Lately I’ve been reading about too many hikers and climbers needing rescues, getting lost, or worse. I’m also seeing a lot of new accounts on social media, whether they intend to or not, promoting more of an extreme relationship with nature that could easily lead others down a wrong path. To each their own—people can do what they want to do—but I’m getting a little concerned that there will be a lot of new climbers coming who will be inspired to tackle adventure without the proper reverence and caution for what they are doing.
Social media and media in general seem to be all about FAST. Fast 3-second clips strung together. Fast action. Fast results. Fast dopamine injections. This fast media culture not only promotes admiration for the epic adventures of others, but encourages people to get a taste of something epic themselves.
Embrace the Slow
I get the need to chase adventure. I get the need to take risks and challenge oneself. I’ve been guilty of that my whole life. But what worries me is that the world doesn’t talk enough about promoting the SLOW. About taking your time, listening to your body and the mountain. To embrace the exertion, embrace the chance to slow down, and really see the world around you. That’s the best part of all these outdoor adventures in my mind. The balance. The heightened awareness.
This winter I’m looking for a lot of things, one of which is some backcountry turns before I get too old to want to try it anymore. And while I’d love to be able to find some good ones, if I get someplace and it looks risky or terrible, I have no problem going home empty-handed. I hope whatever adventure people are chasing, they do the same. Because the real magic isn’t about doing something epic or special or unique. It’s just about getting out in nature and feeling connected. That’s the truly life-changing stuff that I want people to experience again and again.
Okay, that’s enough from me. Sorry for the sobering talk, but sometimes I worry and this morning it was getting to me. Here’s hoping everyone has a great and SAFE winter.
