Base Camp

 So in 2015, I met a wonderful lady. Her name is Deyshun Diesel. She is one of the pioneer South African women who scaled the famously daunting mountain Everest.

At the time of our meeting, Deyshun was presenting a talk on leadership and business development, based on her experience of climbing the Everest. She used the term known as Base Camp for expeditions that adventure the Everest peak. It is the inspiration of my theme for this post, as I write from the Pearl of Africa, my home, my Base Camp.

According to Deyshun, Base Camp is the place on the Everest were all Climbers are further prepared mentally, physically and emotionally to summit the peak. She says averagely it takes about two months to summit the peak, yet about 9 days to return from the top of the mountain to its bottom. The reason for that, is the body has to acclimatize to the altitudinal conditions of the mountain. There is even a place where oxygen becomes quite limited and one’s body has to adapt to the condition of functioning with lower-than-usual oxygen levels.

So why base camp?

Base Camp therefore, becomes the place where you would return to during the preparation of climbing mountain Everest with the goal reaching the peak. It is from base camp that you scale the icy mountain. Each time you go higher towards the peak, you have to return to base camp to rest, refresh, reset and renew the physical, mental and emotional energy to go up again. This happens repeatedly until the day the team is able to summit – reach the peak.

Base Camp can also be used be used as a metaphor for our journey of life.

Each time we go higher, or make progress and advance in this adventure called life, there is a space we need to hold as base camp – where we come back to often. It is the space where there are no masks, roles or façade. A space where one is able to confront themselves without fear or guilt. A space where one can draw inspiration to reboot and refresh. It is a space where one is able to renew commitment to be better and do better. Base Camp is a special place and space for every individual.

Generally speaking, Coaching also provides us with such an opportunity, where the Coach holds space for the Client to connect and recharge within a base camp atmosphere. One is able to embrace themselves uniquely to draw strength to give it a go again. I think it is a good idea to make the time to return to Base Camp every now and again.

Do you have a base camp?

What is your base camp?

What are you doing to utilize your base camp to renew your commitment to go higher, advance and make progress towards your goals and summit the peaks that are calling your name?

Rao asserts, “The journey to peaks of excellence requires a strong base camp.”

 


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