Skip to primary navigation for this site. Skip to content of this page. Skip to links associated with this page. Skip to navigation for entire Leeds Met site.

Leeds Metropolitan University

Everest West Ridge 2006

Welcome
About
Lunchtime Lectures
Everest News
Everest Reflections
Multimedia Gallery
Links
Message Board

John Allan

Location
Leeds Met
Time
24th April 2006

In conclusion..

So what makes up the fabric of resilience?

My aim was to assimilate its use in achieving excellence in mountaineering. It could be argued that circumstances allowed a more universal and profound insight. I have grappled internally with loss, yet been inspired with the vitality to succeed by ordinary people in desperate conditions that will endure long after our expedition has been completed.

Personal growth is relative in terms of objective; unique to the individual and has infinite uses. It involves a complex interplay between ourselves and prevailing conditions and allows us to flourish. It signifies emotional and cognitive intactness despite bad luck, poor judgment or the actions of others. It promotes continuity and optimism in situations which seem hopeless. It can be reactionary or be embedded within the cohesive factor that binds people.

Within our risk-aversive society, challenge and adventure should be cherished in whichever endeavor we seek to aspire. Adapting to deal with unpredictability can allow us, not only to spring back, but to project forward with added vigour and confidence in meeting fresh opportunities to grow.

John Allan
Researching psychological resilience as part of EWR 2006.