Camaraderie and Interdependence
When I was in high school I got into mountain bike racing. The Citizen Class of the Wisconsin Off-road Series was one of the best athletic experiences I've had. I, my brothers, and about 80 other people take off from the start line with little if any ego about what we're doing because we were all beginners. We'd pour our hearts out on the course - scorch our legs grinding up the hills, go screaming down them, negotiate single track, catch some air off a jump here or there, and, of course, crash at times. The same people alternately pass and get passed as their personal strengths in riding are revealed. At the finish line, everyone is smiles and endocannabinoids facilitate high fives, hugs, congratulations, and retelling of the best parts. People get to know one another and recognize each other from race to race as the circuit is followed all over the state. Friendships blossom and mutual respect is appreciated. The common bond is that we all poured our hearts into every race and came out smiling at the end.
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How many stories come from being stuck someplace, getting lost, or having a forced encounter some stranger (or group of them) who saves your ass (or whose ass you save), becomes and instant friend, or shares your plight? Character is exposed, compassion felt, camaraderie forged, and memories are made all the richer through our interactions with others. By this logic, it is far better to hitch hike than to drive alone. Once we get over our fear of actually talking to one another, whole worlds open to us.
A shared experience is completely turned on its ear from one done in solitude, although both have their rewards. Hopefully this platform makes it easier to get out there in either way. We have a lot to learn from one another, resources to share, and common experiences to bond us. If you feel inspired by something you see here, do something productive with it. And then share it with us so the movement grows.