Update – 1 Space Remaining for the AMGA SPI Course in November!

Wow! That sold quickly! We have 1 space remaining for the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course this Nov 11 – 13, 2009. The SPI Course is held at Cochise Stronghold and is a three day course with an optional assessment Nov 14 -1 5. You can sign-up directly or give us a ring at 520-360-1465.

The program is for current, active rock climbers that have a real desire to teach the rock climbing to novices in a single pitch setting. Candidates should be passionate rock climbers that have their own equipment, regularly climb and have been rock climbing outdoors for at least 12 months. Candidates could be current University Professors that teach climbing, Climbing Instructors, Scout Leaders, Summer Camp Professionals or climbers that wish to achieve additional training, experience and certification to gain employment as a Climbing Instructor in the Outdoor Industry. The SPI will be able to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting.

I Crashed My Bike – Self-Rescue and Business

Some of you may know that I crashed on my mountain bike this past weekend. To be honest, I don’t really know what happened. One moment I am cranking down the trail and the next I am speaking somewhat incoherently and begging my partner to get the bike off me and help me. It was kind of pathetic and odd – the adrenaline spike, the blood and injury, and observing myself in the third person (talking non-sense and moving around all strange). It was an accident. In the truest sense of the word.

I am getting better. Today I can at least move a bit. The stitches held. The x-rays came back negative. I will live to ride again.

The lesson and what is the parallel to business development? I thought about this a lot on the 5 mile walk/ride/stumble (yes, clearly I think about this stuff a lot) we had remaining to get back to the car – tenacity, companionship, and planning.

• I was with a partner. We were both self contained on our own bikes, but we worked together to support each other.
• We each had a small first aid kit in our packs, combined together it made a pretty good kit. We were able to improvise and keep things moving and safe.
• A bandage, tape, water, and advil go a long way.
• I had been in worse situations and could call upon those experiences to keep things in perspective.

The parralel questions to ask yourself about your business?

• Do you have a partner or support system to back you up when you need it? Who are you supporting? Business is not a solo activity – you may be a solo-prenerur but that doesn’t mean you work alone. Cultivate a support system and reach out to others.
• Are you prepared for a crisis? What steps do you need to take to prepare for a crisis? Living in fear is not an option as a business owner, but being prepared is a differentiator in your continued success.
• You don’t need the newest, sexiest, most techy Web 2.0 tools – you need what is going to work for you. I needed an E.R. a few hours later, but at the time I needed emotional support, some tape, water, and a some gauze.
• This is not your first dance. You have been out there before and gathered all kinds of experiences. Leverage them and apply the knowledge and experience you have gained.

The final bit here: self-rescue.

Self-rescue is key and self-rescue is not solo rescue. We were skilled as travelers and in our medical treatment. We took charge of the situation and initiated our own care and solution. Sitting back and waiting for help was not an option. It is also not an option when operating your own business.

See you out there (maybe a few weeks for me – but, I’ll be back out there soon!).

Living a Life that Matters – Curious?

Those of you that know me know that adventure is the central pillar to my worldview. You also know that for me adventure is not defined by the scariest or hardest climb in the world, most bad-ass mountain bike descent, or the biggest snowboard descent in the farthest reaches of the world. Adventure is in everything we do – it is commitment, high endeavor, uncertain outcome, and great companionship.

I was really happy last week (no pun intended) to find Todd Kashdan and his new book: Curious?: Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life. Todd is smart and grounded – and the message is great – I can stand behind it. Those of you that know me also know that I can be a bit of a cynic and skeptic at times (especially around self-help). Todd is right on target with this one.

Why? Because he focuses Curious? on what is essential to creating a fulfilling life:

• Being curious.
• Being open to new experiences.
• Being able to effectively manage ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Being able to adapt to the demands required of different situations.
• Discovering our strengths, deepest values, and what we are passionate about.
• Strengthening our connections to these values and passionate pursuits so that we pursue a life aligned with them.

By chance the other day I was driving home from the airport and turned on NPR. By chance (maybe?) there was Todd Kashdan talking with Neal Conan on ‘Talk of the Nation’ (recording of show here: Talk of the Nation with Todd Kashdan. The take-away was clear – reclaiming curiosity, using mindfulness appreciation, and opening yourself to the possiblity of change has profound impact on our lives.

Give it a go, check it out, this is not a fluff piece, but a work that can have a dramatic impact on your life.

Next Women’s Intro To Climbing Day!

Sunday May 17 is the next Inner Passage – Women’s Introduction to Rock Climbing Day! This women’s only climbing day continues to be an outstanding opportunity for women to come together and experience the fun, challenging, and engaging sport of rock climbing (and in a supportive and encouraging environment). Join us for a day of rock climbing, all equipment provided. Just bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to have fun!

Mindfulness and Movement Retreat – Success!

Hello everyone – we wanted to reach out and thank everyone who participated in the April 2009 Mindfulness and Movement Retreat. We enjoyed hosting this three day retreat – great fresh food, morning and evening yoga practice, mindfulness meditation development, rock climbing, ayurveda introduction, and a very special ayurveda meal prepared on Saturday evening. I have posted some photos from the weekend on the Inner Passage Flickr page  - stay tuned as we set the schedule for the remainder of the year. We are excited about offering this program throughout the United States – look for our calender to update with an area near you.

“The retreat surpassed my expectations in every way! The food, the community, the mind/body work! Thank you for hosting an incredible weekend – I feel great!” Brian Chaszner – Tucson, AZ

Women on the Rocks Was a Success

On March 8, Inner Passage hosted our first Women on the Rocks program – it was a fantastic success! We are looking forward to our next Women on The Rocks Climbing Day on Sunday May 17. We will spend the day rock climbing on Mt Lemmon outside of Tucson – this will be a great way to introduce yourself to rock climbing in a fun and supportive environment. Bring a friend, family member, or come by yourself – see you out there!

2 more spots for Women on The Rocks – March 8!

We have two more spots available for the Sunday March 8 – Women on the Rocks Introduction to Rock Climbing day! This is a great opportunity to get out with a supportive group of women and go rock climbing for the day. Nervous about heights, not sure if you are strong enough – put those questions aside and give it a go. Climbing comes from your core and your legs – and the heights? We’ll start small and go bigger as the day goes on. All guides are certified by the American Mountain Guide Association – give a call at 520-360-1465 or head to the site to sign-up. See you out there!

Women on the Rocks!

An Introduction to Rock Climbing day for Women!

Ever wanted to try rock climbing? Thought it looked fun – but were too intimidated to try it or thought you weren’t strong enough to rock climb! Think again! We are offering a women’s specific introduction to rock climbing day to introduce women to the sport of rock climbing. Throw out your preconceived notions about climbing – this day is about getting out there and learning with the support of other women! Contrary to advertisements and film – climbing is not a sport about upper body strength – it is a graceful dance that engages the whole body and mind. Hint: climbing comes from your legs and center balance – not your biceps and shoulders! 

Join us for a fun, supportive, and compassionate day of rock climbing on Mt. Lemmon in Tucson, AZ. We provide all of the technical equipment – you provide a sense of adventure, support for others, and a willingness to give it a go!

Cost: $145

 

Maximum of 6 participants – we enjoy working with small groups and small groups enjoy the focus and attention!

Give us a call to sign-up (520) 360-1465 or directly via the website here: Sign-Up!

Mindfulness and Movement Retreat

Inner Passage announces this years dates for our Mindfulness and Movement Retreat in Cochise Stronghold, Arizona (about an hour east of Tucson) – April 24 – 26, 2009

This is a great weekend retreat to learn to integrate mindfulness practice into your daily life through movement, silent meditation, and community. If you are feeling the rush of the world and sometimes wonder where the time goes or find yourself overwhelmed and need to return to the basic values that give meaning and purpose to your life – this retreat will provide the support you need to get back on track.

More info can be found at: http://www.innerpassage.net/mindfulnesscourse.php

and a pdf can be downloaded at: http://www.innerpassage.net/downloads/Mindfulness_Movement_Retreat.pdf

The retreat is April 24 – 26, 2009 – clear your calenders and give us a call to enroll!

See you out there – Matt

AMGA SPI – Arizona

Inner Passage is again proud to announce new dates this Spring for the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course. We had a very successful course and assessment last fall and will host another course and assessment this spring. Course dates are Friday Feb 26 – Sunday Feb 28 and the Assessment dates are March 1 – March 2. This is a great program that defines the standard of rock climbing instruction and safety protocol for any guide service, outdoor education program, University Recreation program, or any individual taking friends, family, or groups climbing. Please contact us for more information – even though we just announced the dates the course and assessment are already filing quickly! See you out there!