Creating Calm in a Time of Crisis

I am terrified of canoeing. I am so scared of it that for years I have avoided even the thought of sitting on one of "those death traps!" Ironically I feel perfectly secure on most other forms of transportation. I know that my fear is irrational. However, it is real. I have been able to talk my way out of being on a canoe for almost 40 years until this past summer when I was assigned to accompany 2 guides and 5 teenagers on a canoe expedition in Northern Maine.

I was nauseous with fear. But, however squeamish, I persevered. With one stroke (and one bout of nausea) at a time I intrepidly paddled for the duration of the trip. Four days and twenty miles later, we were able to wrap up our time on the lake, and I was better for it. I felt accomplished. I was able to face several irrational fears. And most importantly I became open to a new experience that, had I not been pushed to the edge of my comfort zone, I otherwise would not have undertaken. Mostly, I felt compassion.

The teens that were with me were placed into care after several life experiences led them out of their homes and into a therapeutic school. My experience in a canoe helped me understand how it must feel to be pushed out of of your comfort zone and into a world that is very, very scary. When teens are placed at Mountain Lake Academy they are met with a compassionate team of professionals who are dedicated to helping them navigate their own tumultuous waters. As one of our Teacher's Aide's commented to me, "No matter what a child goes through, I am here. I will be here. No matter how intense their crisis I will continue to show up."

I am continually reminded of the courage that it takes to struggle out loud. At MLA we are addressing trauma, crisis, a global pandemic, political turmoil, and the need to be healers in a time of crisis. Never has our own vulnerability and character been so tested as now. And yet we find it within ourselves to bond as a community, to create calm in a time of crisis. We rely on the complementary strengths of our peers, and we persevere. We show up to do whatever it takes to help teens navigate the choppy waters of their lives. As we continually lean into our own discomfort.

We show up. We continue to show up. We continue to evolve. And we continue to innovate our approaches to meet the ever-changing needs of youth. We do whatever it takes.