Humor and sincerity13thMay
Recently a perspective student told us he was considering TrackersTEAMS over other wilderness schools for our "George Carlin sense of humor." On top of the fact that we're completely and utterly awesome at the skills yo (ahem). To be frank, that's one of the reasons why we started Trackers (NW, TEAMS, International or otherwise). Way way back in our day, when WE were looking to learn this stuff, it seemed that everyone took themselves so seriously. Funny was not okay in some circles of the wilderness school or sustainability world. Or at the very least poorly timed. You had to police everything that you said. It could never be straight from the gut, let alone good for a laugh.
How come so many people that want to "save the world" feel the need to walk around like robots quoting the perfect thing or emulating the perfect leader. Its like they believe idealistic serenity or Vulcan logic are the only paths that will save us. Its certainly not funny when you see "non violent communication" and "consensus" wielded to the point where humans are supposed to lose their needs, hopes, desires and fears for family and themselves. In fact real eloquence requires honesty, transparency, hearing difficult things, attesting to what you believe, ecstatic love, crying, belly laughs from inappropriate jokes and swearing fidelity over a good pint of home brew.
I only want to live in a community with that level of art for sincerity and passion. Where everyone's real, fallible and speaks plainly. To me that is a message carried by complete trust. My favorite saying is from one of the Dune books, "Show me a completely smooth operation and I'll show you someone who's covering up mistakes. Real boats rock." You have my word, transparency will always win out at Trackers.
And back on the subject of humor... to quote the immortal Roger Rabbit, "Sometimes a laugh is all we have." If you agree with that, welcome to my family and community.
Free Taster Days, May 16 or 17, 9am-3pm
Please come and enjoy our excellent sense of humor (ha, ha) plus do our primitive skills and live action adventure thing. Saturday the 16th is for those that have never been to a taster day. Sunday the 17th is a reward for those that have (our taster alumni).
Wild and local foods mixer, May 17, 6:30 to whenever
Put on our swankiest clothes (or not). Bring a local or wild food (definitely). Come hang out and listen to the chairman of the board (Frank) while we mingle Trackers style.
Email an RSVP for either or all of the Tasters or the Wild Foods Mixer to tony@trackersnw.com
Speaking of laughs, here's an oldy but a goody. It may not be George Carlin worthy but we were rightly amused when we decided to give our instructor Brian a makeover (and film it)...
