’t care less!
I had to step back. I had to take a long deep breath and basically meditate for the moment. As a recreation leader, a guide, a mentor, all I can do is try to facilitate opportunities and run a safe program. So with that in mind, I had to adjust my approach to provide what these guests wanted and not fixate on what they were missing. It was a challenge. I was again reminded that being a professional in this field often requires that “ego be set aside.”
Each guest got what they wanted. They were all smiles and compliments. They couldn’t wait to put down a deposit for next year. In fact they did just that.
I have mixed emotions about the outcome. I need to take “another step back” and accept that the choices my guests made were the choices they valued.
Cheers, Ken
Dog Loyal or Cat Loyal?
An instructor once asked the following question to his students: In your job, are you dog loyal or cat loyal? The students looked puzzled.
"Think about it," the instructor said. "Are you loyal to the boss (dog loyal) or are you loyal to the company (cat loyal)?"
Often times as we journey through jobs and careers, the answer to that question varies but remains very telling. Dog loyal employees will follow the boss- to them what the boss says is golden, much like man's best friend. These bosses are often the leaders in an organization- those transformational people who gain more by giving others the training, ability and know-how to be leaders in their own right. Such folks know how to get the best out of others and value teamwork. In general, employees like going to work because they feel they are contributing to something greater than themselves.
Cat loyal people are loyal to the organization and its ideals. Much like a cat, they'll always come back to the house for a meal, but don't necessarily care much for the boss. Such people are typically not as emotionally invested in the journey that dog loyal people are. For them, the meal is the paycheck.
So ask yourself this: Are you Dog Loyal or Cat Loyal? Which do you feel fills up your cup the most, and if you're not where you'd like to be, endeavor to be the master of your own destiny and set goals toward achieving that perfect place- where work doesn't feel like work.
Carpe Diem- Sieze the day!
"Think about it," the instructor said. "Are you loyal to the boss (dog loyal) or are you loyal to the company (cat loyal)?"
Often times as we journey through jobs and careers, the answer to that question varies but remains very telling. Dog loyal employees will follow the boss- to them what the boss says is golden, much like man's best friend. These bosses are often the leaders in an organization- those transformational people who gain more by giving others the training, ability and know-how to be leaders in their own right. Such folks know how to get the best out of others and value teamwork. In general, employees like going to work because they feel they are contributing to something greater than themselves.
Cat loyal people are loyal to the organization and its ideals. Much like a cat, they'll always come back to the house for a meal, but don't necessarily care much for the boss. Such people are typically not as emotionally invested in the journey that dog loyal people are. For them, the meal is the paycheck.
So ask yourself this: Are you Dog Loyal or Cat Loyal? Which do you feel fills up your cup the most, and if you're not where you'd like to be, endeavor to be the master of your own destiny and set goals toward achieving that perfect place- where work doesn't feel like work.
Carpe Diem- Sieze the day!
Journeys Renewed
I could see every star in the universe. At least that’s the way it felt to me. There could have been more diamonds in the heavens than darkness for all I knew. The moon itself was an ink black orb. The celestial canvas was an infinite study in brilliance, darkness, and depth all presented by an artist’s sensibility; known only to those who take time to explore.
I traveled that night; through place, space, and time. It seemed like the thing to do. At first there were questions. Then there were fantasies. Ultimately memories came onto the scene and claimed my conscience. Memories; they’re perfect moments of a personal universe. Family, friends, adventures shared and lessons learned all experienced again under a sea of diamonds and infinite worlds.
(Excerpt from my latest book)
I traveled that night; through place, space, and time. It seemed like the thing to do. At first there were questions. Then there were fantasies. Ultimately memories came onto the scene and claimed my conscience. Memories; they’re perfect moments of a personal universe. Family, friends, adventures shared and lessons learned all experienced again under a sea of diamonds and infinite worlds.
(Excerpt from my latest book)
(NASA photo, The Whale Galaxy)
....................................................................
What are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to get out and "make some memories." Embrace the journey!
Cheers, Ken
....................................................................
What are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to get out and "make some memories." Embrace the journey!
Cheers, Ken
Leisure and Human Development
There’s been an interesting discussion recently taking place throughout the country. Many of our colleagues are exploring the following question; “In twenty words or less, tell what the value of leisure is to human development.”
The question would appear to be set-up for a straight forward response. On the contrary, the further we delve into the process the more diverse the answers become. Here’s just a few we’d like to share –
From Shaun Cavanagh
“The value of leisure to human development can be expressed by considering what life would be like without it.”
From Thom Anderson… Lyndon State College, VT
"Freedom isn’t won on a battlefield or found in a bank account. It resides in playfulness. Play and be free."
From Bruce Larson… Western Kentucky University
"Most of what I need to know in life I learned by 5 while playing. The rest I learned while jogging." (Sorry for being so verbose. That was 21 words.)
From Chris McCutcheon (haiku version)
Work: Done to survive
Play: Creates social people
No one is an isle
Here’s our response (Chris & Ken)
"As essential as water and air -- leisure is elemental for complete human development."
Take a moment or two and give the original question some thought. What would your answer look like?
Cheers, Ken
The question would appear to be set-up for a straight forward response. On the contrary, the further we delve into the process the more diverse the answers become. Here’s just a few we’d like to share –
From Shaun Cavanagh
“The value of leisure to human development can be expressed by considering what life would be like without it.”
From Thom Anderson… Lyndon State College, VT
"Freedom isn’t won on a battlefield or found in a bank account. It resides in playfulness. Play and be free."
From Bruce Larson… Western Kentucky University
"Most of what I need to know in life I learned by 5 while playing. The rest I learned while jogging." (Sorry for being so verbose. That was 21 words.)
From Chris McCutcheon (haiku version)
Work: Done to survive
Play: Creates social people
No one is an isle
Here’s our response (Chris & Ken)
"As essential as water and air -- leisure is elemental for complete human development."
Take a moment or two and give the original question some thought. What would your answer look like?
Cheers, Ken
POTATO LOGIC
REC Programmers this one’s for you...
Potatoes are thick-skinned, thin-skinned, multi-eyed or one-eyed wonders; they are white, yellow, tan, brown, red, purple and black, super-sized jumbo to tiny and all sizes in between...
(Take a deep breath)
You can bake them, fry them, boil or broil, barbeque them, mash, chip, slice, dice, wedge, puree, even stuff them...
(Whew! Hang in there I’m trying to make a point)
Programs are like potatoes! Feed on the potential and embrace exploration.
Exploration=Variety
Variety=Interest
Interest=Appreciation
Appreciation will breed loyalty and participation. Now that’s using “Potato Logic” to boost your program’s potential.
Cheers, Ken
Potatoes are thick-skinned, thin-skinned, multi-eyed or one-eyed wonders; they are white, yellow, tan, brown, red, purple and black, super-sized jumbo to tiny and all sizes in between...
(Take a deep breath)
You can bake them, fry them, boil or broil, barbeque them, mash, chip, slice, dice, wedge, puree, even stuff them...
(Whew! Hang in there I’m trying to make a point)
Programs are like potatoes! Feed on the potential and embrace exploration.
Exploration=Variety
Variety=Interest
Interest=Appreciation
Appreciation will breed loyalty and participation. Now that’s using “Potato Logic” to boost your program’s potential.
Cheers, Ken
Love what you do, do what you love
Often times we struggle to find our true, authentic self- who we are and what we're meant to do- our passion. We often trudge through life day to day, collecting a pay check, working for the weekend and are rarely inspired in what we do. We dream of greener pastures, a better job, and easier life and what's stopping us? Most often, it's us. Period.
So try this one on for size...Spend an hour or two reflecting on the things you truly enjoy doing- that thing you do, that when you're doing it, it doesn't feel like work. When you've narrowed it down to one or two things, critically think of how you can turn that thing you love into a vocation and take a step toward that passion.
On a recent weekly jaunt to the Sierra, I passed a car advertising an eco-photography company. I remembered the name and later looked up the guy's website and read his bio. He loved the outdoors and shooting photo's- that was his "thing". He also felt unfulfilled in the suit & tie corporate world, so armed with a VW bus, a mountain bike, and his camera equipment- he pursued his passion throughout the parks and wildlands of the West. He also made a living doing it.
That's part of the message through our blog. Both Ken and I love what we do and do what we love and encourage others to pursue the same by exploring the planet that is our playground.
Live Well- Chris
So try this one on for size...Spend an hour or two reflecting on the things you truly enjoy doing- that thing you do, that when you're doing it, it doesn't feel like work. When you've narrowed it down to one or two things, critically think of how you can turn that thing you love into a vocation and take a step toward that passion.
On a recent weekly jaunt to the Sierra, I passed a car advertising an eco-photography company. I remembered the name and later looked up the guy's website and read his bio. He loved the outdoors and shooting photo's- that was his "thing". He also felt unfulfilled in the suit & tie corporate world, so armed with a VW bus, a mountain bike, and his camera equipment- he pursued his passion throughout the parks and wildlands of the West. He also made a living doing it.
That's part of the message through our blog. Both Ken and I love what we do and do what we love and encourage others to pursue the same by exploring the planet that is our playground.
Live Well- Chris
The Legacy of Sunrises & Sunsets
One of the gifts of legacy I’d like to continue to provide involves introspective time. In particular, I wish to share the experience of appreciating sunrises and sunsets. Both of those magical moments offer the perfect opportunity to discover the wonder of “time, place, and inner space.” It’s a grand pleasure. Sunrises and sunsets are catalysts for focus and reflection.
I was given this gift about 40 years ago. An art & photography instructor inspired me to “slow down and see the changes…see the possibilities.” I adopted the experience and continue to do it almost daily.
I am also motivated by John Muir’s work. Here’s an excerpt from “The Wilderness World of John Muir”, from his observations of Illilouette Falls in Yosemite. It focuses on the soulful experience of enjoying “pure light.”
…………….“ When I reached the foot of the fall sunbeams were glinting across its head, leaving the rest of it in shadow; and on its illumined brow a group of yellow spangles of singular form and beauty were playing; flashing up and dancing in large flame-shaped masses, wavering at times, then steadying, rising and falling in accord with the shifting forms of water. Nothing in the clouds or flowers, on bird wings or the lip of shells, could rival it in fairness. It was the most divinely beautiful mass of rejoicing yellow light I ever beheld – one of Nature’s precious gifts that perchance may come to us but once in a lifetime.”
I was given this gift about 40 years ago. An art & photography instructor inspired me to “slow down and see the changes…see the possibilities.” I adopted the experience and continue to do it almost daily.
I am also motivated by John Muir’s work. Here’s an excerpt from “The Wilderness World of John Muir”, from his observations of Illilouette Falls in Yosemite. It focuses on the soulful experience of enjoying “pure light.”
…………….“ When I reached the foot of the fall sunbeams were glinting across its head, leaving the rest of it in shadow; and on its illumined brow a group of yellow spangles of singular form and beauty were playing; flashing up and dancing in large flame-shaped masses, wavering at times, then steadying, rising and falling in accord with the shifting forms of water. Nothing in the clouds or flowers, on bird wings or the lip of shells, could rival it in fairness. It was the most divinely beautiful mass of rejoicing yellow light I ever beheld – one of Nature’s precious gifts that perchance may come to us but once in a lifetime.”
Cheers, Ken
Welcome to our podium for Terra Otium
We hope to inspire each of you to explore your world through recreation & leisure. We're honored to have the opportunity to share our careers with you in the recreation/education industry. Stay tuned -- it's a journey -- one worth experiencing!
Best Wishes, Ken & Chris
Best Wishes, Ken & Chris
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