Pearson Notes: One World, Bear Stories, Muscle Memory

It's the night before One World. Last night, final dress rehearsal: Max Bell Hall was filled with the voices of choir, the pounding of passionate Gumboot, the manic joy of Ukrainian dance. Tomorrow, One World 2017 meets the world. But tonight, students are enjoying a little down time.

Today felt like the first fully-fledged day of spring. The daffodils are out in bloom and the sun is shining. Groups of students roamed about in T-shirts, and some ate dinner outside. A rowdy soccer game transpired on the pitch. There's a collective exhalation--a reprieve before the excitement of the weekend.
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That Time the Hungry Bear Sauntered into the Common Room

In the Spiritual Centre last week I practiced yoga while it rained outside. The view through the soaring window was so majestic and familiar. Low tide. Rain kissing webs of moss clinging to gnarly branches. Earlier, a bald eagle circled high above the bay. In the middle of Tree Pose, I spotted two grown deer, dipping their noses into the muck and salt.

There have been so many animal stories these past few weeks. My favourite is about Nazim--a faculty member--stumbling upon an adult black bear snout deep in a garbage can in the Student Common Room early one morning. Feasting, no doubt, on leftover Mr. Noodles.

Then there's the story of another faculty member coming face to face with a cougar, biking up the College Drive at dawn. The cougar sat atop a rocky perch, gazing down serenely. Apparently that cougar spent a lot of time around the College. Bear and cougar warnings have become more common. One student spoke about finding a raccoon in her room. Talk about teachable moments.
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Muscle Memory

I read last week, after the cougar story, that nearly anyone who has ever hiked on Vancouver Island has been watched by a cougar, without knowing the cougar was patiently observing in the wood. This has me thinking about how I am more aware now of certain things I was oblivious of as a student, caught in my own angsty bubble. Being back offers the chance to absorb and appreciate the macro view. It's a chance to integrate the memories of who I was with the person I've become; to call up the tender old ghosts and find adequate room for compassion and forgiveness.

That's one piece of advice I'd leave for the Pearson students of 2017:  It's okay. You're okay. You're whole just as you are.