Our second post as part of the Outward Bound Course Memories: Staff Edition series is narrated from the point of view of National Director of the Outward Bound Veterans program, Chad Spangler. Chad had the distinct honor to accompany a group of veterans – all part of the 173rd Airborne Army division. On this very special Southwest Rafting expedition, Chad had the opportunity – not only to form relationships with men who had served our country – but to form a new understanding of Outward Bound “excellence” – defined as “being your best self, pursuing craftsmanship in your actions, and living a healthy and balanced life.”
But we’ll let Chad tell the rest of the story…
Chad Spangler: National Director Outward Bound Veterans
“The Beauty in Front of You”
by Chad Spangler
As it rushes through Cataract Canyon, the Colorado river boils with 25 rapids. 37 river miles flow past canyon walls that rise 2,000 feet above the river. It is a place that is impossible to forget. But when I reflect back on my expedition with veterans of the 173rd Airborne, it isn’t rapids or the scenery that I remember most vividly. Rather, it is the people I was with, the relationships that were rekindled and formed, and the lessons only a river can teach that stand out in my mind.
Rafting on the Colorado River with veterans of the 173rd Airborne.
On the third day of the expedition, we hiked from our campsite for the night. Hoping to catch the sunrise from the canyon rim, we had awoken at 3 AM and were on the trail by 3:30 AM. We ascended 1,200 vertical feet in less than a mile, and reached an area called The Dollhouse in Canyonlands National Park. Once we reached the top, we all separated and found a little space of our own to settle in and watch the sunrise in silence. Perched on a rock outcropping, my mind filled with a million thoughts about the first few days on the river and eager anticipation for what lay ahead. Then the sun began to work its magic on the night sky, filling it with an explosion of color and seemingly bringing it to life. Black, then purple, then red, then orange. Finally what felt like all of those colors combined with a million shades of blue as the sun peeked over the horizon of the Needles. My thoughts were silenced by the beauty of the moment. At that point, nothing else mattered. I wasn’t thinking about what lay ahead or behind me. I was fully present. Then it was over. In a matter of minutes, the sun was up. The drama of the moment passed.
Sunrise at The Dollhouse in Canyonlands National Park
When I reflect on that day I am reminded how fleeting life can be and how important it is to be present in my life. Life, like the river or the sunrise, doesn’t stop moving. It’s constantly pushing forward. To have an eye on the future and to learn from the past is good, but to live there is not. How many beautiful things or experiences have I missed in my life because I failed to slow down long enough or was distracted by the baggage of my past to fully appreciate them? Ultimately, in order to truly realize the potential beauty inherent in life – friendships, relationships, career, or even sunrises – you can’t be constantly distracted by what’s ahead of you or dragged back by your past. You need to nourish and appreciate what is in front of you. There’s no limit to the beautiful things you can see if you do.
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Chad’s gentle words remind us all that indeed, in order to achieve Outward Bound excellence, we must become our “best selves.” And that starts with living healthy and balanced lives. For Chad, “excellence” meant finding balance. And “pursuing craftsmanship in his actions” meant finding the time and fortitude to be still – to grasp the here and now – both on and off the course. For Chad, “excellence” was all about slowing things down. Then – and only then – might he come one step closer to that crucial Outward Bound outcome: self-actualization.
To learn about the Veterans courses like the one Chad attended, or to support this important program, go to http://www.outwardbound.org/veteran-adventures/outward-bound-for-veterans/.
For more information about rafting courses, visit our Course Finder.
