Based on the understanding that self-awareness is increased by positive change experienced through participation, adventure-based learning (ABL) is about building interpersonal and intrapersonal relationship skills (IIRS) (Sutherland, Ressler, & Stuhr, 2011). Several integral themes including, but not limited to, mindfulness, cooperation, trust and risk-taking have emerged from ABL. With positive emotion at the core of the ABL experience, mindfulness is essential to the success of the program. Many ABL tasks are specifically designed to elicit cooperation, from a either a partner or group, in order to succeed. Building trusting relationships and taking risks are interrelated in ABL. Trust must be established in order to provide a safe environment
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Research has shown that actively practicing mindfulness increases positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2008). A 2012 study on the importance of positive emotion in teaching revealed that positive emotions are essential to education; when students experience purposeful and genuinely positive emotion it creates a cycle of more positive emotions that benefit both the students, who feel more connected and therefore more willing to participate, and their teachers (Stuhr, Sutherland, and Ward, 2012). In the context of physical education programs, like ABL, it is important that students feel positive about their experience because positive emotions contribute to motivation, enjoyment, and success (Stuhr, 2013).
Based on my understanding of mindfulness, my level of enjoyment in life will improve through the application of mindful contemplation. One area in which mindfulness can facilitate greater enjoyment is in how I relate to people. Another area of my life wherein mindful contemplation will lead to increased enjoyment is my role as a …show more content…
Once trust is established, individuals are more likely to risk take chances, offer opinions, even make mistakes without fear of humiliation (Frank, 2004). Emotional and physical trust are equally important in ABL. As individuals begin to experience emotional trust, they are more comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings with the group. On the other hand, participation in risk taking activities is about physical trust and relying on other members to perform in the best interest and safety of the group. It is important to note that hard earned trust can be lost in an instant (Boettke, 2010). If a group of individuals rushes into trust activities before they are ready, it could result in a negative experience that undermines the integrity of the group and ruins the experience for everyone (Stanchfield,
Research has shown that actively practicing mindfulness increases positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2008). A 2012 study on the importance of positive emotion in teaching revealed that positive emotions are essential to education; when students experience purposeful and genuinely positive emotion it creates a cycle of more positive emotions that benefit both the students, who feel more connected and therefore more willing to participate, and their teachers (Stuhr, Sutherland, and Ward, 2012). In the context of physical education programs, like ABL, it is important that students feel positive about their experience because positive emotions contribute to motivation, enjoyment, and success (Stuhr, 2013).
Based on my understanding of mindfulness, my level of enjoyment in life will improve through the application of mindful contemplation. One area in which mindfulness can facilitate greater enjoyment is in how I relate to people. Another area of my life wherein mindful contemplation will lead to increased enjoyment is my role as a …show more content…
Once trust is established, individuals are more likely to risk take chances, offer opinions, even make mistakes without fear of humiliation (Frank, 2004). Emotional and physical trust are equally important in ABL. As individuals begin to experience emotional trust, they are more comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings with the group. On the other hand, participation in risk taking activities is about physical trust and relying on other members to perform in the best interest and safety of the group. It is important to note that hard earned trust can be lost in an instant (Boettke, 2010). If a group of individuals rushes into trust activities before they are ready, it could result in a negative experience that undermines the integrity of the group and ruins the experience for everyone (Stanchfield,