After working at ANASAZI for 2 1/2 years I noticed a very interesting pattern appear. First of all, let me explain what happens when teens first show up at ANASAZI. They are given the opportunity to use their gift of choice to change their clothes, give up all their possessions (most of the time), and walk themselves into the vehicle that will drive them out into the Tonto National Forest for seven weeks.
Once out in the wilderness they really have nothing. No distractions. No family or friends. Nothing to put in their ears. Nothing to text or tweet or Instagram. They are given a tin cup, a sleeping bag, some vegetarian food, and few other items. They learn to make fire from sticks and combine their powdery food into amazing meals.
It doesn’t take long however, for some YoungWalkers to find something they deem “good” to distract them from having to sit with themselves and be accountable. To sit still and actually think would require pain, anguish, regret, and uncomfortable vulnerability. So, some turn to avidly writing letters, some focus their attention on various ways to make their food, obsessively thinking, speaking, and writing lists about it while other drown in homesickness.
They take seemingly “good things”, such as writing, cooking, and thinking about their families and use them to stay distracted or disconnected from those around them and their surroundings. In this way they have just swapped one negative behavior for another. Video Games for letter writing. Pornography for food. Texting for preoccupation.
This need for distraction is deep in their hearts. Even when they have practically nothing they are desperate to find a way to not feel truth or pain. Watching this time after time makes me think about what kind of seemingly “good” things I use in my life to distract or disconnect me from others?
Fortunately, seven weeks is too long and Nature is too powerful and beautiful for those YoungWalkers to resist. Eventually they learn to let go, be still, and feel their reality come crashing in. I call it “sitting in their stuff” and it is excruciatingly painful. The results, however, are life changing!
On the other side of that crucible or change of heart is the opportunity to have a new beginning and to see the world with different eyes. To look up and see the beauty around them. To let their hearts speak to other hearts. To truly connect. My absolute favorite part of my job at ANASAZI is to sit with a YoungWalker who is about to go home and hear them say (with the dirtiest grin on their face) that they are happy and have nothing!
I am learning through these valiant warriors the importance and power of connection and invite you to do the same.
It’s life changing just to read about it 🙂
This is such a good concept. I wish this could be done all over for youngsters. I am part of a youth program on fridays and it frustrates me to see the kids, as youve said, keep themselves busy just to avoid. All the best and cograts on the great work
Stefan le Roux
SOUTH AFRICA free state
Thank you for sharing these truths. There comes a time in all our lives, whether we are young or old that we must do a lot of introspection and work hard within. It is not easy work and often painful to look at the negativity that leads us to look for peace in all the world around us. I myself am a late bloomer. However come early or come late we are given the same wages. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Great article – thank you. I am now very conscious of my need to distract myself, particularly when I am in emotional/mental anguish The thought of sitting “in” it and actually “feeling” it is both frightening and liberating. I’m going through some stuff right now and last night I was so tormented in my mind I had to get up and do something. Much like tonight really. Next time a wave of hopelessness approaches I will remember this article and attempt to ride the wave.