Ok, that was a trick. It's not just sailing, it's being near the water that's good for you. Really. There's scientific proof. This idea has recently been brought to the mainstream by Wallace Nichols, author of The Blue Mind. First dismissed as a touchy-feely stuck-in-the-sixties hippy idea, neurologists are now actually measuring how the brain changes by being near the water (that's water as in lakes and rivers and oceans--not ankle-deep water in your basement after your sump pump went on strike). Being by the water actually lowers your heart rate. Your breathing slows. The part of your brain that controls your emotions shoots out feelings of happiness and tranquility, crowding out feelings of stress and anxiety. Being near water increases the feel-good hormones of dopamine and serotonin, and decreases the stress hormone cortisol. Which is similar to what chocolate does, without the calories.
According to an article inBoat U.S. Magazine,* (which, by the way is a great little magazine in spite of the fact that it's put out by a boat insurance company), "The sound of water increases blood flow to the brain, inducing relaxation, something we've probably all felt. Even the mere sight of water can induce a flood of neuro-chemicals that promote wellness. On or around water, our stress hormones dip." Little wonder, since your brain is between 75 and 80 percent water--it just has an affinity to water.
So why get on a sailboat, if you can get all those benefits by just standing on the beach without having to pay a therapist? The article goes on to say, "There is a saying in neuroscience: Neurons that fire together wire together. Every experience we have with another person--the thoughts, feelings, and sensations--create a neural network, which helps you store and recall information. For example, when you focus on someone and have fun with them on a boat, your neural network helps you retain those positive memories through many subtle triggers, which makes you closer." In the case of grieving teens on one of Perception's sailing adventures, those neurons help make friends with those who can identify and understand. With a group of veterans on board, the camaraderie is deeply satisfying and fulfilling. With a crew of Friends of Perception we build teamwork, trust, and friendship as we work to trim the sails and take a turn at steering.
*"This is Your Brain On A Boat," by Charles Fort, BoatU.S. Magazine, February/March 2019, p.64-66
Watch a short interview with Dr. Wallace Nichols, author of The Blue Mind.
Up Close and Personal--Gold Star Teens Tell Their Stories
Teens who have experienced the death of a parent face more than grief. They often face isolation. They often do not live on a military base where their peers might have an understanding of the risks of combat and fear the same tragedy may befall their families. They go to school with "normal" kids who have parents who come home from work every night. Many of those teens have not experienced a death in the family at all, and don't know what to say or do around a grieving classmate--so the easiest behavior is to avoid the person who makes them feel uncomfortable, making the loss even more profound.
We haven't asked the teens who have sailed with us to tell their stories publicly. But they share the experiences of a few brave kids who told their stories to TheWashington Post in the online article, "Children of the Fallen: Portraits of Loss."
Leah Andrews
As Leah watches a video of her parents' wedding, she thinks it was the best day of their lives. Then she remembers the worst day of her life, when her father became the first casualty of the war in Afghanistan. She "can still see her mother collapsed and sobbing on the bed, swearing to her six-year-old self that she would never do anything to make her mom cry again." Luckily, she has friends who don't avoid her, that know that for Leah, October 11 is a day of remembrance for her and her family, the day that Air Force Master Sgt. Evander Andrews died at the age of 36.
Leah Andrews
Air Force Master Sgt. Evander Andrews
Roy Wood
Roy Wood's father, Army Sgt. Roy A. Wood, had been an emergency room doctor when he shipped out to Kabul to become a medical sergeant with a National Guard combat unit. He remembers the knock on the door and the look on his mother's face when they learned of the convoy accident that killed his 47-year-old father. He remembers his father's last words before he left, "When I'm gone, you're going to have to be the man of the house." Roy's greatest ambition is to "make my dad proud," and his mother is certain that he has done that. The honor student holds a perfect GPA at a military prep school, played four sports, and won a state acting competition for his lead role in "Chicago."
Michigan Challenge is registered with Guide Star, and has been granted the Bronze Seal of Transparency. Guidestar is a nonprofit that gathers information for corporate and individual donors about other nonprofits.
Rare Bird Party a Success!
We'd like to thank everyone who helped make our fundraiser at Rare Bird a success! We especially thank The owners, Nate Crane and Tina Shuett and the staff of Rare Bird, who helped us decorate, got our video to play on their TV's, allowed us to spread brochures all over the restaurant, and best of all, donated beers, growlers, t-shirts, and dinners to those who put cash in our donation jar. And we are so VERY grateful to the anonymous donor who gave us $5000! This fundraising opportunity was part of Pour for More.
Pour For Moreis a Michigan 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2016 by Rare Bird owner and brewer Tina Schuett. We now have a board of 5 locals each contributing their own special talents.
Every year, Pour For More selects 12 Northern Michigan nonprofits for a monthly featured pour at locally crafted breweries, taprooms, wineries, and coffee shops.
We were so busy we forgot to take pictures until we took down the decorations!
But we didn't forget the good old Donation Jar!
Terra Firma Party!
If you missed the Rare bird party because of the nasty roads and icy weather, all is not lost! Brewery Terra Firma is hosting Michigan Challenge on Saturday, February 23 from 4-7 PM.Terra Firma is generously offering gift certificates for donations to Michigan Challenge. This is also a Pour For More event!
Terra Firma is located at 2959 Hartman Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685.
Get a free cup of chili, just for stopping in!
Engine Update
Our representative from Cummins gave us an estimate that was well above our expectations and did not include the installation costs. Contrary to what we were told earlier, Cummins was not able to give Michigan Challenge a discount due to an agreement with their retailers, even though they strongly support veterans. Our engine committee will meet on Saturday, February 23rd at noon at the lower level of Horizon Bookstore in Traverse City. All who are interested are welcome to attend. We will be discussing various options, which will likely focus on a rebuilt engine. All donations designated for the new engine have been moved to a separate savings account until a decision is made.
We wish to thank all of you generous donors who have contributed to the engine fund. We especially thank the anonymous donor who capped off our campaign with a $5000 donation toward the engine fund. We are extremely grateful! We will DEFINITELY be getting an engine.
We Have A Beautiful Bowsprit!
The repaired bowsprit is receiving many layers of varnish as part of making all the spars bright and Bristol.
The teak bowsprit pulpit almost looks too much like fine furniture to walk on! Its shape hints at Perception's speed.
Thank you Rod Jones, Larry Ward, Denny Ray, and Bill Ballard for all your hard work and excellent repair and restoration!
