Great Lakes Inspiring NetWorks: Wild cavers

Is it possible in today’s society to create a community of people who genuinely enjoy spending intimate time together although they have just one thing in common: crawling around in holes in the earth? Such networks do exist. I belong to one.

Cavers are everywhere, and so are networks of cavers. (So are networks of caves. Although you probably aren’t aware of them, they may be right beneath you.) Caving clubs exist in almost every state and are often called “grottos,” a word for small caves or caverns. I am a member of the Near Normal Grotto in Central Illinois, a network of, well, just a whole lot of different people: librarians, landscapers, teachers, farmers, business owners, and students of all ages. We love to get together and explore underground. Like most cavers, we also like telling stories and making friends with great people (all cavers are great people!).

Two things all cavers enjoy, no matter where they’re from or how
experienced they are: the feeling of exiting a cave safely, and eating
a huge meal as soon as possible.

Google “cavers” and you’ll soon get the picture—in fact, lots of pictures, photos, and videos on web sites related to caving, or “spelunking.” (My 12-year-old son insists that wild cavers are the ones who rescue spelunkers.) The definitive source on caving is the National Speleological Society (NSS).

Now, you might be thinking, “I’ve been in a cave” (well, maybe that’s not what you’re thinking). Cavers are not interested in places like Meremac Caverns in Missouri, where you pay a lot of money for a guided tour. No, “wild cavers” and true spelunkers want wild caves and are willing to work diligently to find them.

Inspired NetWorkers

The Inspired NetWorker is one whose thoughts, feelings, actions…,
his or her very breath and being… are drawn forth from and applied to
developing and maintaining meaningful, giving relationships.

I have yet to meet a fellow caver who is not an inspired networker. Cavers are typically the friendliest people you would want to meet: maybe a bit crazy, but friendly and certainly interesting. John Schirle, the person who introduced my sons and me to caving, speaks five languages, including Swahili and “elfin,” which was invented by his college roommate’s father.

What inspires cavers?

• First of all, of course, caving is adventurous. A little controlled challenge, led by experienced individuals, is exciting for all of us. It leaves us with a sense of accomplishment, of doing something really cool. Every little mud stain you return with is a badge of honor.
• Second, caving is also a great way to teach and experience teamwork. Safe caving requires a team of at least four people. Everyone has to work together, watch out for one another, listen to the leader, and follow the rules to make it successful, safe, and fun. This is my favorite part of caving.
• Third, a cave is a living science laboratory. It’s a great place to learn firsthand some important concepts of ecology, biology, geology and even social psychology. Not only do you see how the earth develops, you see yourself and fellow cavers develop as your group experiences the challenge.
• Finally, the cave environment can teach us some important spiritual truths. Cavers experience the sanctity of nature, human relationships, individual struggle and, for some, the wonder of creation.

Two of my deepest relationships—a friend and a son—have come from caving. What Inspired NetWorks like caving might you be overlooking?

Our ongoing series on Inspired NetWorks and Inspired NetWorkers was inspired by my own search to find networks and relationships that are truly transformational and not just transactional in nature and outcome.

 

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If you know of a truly Inspiring NetWork or Inspiring NetWorker, please email me at MarkS@TheNationalNetworker.com or via TNNW Blog.