When we feel adrift in our purpose — questioning our path or seeking clarity on what’s next — where do we turn?
For many of us caught in this liminal space between what was and what could be, the answer is surprisingly simple: step outside.
And into a different physical space.
In a recent episode of the Friday Fireside, Carlos and Laurence explored how nature — particularly being in the mountains — creates the perfect environment for making meaningful decisions and navigating transitions.
As Carlos said:
“The mountains interrupt patterns. And I think one of the patterns I see it interrupting is the pattern of keeping the armour up.”
This is perhaps the secret to finding your next mountain: realising that the personality you’ve constructed and the patterns you’ve fallen into might not truly be you. And how being in a space where you can talk openly with others who are equally open allows you to know yourself better.
From our decade of hosting retreats in natural settings, we’ve witnessed how the environment itself becomes a catalyst for clarity.
Here are 5 takeaways from the conversation:
1. Time expands
“The days feel long in a good way. Time seems to slow down… you’re very present.” – Laurence
This spaciousness allows not only for thoughts to unfold naturally but also transforms how we connect with others. When we’re fully present rather than distracted, conversations deepen, listening improves, and we see each other more clearly, beyond roles and titles.
2. Perspective shifts
Standing at the foot of mountains that have existed for hundreds of millions of years puts our challenges in perspective.
“When we think these things have been here for hundreds of millions of years, we’re pretty insignificant in the scheme of things. I find it helps to be a bit bolder when we come back because you actually think, ‘Why not just give something a go? What’s the worst that could happen?’” – Laurence
3. Patterns break
The simple act of being somewhere different — physically, mentally, and emotionally — creates space for new thinking. Nature provides an environment where familiar habits and thought patterns can’t so easily take hold.
“You actually have to make an intentional commitment yourself to be somewhere.” – Carlos
This commitment itself begins the transformation.
4. Helping the armour fall away
When the armour drops, something remarkable happens: authenticity emerges. The defences we maintain in our daily lives — the need to appear successful, knowledgeable, or unaffected — naturally dissolve in natural settings.
And this vulnerability creates the conditions for genuine connection and insight. Carlos elaborates:
“All of these patterns, all of this personality that I created for myself, it might not be me. Being able to be in a space to talk with other people who are also being open, you probably get to know yourself better. So you realise, actually, this mountain that I have been climbing so far really isn’t mine.”
5. Connections deepen
When we share meaningful conversations in natural settings, they become anchored to place. The environment itself becomes a participant in our breakthrough moments.
“I can always remember where someone shared something that was really powerful, or where someone asked a question that they’re struggling with. You can always pinpoint where we were on a walk or if we were up in the mountain hut.” – Laurence
One of the most powerful insights that emerged from the conversation was the importance of not navigating these threshold moments alone. The beauty of nature retreats lies in bringing together the right people in the right environment.
“It’s having the trust that when you come to a place like Alptitude, there will be the right people for the journey that you want to go on.”
This combination of supportive companions and natural spaces creates collective support. It’s where clarity emerges not just from your own reflections but from the gentle guidance and witnessing of others walking similar paths.