Mountain bathing — and the joy of gathering

I love bringing people together.

I do it for free.

I sometimes get paid to do it.

It’s what I do.

It’s not a job, but a way of life.

I was brought up in pubs.
In a big family.
In community.

I was also blessed with great friends.
And we’re all still friends to this day.

One friend became a business partner.

It’s no secret that one of our core values is friendship.

So it’s no accident that nowadays our business friends become real friends.

They are not ‘clients’ or ‘delegates’ 🤮

They are human beings with fascinating stories.

If you’re blessed with love and connection, spread it to others.

If you’re thinking of starting a community or gathering, do it.

Especially if you’re craving it yourself.

People are just waiting for you to ask.

“Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.” — Priya Parker

We’ve just returned back this week after another magical Alptitude — our annual gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders in the French Alps. This year was our 10th edition across 2 continents, and the experience gets richer each time.

21 people gathered in Dream Valley to get a birds eye view on their work and life.

We had people come from Brazil, the USA, Canada, all over Europe.. and of course Brighton.

I headed off with questions and worries.

I came down with new friends and insights.

Feeling lighter, more connected.

But most of all, filled with hope.

Here are my reflections from another majestic week of nature and connection.

“We get lost in comparison
Looking outside of me
Now, I see this world is unraveling
I wonder who could we be
Oh, I don’t want to see us lose
Any more time
This moment is a mountain to move,
So move it inside
Wake up now
Wake up now
Wake up now
Wake up now”
- Mountain to Move by Nick Mulvey

1. Mountain bathing is a thing
My new favourite term, I learned about it from our good friend and mountain guide Arno de Jong. Arno has been an ever present on our Alps trips over the last 10 years.

We’d just had 20 minutes of silent time led by Sally-Anne Airey, enjoying the spring meadows and incredible views over the valley. A few people in the group shared how they never thought of themselves as ‘mountain people’ — until they came to Alptitude.

Just like forest bathing is not just for the wilderness lover, mountain bathing is for anyone. For too long the mountains have been associated with adrenalin junkies. But what if we embraced a more relaxing, mindful experience when in the company of these giants?

- Where we take in the awe and majesty around us
- Where we’re fully present
- And enjoy the silence

From my experience mountains have as much healing power as any tropical paradise. They tap into something deep within us. Perhaps it’s because with age comes wisdom.

2. Each of us has a story
Whilst many came for business reasons — to get clear on a new direction or to work through a current challenge — we spent a lot of the time getting deep into each other’s stories. We found shared realities and connected the dots between seemingly different paths. This was a group of exceptional listeners — all too rare in everyday life. The future seems less scary when you realise how far you’ve come.

3. Deep space = deep thinking
Alptitude is where I do my best thinking. Away from screens, in nature, with the space and time to let ideas bubble to the surface. When we don’t have the day-to-day distractions, it’s amazing what pops up. Many of the group got to benefit from the wisdom of the crowd, and this 360 view on their situations opened up new ideas for a way forward. The fresh mountain air brings fresh ideas.

4. Wants vs needs
People often join for one reason, but only realise when they’re there why they are there. It turns out what we think we want, and what we actually need can be two different things. We might hard it to justify joy and connection (whether to ourselves… or our accountant), so these typically come bottom of the list of priorities in normal life. Yet when we tap into them, we feel more whole, more grounded as founders and leaders. It’s important we get to enjoy the journey and truly belong. After all, we are our greatest asset.

5. Doing the things
One of our participants Bob, wore this hat. This became a thought for me all week — what are my things? Bob found herself doing the things she loved all week. It’s made me do more of the things that make me me, more often — time in nature, time with loved ones, making music, writing, travelling, supporting others with their boldest ideas and experiencing life to the fullest. All fuelled by good coffee.

6. Laughter and loss go hand-in-hand
People shared stories of grief, both close to home and at the world at large. Also most there were navigating midlife (the ‘sandwich’ generation), and have had to look after both young and old, which comes with its struggles and challenges. And yet, whilst moving stories were shared, there was an abundance of fun and laughter throughout. When we open ourselves up and feel comfortable being vulnerable, the full remit of human emotion is available to us.

7. Welcoming all the parts
In life we can be different people in different settings, we adapt. Last week I saw how people brought their full selves to the retreat and in turn embraced the fullness of the experience. As one of the group said regularly ‘just keep being you’. This permission creates a feeling of safety and trust.

8. Discomfort creates growth
Alptitude gets us out of our comfort zone, both physically through some of the activities, but also mentally, by being in a group of new people, in a different environment. We see again and again how these experiences create growth, both individually and collectively, as we find the courage to try new things.

9. Weaving to process

“We made a family”

Not what you expect someone to say after a business event. But this comment has stuck with me. This is us all weaving on the last day led by our co-creator and artist Claire Knill. It was a beautiful activity to help us process all that had happened all week, using our hands to create our own textile, using various coloured yarn. It helped quieten the mind and be fully present. All with a beautiful playlist and a rainbow over the mountains 🌈

As busy leaders we don’t need more training or advice. Most of all we need to belong. And feel at ease doing nothing, together.

10. There’s gold at the end of the rainbow
The mountains are my happy place. The 4am starts are worth it, the hikes are worth it. The elements are worth it.

Problems dissolve up there. Where deep clarity and connection thrives.

“There’s magic in them there mountains”

ps. We’re now accepting applications for Alptitude 2025 — register your interest

“Alptitude is a feeling.
A feeling of slowing down.
A feeling of being connected.
A feeling of belonging.
A feeling of hope about what’s next.
I’ve laughed more this week than I have in a long time.
I’ve had more spaciousness this week than I have in a long time.
I’ve felt connect to myself more than I have in a while.
And more than that, I’ve met an incredible group of business leaders who have widened my lens and given me so much more than they realise. If it takes a village to raise a child it takes a community to grow a leader. Grateful for this community.”

Photo and quote from Mark Leruste