rss
'Freedom to Flourish' by Keirron Tastagh - a discussion on taking risks responsibly
The theme ‘freedom to flourish’ runs through the current advertising campaign, featuring the ‘Island Lives’ of those who live and work here. The professionally produced television advertisements join local people in their regular day, bringing to the public eye glimpses of how their passions and lifestyle choices are both supported and encouraged. How this positive attitude provides the catalyst for happy wholesome pursuits, and the environment in which many talented achievers have blossomed.
One of the flavours (for many the main ingredient) to island life is the accessibility to the outdoors; part of ‘everyday life’ with choice to encompass every taste. The Island is rightly proud of the accomplished sports people, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who have utilised this freedom to flourish. The lifestyle choices made by such people are reflected in their success, their employment and their home.
Freedom involves countless choices, including the freedom to take risks; because the biggest risk in life is not to risk. I am a great believer of the mantra “It is certain that we will not live forever, but not all of us really live”! Adapted from Mel Gibson’s phrase in Braveheart.
Risk is the possibility that something may happen which we do not intend. When decision making (in every aspect of life) we weigh up the pro’s and cons and select the option which will bring us our intended result. We are in fact conducting risk assessment, using processes as simple or complex as the decision maker wishes.
Some take more risks, some choose less, and characters, education, achievement, enjoyment and the resulting lifestyle are the product of this. Different cultures, previous experiences and situations can sway the process, but the individual is ultimately responsible for his or her decision. Individuals decide whether they live life to the full, get by or merely exist – taking no risks, losing nothing. Gaining nothing!
Taking risks need not be irresponsible, or involve money, possessions or physical harm. To take risk is to try to achieve what is not certain. To step out of your comfort zone and possibly not reach the intended goal. “It is the journey, not the destination which is important.” Adapted from a quote by Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr.
There are those with natural talent and drive, to push themselves to their utmost limits and beyond the limits others feel comfortable with. It is a fine line between someone at the top of their game, pushing boundaries and taking ‘risks’; and someone well outside of their ability level, displaying an irresponsible attitude and providing a poor role model. Which side of the line often depends upon the attitudes of those taking the risks, and the perceptions of those not taking part.
The Isle of Man is the perfect adventure playground for those wishing to partake and excel in outdoor pursuits whether gentile strolling or adrenaline pumping extreme sports, and everything in between. The role of the outdoor education provider is to ensure a safe, fun learning experience and reduce the real risk as much as practically possible. These are constantly assessed and reduced to feelings of exhilaration, apprehension or fear of the unknown, and coping with these emotions (aspects of operating outside of personal comfort zones) in an unfamiliar environment. Certain inherent perceived risks remain which are integral to the activity. These heighten the senses, ensuring the journey is an unforgettable adventurous experience!
The long term objective of the instructor or coach is to allow those, under guidance, to develop independence of tuition, at their own pace. Achieved by having the skill to effectively ‘read’ people, make decisions, inspire confidence, pass on knowledge and awareness, and carefully balance nurturing and persuading, leadership and consideration. Ultimately it is the skill of bringing responsible decision making processes (risk assessment) out in others. To teach and build the qualities of team work and leadership in students, with the emphasis on gaining experience in an environment suited to the students’ ability and learning style. The instructor has the participant as their primary focus.
Those pushing their own personal limits do this without the responsibility of coaching or leading others at the same time, and so can operate at an ‘extreme’ level. This may include increased perceived and real risk, and that individual has the freedom of choice to do so frequently resulting in the individual’s ability to flourish.
published in the Isle of Man Examiner - Tuesday 11th November 2008
