The Value of Taking Risks

Time and again, I am struck by how incalculably stupid (yes, I said that word --- the one a five-year-old once told me I should never say) we are as a society. Anything that requires thinking outside the box and flexibility (an open mind and the ability to pivot instantly) is immediately assessed as risky. As is any new idea - that doesn't look "normal" or "mainstream."

The number people (bankers, insurance folks, and accountants), middle managers, and the folks who make up administrative policy are infamously risk-averse. Bring something fresh and new to these folks and watch their brains explode while excuses fly. "But we've always done it like this." "I am just doing my job." Or the old standard, "We have never done that before." 

We are so inured in risk avoidance that even the dictionary defines risk as something to avoid: a situation involving exposure to danger: the possibility that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen: and the possibility of financial loss.
 
Nonetheless, follow my thinking here - without risk, there is no learning or growth, which means a zero chance for a diverse and equitable society. I certainly don't want unimaginative hacks making decisions about my future.

We could argue that resistance to risk and change is what should be classified as dangerous. Maybe even go so far as to proclaim that we will not survive as a species for much longer without taking all the risks involved in following the streams of brilliant creativity that are shot down every day. 

Positive change and forward motion require us to envision all the possibilities, work together to embrace the unknown, get imaginative, generate new ideas, jump in, make mistakes and adjust (or scrap and redo) as needed, and stun the world with what we can accomplish - all by simply exploring the artistry inside each risk - one at a time. 

Weekly Creative Meditation

DRC News

Work Party
We are holding a work party at the Canton Center (48 Riverside Dr.) this coming Wednesday 2/22 - from 9-1.
The list of projects is long! There will be some rearranging, cleaning, fix-it projects, and organizing opportunities - a little something for everyone's skill level and physical ability. Please plan on joining us for fun and a feeling of accomplishment. We will have food for lunch and snacks.

This is a direct quote from the 7-year-old, explaining to the new 11-year-old, that she didn't have to follow everything the 5-year-old told her to do while playing dolls in the Seedlings Room.  This is just one more example of kids playing freely in a multi-age setting on their own without direct adult intervention or direction - taking care of each other naturally. No-ones feelings were hurt.  The 5-year-old peanut understood that she couldn't be a bossy pants (in this instance), the 7-year-old (who for the record, can be bit bossy herself) said it without malice or ill intent, and the 11-year-old was forewarned and willing to stand up for herself. 

Both Centers are closed this coming week for mid winter Break. Here a few scenes from this past week: