Spirit of Bonhomie - Day Eleven

All about your own personal mountain

Hear The Mountains’ Call:

Why are we drawn to mountains?

John Muir’s famous quote, “The mountains are calling, and I must go,” captures this allure.

Of Course Neuroscience sheds light on this magnetic pull:

Nature and Brain Health: Spending time in outdoor environments positively affects both physical and mental health.

Brain Activation: When we encounter mountains, our brains activate regions associated with awe, wonder, and emotional resonance.

Stress Reduction: The serene beauty of mountains reduces stress hormones and promotes relaxation.

Novelty and Curiosity: Our brains thrive on novelty. The unfamiliar landscapes of mountains engage our curiosity and reward systems.

Physical Challenge: Climbing challenges engage motor skills, balance, and coordination, activating various brain regions.

Flow State: The intense focus required during mountaineering can induce a flow state, where time seems to vanish, and we feel fully immersed.

Endorphins and Achievement: Reaching a summit triggers a release of endorphins, reinforcing a sense of achievement and well-being.

In short, mountains evoke both physical and emotional responses. They challenge us, inspire awe, and offer a unique canvas for our brains to explore. So, whether you climb them physically or metaphorically, remember that the mountains hold secrets waiting to be discovered. 🏔️🧠🌟

Today I would like you to do the following -

Find a mountain, it may be one near to you, it may be one far, far away.

I would like you to visualise climbing the mountain.

What kind of terrain is it?

What are the weather conditions?

Who is with you?

What training did you need to climb it?

How resourceful are you?

How confident are you that you will make it to the top?

If not, why not?

Why did you want to climb this particular mountain?

Wherever you make it to on the mountain, what are your prevaling emotions?

By completing this exercise we are climbing a metaphorical mountain that can shine light on what we need from others to help us get to the top.

Human beings need human beings. It is as simple as that.

My Everest is not your Everest. Your Everest is not mine. We all have an Everest. Each of us. Sometimes the peak is literally Mount Everest but most times it lies deep within us, figuratively occupying a mountainous inner space. It calls us to rise up, to do what we formerly labeled as impossible, and to be who we deeply and desperately want to be. I know that I have found an Everest when my soul furiously pokes me repeatedly until I listen. Heeding this call to passionate adventure of any sort initiates a journey of intense immense proportion that changes every molecule of my being.