One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books. ¹

Skinning the slopes towards the summit of Norikura-dake, warm with anticipation and exercise; captivated by the wind and snow playing games across the mountains. Whirling snow dust lifting up–around into the air, freezing us in our tracks, firstly with awesome beauty then invisible strength; striking our faces with icy sharpness.

A commute of sorts taking eight hours or more, yet, not until a safe return is reached—hungry and footsore—does work commence. Conversation fuelled by shared experience, food, ideology and trust, the sort of trust only gained when life depends on it. Thoughts focusing, confidence growing, and new ideas flourishing in an atmosphere of honesty and empathy; with more accomplishment than staring at screens or attending forced meetings (staring at screens).

When in the field you acquire a different appreciation of time, where sunrise, sunset and weather-windows play key markers in which to plan the day. Time is precious—a matter of life and death—so making decisions, and more importantly helping others help you in making the decisions is critical. Communication becomes vital, along with the responsibility of deciding what is important to convey; time and nature being natural filters that our body and mind adheres to unconsciously.

What if we took our ‘in-the-field’ behaviour and applied it to our ‘in-the-office’ routine? Perhaps going even further by turing things upside down, changing the balance between work and life. Take an 8 hour commute and do 2 hours focused work; switch living to work for; living to live.

#wind＆ #snow, Mt. Norikura, Hakuba
#work #life