Riding the Rapids of Resilience:
Unleashing Perseverance in the Grand Canyon

Embarking on a rafting/camping expedition through the majestic expanse of the Grand Canyon is more than just a journey; it’s a relentless test of one’s mental and physical prowess. And I signed up for this epic adventure! This was the first time I did not speak to my family for over 5 days. This was the first time I travelled without my laptop (since laptops were invented). This was the first time I had no choice but to be truly disconnected from civilization for 5+ days. 5000 feet in the ground, 90 miles on the water, and 20+ miles on land, yielded free thinking, open encounters, adrenaline, and testing every facet of myself. As the roaring rapids of the Colorado River carried us through the heart of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, a profound sense of resilience enveloped our spirits. Every twist and turn, every tumultuous wave and towering wall of rock, became a testament to our unwavering determination and ability to adapt. With each paddle stroke, we conquered the challenges thrown our way, mirroring the ancient forces that carved this majestic landscape over eons. As the sun painted the canyon walls with hues of gold and crimson, we emerged from the wild waters stronger, more connected, and forever marked by the profound resilience that the Grand Canyon had bestowed upon us. 

We learned a lot about the Canyon formation, the Native Americans that lived there, the American settlers that came in, and the wildlife. We learned all of this from our guides. These guys and gals are the BEST in the BUSINESS when it comes to rafting guides. They are the NBA All-Stars of raft guides, having successfully reached the pinnacle of their profession. Not many people can claim the job of Grand Canyon Rafting Guide. They are ultra-prepared, ultra-knowledgeable and all-around super humans. They do this for 4-5 months at a time each year (yes living in the Canyon for 4-5 months without connectivity to the outside world while battling the elements of Mother Nature).  They live to a beat of their own drum, while doing it at the top of their game. The staff at Outdoors Unlimited Jeff (trip leader), Lee, Ryan, Scott, and Tom… are the best in the business. We salute you!

The sheer magnitude of the canyon’s towering walls serves as a constant reminder of our own insignificance in the grand tapestry of nature. Amidst the breathtaking vistas and untamed currents, we are tested mentally, our minds navigating the intricate channels of decision-making and problem-solving. Adversity becomes an opportunity for growth as we learn to adapt, to persevere, and to find solace in the bonds forged with fellow adventurers. Mother Nature is 100% the boss and in control. Our group battled continuous elements like sun, heat and wind (yes, the wind is a constant nuisance). We heard stories of disaster like heat stroke, drowning, and being hit by boulders. We were lucky that we did not see a drop of rain, especially at night because it was too hot to sleep in tents. We slept out on the ground each night, admiring the stars. After the first night you get used to it, but thank goodness it never rained.  There were other things we had to come to grips with and learn to become comfortable with while living in the Canyon. 

• Cold bathing in the river
• Sleeping without a mattress at night
• Drinking warm water 
• Interesting restroom arrangements built on old military ammunition containers
• Strong winds blowing against you on the river and on the camp sites – Day and night, while you were sleeping
• Sand, sand, sand – It is in your water bottle, in your eyes, in your nose, in your ears, and on everything you own.
• Blazing sun and heat
• Being disconnected from the world (including other people)

What you realize quickly is what you take for granted being at home, at work or your office. You start to ponder what is or isn’t a big deal or important in the overall picture of your life. Because as you get used to the things in the list above, you learn very quickly that you are adaptable. That you are capable. And that these things you consider as expected or required in your life, actually are not. You learn how far you can go, how much you can endure, and how adaptable you can be to the current situation.

In addition to being disconnected, I don’t think there are many trips in the world whereby you are off the grid while being put to the test mentally. You are not trying to take pictures to post on Instagram and share to the masses. It was the opposite. You took a few pictures to capture the awe of the moment to show your closest friends when you got home. But really, you were paying attention to the moment. Focusing on the beauty of the Canyon and the space and distance the Canyon affords you while being in it. As you use that space and distance to think, you alter your view on life. Just as the river forges its path through unyielding obstacles, so too had we navigated the currents of adversity, emerging triumphant and transformed on the other side.

One key takeaway for me from this trip was thinking about our Tribe at Yalo and how we spend our time. One change I immediately implemented was additional, new vacation days for more adventures for the team. It made complete sense to do so. Time and space to relax and think, and to create more resilience and inner fortitude, became a new priority for me and for the business. So, while I learned a lot about myself, I also learned a lot about how I should think about our business and our Tribe.

What is your next adventure? We’d love to be a part of it. Offering a multitude of creative marketing, advertising and branding services, Digital Yalo is here for the long haul and ready to make adventurous aspirations a reality for our clients. Reach out to us and let’s get something started.

What is your next adventure?