Trekking: The Real Game Changer
I had a chance to experience something magical recently. I will keep my whole life experience separate and this trekking experience different.
I have been a traveler my whole life, being to the USA, UAE, EUROPE, MALAYSIA, etc., but nothing can beat the experience of Trek.
I don't know if all trek experiences are the same or if it was a unique trek.
Whatever it was, it was deep, magical, authentic, limitless, undefined.
As I write this, I am entirely ecstatic, the same joy I felt when I reached the top of Bhrigu Mountain, Himachal Pradesh, 14100 ft above sea level.
It was my 1st Trek, and with no prior experience or training for this, I just decided to spend some time in nature and challenge my inner strength.
Real-Time Experience
Everything was smooth till 13K feet. The last 1100 feet were the most painful experience; it shook me mentally. I never expected myself to see in such a low mental state; my feet were frozen, fingers frozen, my mind was not synched with my body, and breathlessness and fear of failure crept in. In my entire athletic journey, I had never had tears come what may; this time, it was different; I had tears and never felt such pain in life (the thing that haunts me is Mount Everest is nearly double this Trek if I am so weak to complete this, how will I even dream of climbing the top of the Everest someday).
Though I reached the top in bits and pieces, the whole day after that had that painful impression constantly moving in my mind and body, leading me to deep introspection about life. The pain was real; Stamina was not a problem; the problem was something else.
The problem was I didn't expect this to happen; no one alarmed us or guided us. It was your battle. I had no idea what I was about to go through. I planned nothing for those last 1100 feet. Planning was Missing; Mind preparation was missing.
Trekking to the highest peaks is no fun, and it s for those who want to go through pains intentionally. I have never seen anyone sharing their pain journey, all shared good sides, and we get intrigued for treks. But it's essential to know every side of everything. Hence shared with you my story of pain through this blog.
I will say my words can't explain the situation at the top. I can tell: it was cruel, terrifying, and depressing.
A piece of advice (not to demotivate you): Either choose shorter distance treks or go entirely prepared if thinking of going to heights. Without Preparation, you will put yourself into a deadly trap. There is no one up there to protect you; one wrong move, a person can slide down and fall into a deep trench.
Few Critical Takeaways from Trek
1) Your fears are never physical
It's all in your mind. Unzip mind to unzip life (I was sure physically I could endure it, the only thing was can I mentally survive it)
2) When Preparation meets strong will, the only success comes
Preparation alone is not enough; just strong will is not enough.
3) I believe this is the highest level of hardship you can give to the human body/mind (going on high peak treks)
If you can pass this, or at least go through this pain and hardship, you will never be the same person, and a sense of expansion you will feel.
4) This will allow you to love your body in extreme conditions.
A person who can't love their body / themselves cant love others.
"You can't serve from an empty vessel."
5) Teamwork wins any day
I saw a perfect example of teamwork.
Leave 14k feet; I can't have managed 4K feet individually because the task looks daunting; the mind limits you, but then comes the savior, the team.
I went with a bunch of 55 people; it kept me pushing (22 reached the top of the peak).
6) Right Mentor's open doorway to a new experience
With all honesty, I felt what a mentor means; being a coach/mentor my whole life, this experience was a great introspection.
They are not just a guide; they show the path but leave little space for uncertainties for us to grow.
They hold hands, at the same time, drop you in harsh conditions to overcome those by yourself.
7) Be Water
Water depicts the quality of flexibility.
If you are not flexible in your approach/life, you will hit a wall every time.
Become the person according to the situation (if the situation demands to take a different action, don't be rigid with old ways, try new things and new experiments)
"Break the patterns."
8) Enjoy life
I realized, " Live Life before life leaves you."
Don't get stuck in work only; experience life entirely.
Nature is waiting to be revered.
Equipment needed for high Trek ( I used all these )
1) Trekking Stick ( Pair preferred)
2) High-quality Trekking Gloves to prevent hands from freezing
3) Waterproof high-quality trekking shoes to prevent snow; otherwise, chill Water numbs your feet
4) Warm Socks
5) Trekking bag 50/70 lit ( I carried 70 lit throughout the top of the Trek as I didn't want to take any risk though you will get a chance to keep extra unwanted things in base camp midway to reduce the load of your bag)
6) High-Quality Sun Glasses, as you climb, the sun is unbearable
7) SPF (50+), otherwise whole skin burns
8) Milton Steel Water bottle to keep warm Water at high altitude
9) Cap to protect head and ears ( I didn't cover my ears, my biggest mistake, I had difficulty at high altitude with low air pressure)
10) First Aid Kit ( It saved me while returning as in midway I toppled down the slop injuring both my ankles, luckily had enough aid in my box)
11) Winter Jacket (don't even think to climb up without it )
12) Torch ( I had a headband torch as I had a stick in both hands)
BEYOND WEIGHT LOSS
I went at 75 Kg and came back at 72 kg in 10 days, and never gained back because of the personality I became, particular about my training, meals, hard work, no shortcuts, giving 200%
I feel lighter, more energetic, passionate, humble, goal-oriented, and lively.
It's not a way to lose weight; it's about what you become during the process; you shine, you become alpha human, which leads to change in body, mind, emotions, etc.
You become unstoppable.
Until next time,
Dt. Mohit Mittal
(BFND, B.TECH, DDHN, NSQF-4, YCB-3, SSY-1, PT- REPS INDIA)