That sense of loss? Its your superpower

Many of us experienced a profound sense of loss during lockdown for our adventurous selves. That needn't be a bad thing. We can take that feeling and use it to inspire a life full of adventures. Our founder Tim reflects on how he managed to pack more adventure into a busy life.

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When lockdown landed it took me a while to get used to. However, we are lucky enough to live within 5 minutes walk of some wonderful woodlands, and half an hours run from some woodlands which are more like the north of Scotland than north Leeds.

So it was deal-able with. In fact, it was better than that. In many ways we thrived from having to discover new places on our doorstep. I even walked with the kids over to an urban farm to say hello to the llamas and pigs, a good 2 hour round trip which we would never have made on foot ordinarily.

I know many many others did the same. The evidence was there for all to see in the woods, as new paths were trodden down to all manner of minor natural wonders.

Stop Treating the Natural World as a Weekend Retreat

I reflected in one of our monthly emails on the need to stop treating the natural world as a weekend retreat, and to embrace the every-day nature that we so often take for granted.

And so we should.

And yet, there was still something missing.

I felt it’s absence more and more as the weeks passed.

As lockdown eased it was a thrill to drive a short distance to drop our Canadian canoe back in the water and set sail as a family. But it still wasn’t the same as a day spent on the high fells, or a night camped under the stars.

With time, I came to consider that sense of loss a superpower. I had seen into the future. The inevitable impermanence of everything was laid bare.

I’m a philosophical Stoic.

By which I don’t mean the popular understanding of what it means to be ‘stoical’ - dispassionate and reserved. I mean I am an adherant to the philosophy which led Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius to rule half the known world and has enabled countless generations to deal with everything that life throws at them.

The Stoics are one of many philosophical traditions such as Buddists and Sufis, who highlight the brevity of our time on earth, with their phrase ‘Memento Mori’, or ‘Remember you will die’.

Cheery huh?!

Who could be happy whilst brooding on such weighty matters?

And yet, on reflection, the polar opposite is true. We should truly live each day as if it were our last. As Seneca proposes:

"Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day."

You Have Seen the Future

In lockdown, we had a glimpse of our own mortality. Not just the fear that shrouded every hang out and door handle, but in the things that we love and hold dear which were whisked away from us in a moment.

Eventually, they will be gone for good, not just temporarily.

Yes, coronavirus will pass eventually. But so will we.

So take that superpower.

Use it.

Own it.

And make the most of everyday.

Carpe Every Damn Diem

For me, that means getting back into the routine of a monthly microadventure wild camping whatever the weather in the dales and moors, and enjoying some cragside companionship with my rockclimbing mates. As well as the family adventures on our doorstep, which are one of may lockdown habits I’m not giving up.

What will it mean for you?

My mission in life, and in business, is to help folk live a life packed with adventure, by introducing them to new people, pastimes and places that can help.

If you need a little help living a live full of memories and connections, you're looking in the right place. The best way to get involved is to sign up for our emails.

Do it today!