Self-Help, Personal Growth & Psychology

Tedium is a regular part of my job. But today the graphs and calculations fall away as I inhale the scent of dirt and spruce needles. Out here, I am half scientist, half disciple. I’ve left the laboratory far behind and, with it, the need to quantify and contain. In its place, I’ve reconnected with the simple act of observation.

We need to think more about mining our own output to extract patterns that turn our raw personal data stream into predictive, actionable information.

Unlike the civilized world, wilderness invites you to sense the surrounding harmony and the utter insignificance of mankind. The

the desire to face the unexpected in a wilderness environment; to live by my wits; and, in the process, I hoped to develop higher levels of skill, intuition, and confidence. I was drawn to these types of challenges. I found them compelling and, as I got older, increasingly difficult to resist. I’d had my share of adventure. The

learned valuable lessons that day about staying more aware of my physical condition and my surroundings, about not taking anything for granted, and about remembering how unforgiving nature can be. When things get tough, courage is not necessarily the most important attribute. What’s important is being able to control your emotions and maintain a