Lessons Learned Presentation

Gonyaul, now 15 years of age, was no longer skittish and inexperienced when it came to interacting with the jungle below the canopy. He had spent a scheduled portion of every day, for the last two years, shadowing the experienced adults in various lessons designed to increase his understanding, competency, and carry out necessary tasks for the village above. This hands-on training, in combination with now ten years of academic study, was maturing him to be quite the well-rounded survivalist. This was the aim for all young Vaux as they metamorphosized from an immature state to a mature state, able to positively impact the community and generate a legacy of prosperity. And to think he still had roughly three more years to go, since he hadn't even started the tattooing process or completed the relationship classes, which typically took two years and five years respectively to complete.

He now knew how to create numerous types of inconspicuous shelters, both in the understory and ground floor. He was confident in orienting himself in the jungle and finding a sense of direction using a multitude of techniques. Foraging for nourishment and hydration was now seemingly easy; knowing when, where, and how to obtain what was possible and safe versus risky and lethal. He knew how to identify and avoid dangerous predators, both flora and fauna. In addition, he new how to hide himself, track and find the hidden Vauxian tombstones (housing the bones of their ancestors).

Despite these things, and the many more that he had learned, Gonyaul never lost sight of respecting his environment. It would be foolish to ever overestimate one's abilities as much as underestimating them; however, in truth, after 170 years the Vaux were masters of their new environment.

Soon he would begin to be allowed more ownership of his skills and earn the right to venture off with his peers, without the aid of a professional adult. This would eventually lead to him continually helping mentor others younger than him beginning the journey; generously passing on everything that he had learned from his perspective. In fact, today was one of those days. Upon arriving back from below, he was supposed to give a speech to younger Vaux on the Sun Salutation platform before reporting to his apprenticeship on the treetop farming section.

He collected his thoughts as he looked into the wide and eager eyes of his audience. Orohc Faewyndl was off to the side, more there to evaluate Gonyaul's presentation than to do anything else. The challenge was to explain managing risk to children between the ages of 9 to 13.

He took a deep breath and began to sign...

<Going below is lethal if you do things wrong. When mistakes are made, people can get hurt and even die. Greater individuals than I have come and gone, claimed by the jungle. They were good, smart and capable Vaux. I am NOT better than any of them.> He established his humility and then took another deep breath.

<Life above and below is beautiful. It can seem horrible and scary when things are unknown or going badly. It is magical when it goes well. It is important to pay attention to climb the hierarchy of competency. This is done by putting more and more intentionality and time into trying to understand what has been done right and what has been done wrong, using both your own personal experience integrated into the experiences of all our elders. When taught, always remember to listen, follow directions and execute. Strive to do it, do it well and do it beyond expectations.>

He paused to gather his thoughts again.

<Today I would like to share with you a fact I have learned in the past two years. It is not the systems and methods that have led to problems. When things go poorly, it is usually because my attitude and my approach has not been in the right place. So here are three simple things to consider in order to successfully adventure through life and continue learning.>

Gonyaul smiled, hoping his words here today would plant a useful seed in their minds.

<The first one is learning to recognize hazards. If you don't know what the hazards are then you can't avoid them. Ask yourself questions like, 'What's going to go wrong here?' and 'How am I going to deal with it when it does?' These ideas become constants in the back of your mind with continual practice. These mental filters will aid you in navigating the environment. They will help you understand that life is dangerous and being aware of it, and tuned into it, is important so that you can make wiser decisions and respond appropriately; regardless of how you may feel at times.

The next one I use a lot is anticipating and expecting change. It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security, especially as things become more and more commonplace; however, things are actually changing all the time. Change is constant. If you keep this tenet in your heart, you will recognize when things are worsening AND just as important, when things are improving. This viewpoint will lead your awareness to be sensitive to the flow of risks and defer them in accordance with your strategic thinking. While others may have to reflexively react to a change, you will have the ability to calmly respond because you knew it was already coming and have a plan, or several backup plans, already formed.

The final concept I would like to share is that you have to know your own limitations. Know when you are operating in an area where you are competent and in an area when you are not. So always ask yourself, 'Do I actually know what I am doing?'. This is a really relevant question. And if you do not, bring people in who do and find ways to learn what is lacking.>

Gonyaul gleaned the attentive expressions of his audience and deduced things were going well still.

<If you put these three things together, they are an arsenal to defeat fear. Fear is the mind killer. It is what takes you down and destroys your dreams. It will stop you cold from functioning effectively, especially when it may matter the most you perform without hesitation.

So in conclusion, ask the following quality questions: 'What's going to go wrong and right? What's my plan if it does? Is it still worth it...yes...no? What's happening, are things changing better or worse? Do I know how to deal with that ....yes....no? Keep chipping away and you will be able to do amazing things despite the dangers all around you.>

Gonyaul bowed deeply in thanks for his audiences attention and opportunity to share something of value with them. Before he left he added, <And remember, always leave people, places, and things better than when you found them.>

He waved goodbye, checked in with Orohc Faewyndl, and then proceeded to his current apprenticeship.