The notion of Vision Quests is nothing new. Many cultures, most notably the Native Americans of North America understood the value of finding ways to "see" in new ways. Even without the physical sense of sight our bodies are constantly giving us feedback on the world around us. But there is another way to see as well - a way that I would argue takes us beyond our outward perceptions and physial sensory data to get at the heart of what makes us each unique.
The Native Americans used Vision Quests to look for insight and guidance from the spirit world. They believed that everything, from plants and stones to rivers and animals is imbued with spirit. Moreover, that "spirit" was part and parcel of themselves as well and could be called upon when needed.
Here in a world populated by Avatars (a word that means the embodiment of spirit!) the notion of a Vision Quest takes on new and delightfully playful meanings. Residents can not only embark on journeys of self-discovery, but build and interact with aspects of it as well. Even more powerful is the potential to create community by chronicaling their expereinces as stories; stories I might add that can be told in a wide range of formats and venues - voice, words, music, photos, videos, podcasts, 3D builds....you get the idea.
Today, Saturday June 20th, marks the start of The Virtual Worlds Story Project's* first Vision Quest. Entitled, "Exploring what it means to see," the quest was created in celebration of the launch of Max a virtual guide dog created to assist the blind and visually impaired to function in Second Life. The Quest takes participants through a series of experiences, each designed to give insight into the worlds of those who cannot see with their eyes. The point of course is that there are many ways to see, and that sometimes the lack of one ability means another is greatly enchanced.
Participants on the Vision Quest are being ably assisted by Max, a handsome, brown-eyed German Sheperd who is able to find and lead his owner to objects and avatars. Max is always FREE, and can be obtained at several places in Second Life. If you would like to take part in the Quest, simply follow the SLURL below or E-mail Jenaia Morane (Jenaia@tvwsp.com) for details.
Teleport to the Start of the Quest: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Olde/128/128/30
Max's launch will be commemorated by a whole host of other activities on Helen Keller Day, June 27th hosted by Virtual Helping Hands . These include:
- Keynotes by Keller Johnson Thompson (Helen Keller's great grandniece), Pathfinder Linden, and Marcie Roth (Executive Director of National Coalition for Disability Rights)
- Speakers and panel discussions on Education, Employment, Entertainment, and Social Engagement
- Guidedog Wheelchair Races
- Where's Max Flickr contest
- Accessiblity Building Contest
- Sound Sculptures
- See with Sound presentations
- Dog Park Play with SL canines
- Gold Mine Game
- 3D Wiki Game
- "Style-Enabled" fashion show
- Guide Dog Memorial Park
We will also be chronicaling the ongoing saga of a reluctant Vision Quester, Marty Snowpaw, so stay tuned for daily updates on his progress ;-)
*The potential for Questing in Second Life is enormous and the Vision Quest is the first in what promises to be a whole series of fascinating journeys of exploration. Be sure to visit The Virtual Worlds Story Project's Questing page often for updates, or bookmark this blog.
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