In this conversation, David Picton shares his transformative journey to Everest Base Camp, discussing the profound connection he felt with nature, the communities along the trail, and the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

He reflects on the physical and mental challenges faced during the trek, the sustainability efforts observed in the region, and the life lessons learned from this extraordinary experience.

Why it matters to you

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  Manage your energy, not just your time. Altitude makes every step count; your week does the same. Pacing wins.

  
  


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  Anxiety doesn’t mean stop—it means manage. David hit a wall at ~14,000 ft and adjusted, step by step.

  
  


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  Teams beat heroes. Five strangers became a safety net—hydration checks, hard truths, small celebrations.

  
  


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  Attention is a choice. On a dusty, risky trail, lifting your head to the view changes your state immediately.

  
  


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  Sustainability is practical, not abstract. Solar kettles, micro-hydro, “carry a kilo back” trash schemes—simple actions that add up.

  
  


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  Gratitude resets your baseline. Four days without soap or running water makes that first sink at home feel miraculous.

  
  

How a place becomes life-changing

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  Awe reorganises priorities. Standing below those peaks, you remember what matters—and what doesn’t.

  
  


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  Friction reveals values. Dust, cold, thin air: when comfort falls away, character shows up.

  
  


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  Community redefines strength. Sherpas, porters, teammates—nobody gets far alone.

  
  


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  Simplicity clarifies. Food, water, sleep, warmth, safe footing. Strip life to its essentials and decisions get cleaner.

  
  


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  Perspective returns with you. Back home, the “ordinary” is extraordinary: a hot tap, a light switch, a friendly smile on the bus. Keep noticing.

  
  

Takeaways from David Picton

• Everest Base Camp was a life-changing experience for me.


• The connection with nature was profound and beautiful.


• Teamwork was essential for overcoming challenges on the trail.


• I learned to rely on others and the power of collaboration.


• The physical challenges pushed my limits further than I expected.


• Sustainability efforts at Everest are crucial for future generations.


• Every day on the trail reminded me of what we take for granted.


• Our attitudes can significantly impact our experiences.


• Sometimes we need to accept realities rather than resist them.


• I returned with a sense of peace and calm that stays with me.