Are you ready for an unforgettable challenge? Join us for the iconic Yorkshire 3 Peaks event raising funds for KidsOut, hosted by Walking With My Bear Adventures, where adventure, stunning landscapes, and a supportive community come together for a thrilling day of hiking!

Meet Up at 6:30 AM: The Adventure Begins

The journey kicks off bright and early at 6:30 AM at the Overflow Car Park, unless stated otherwise. Arrive with your gear ready, where a team of qualified experiences mountain leaders will be cheerfully ready to greet you before a prompt start, all set to conquer the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in a day! 

With the aim of finishing in under 12 hours, our goal is to maintain a steady pace, hit key checkpoints, and keep the energy high as we take on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.

The First Peak: Pen-y-ghent

Our first challenge is Pen-y-ghent, one of the most iconic peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. The ascent is rewarding, with the peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. After the climb, we’ll make our way to Ribblehead Viaduct for the first checkpoint, where we’ll aim to arrive within 4 hours. This ensures we’re right on track for our sub-12-hour finish. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning views of the viaduct as you catch your breath!

Refuel at Ribblehead Viaduct: Snacks & Water Break

At Ribblehead Viaduct, we’ll have a quick but essential stop to top up our water bottles and grab a few snacks to fuel the next leg of the journey. Staying hydrated and energized is key, and this is the perfect opportunity to rest for a bit and chat with fellow adventurers.

The Second Peak: Whernside

With our spirits lifted and energy restored, it’s time to tackle the mighty Whernside. As the highest of the three peaks, it offers spectacular views and a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the top. The climb is tough, but knowing the next checkpoint is just around the corner keeps you motivated!

Checkpoint 2: Philpin Farm

Once we’ve summited Whernside, we’ll make our way to Philpin Farm, where we’ll find our second checkpoint. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stock up on snacks and drinks, grab a toilet break, and rest your legs before the final stretch. Whether it’s a chocolate bar, a sandwich, or just a cold drink, refueling is important for pushing through the last challenge.

The Final Push: Ingleborough

After a well-earned rest, it’s time to conquer the last of the three peaks: Ingleborough. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and once you reach the summit, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, making it all worth it.

The Descent Back to Horton in Ribblesdale

Once we’ve taken in the views from Ingleborough, we’ll begin our descent back into Horton in Ribblesdale. The final stretch will take us through some stunning landscapes, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the adventure and the amazing feat we’ve just accomplished. 

Celebrating the Achievement

Whether you’ve completed the challenge solo or with a group, crossing the finish line is an achievement to be proud of. You’ll have memories of a fantastic day in the Yorkshire Dales, a sense of accomplishment, and perhaps even a new circle of friends who’ve shared this journey with you!

Join Us on This Incredible Journey!

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks is not just a hike – it’s an experience, a challenge, and an adventure. Whether you're looking to push yourself or simply enjoy the camaraderie of a great group of people, this event is for everyone. 

So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your boots, pack your bag, and get ready for a day to remember. The adventure begins at 6:30 am, and we can’t wait to see you there!

*Make sure to follow Walking With My Bear Adventures all the latest event updates and tips. Together, we’ll take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and create memories that will last a lifetime!*

Working with Metaphors with clients amongst the outdoors!

Recently I assessed 4 practitioners who had gone through the practitioner training program of Navigate Your Future under www.LifeWealthCoaching.com. We worked around the Watkins Path area.

For those that know the initial section of the Watkins Path below Snowdon, walkers are soon greeted by the prominent mounted plaque on the famous Gladstone rock. 

The Prime Minister many years ago delivered a speech on Justice for Wales, not to mention sung some ‘Cymric hymns’ himself. 

A plaque fitted to the front of the boulder commemorating what was sure to have been a memorable occasion, announcing that indeed William Gladstone had stood upon the rock. 

As we know, Gladstone once stood on and gave his ceremonious speech to the working class about rights and how he would bring change.

A profound moment where many lives were suffering and often hit with devastating curve balls resulting in many years of hardship and suffering from the loss of a loved one working on the slate quarries in Wales. Yet, a wise person would stand strong and proud and provide answers to many questions. A point where some would look up to Gladstone for wise answers and leadership when they lack internal leadership, courage, or the answers they are looking for.

It is alleged an audience of approximately 2000 stood below Prime Minister Gladstone whilst he addressed the audience.

It’s interesting to see how just the above can be used to work in a metaphorical way whilst empowering a client to overcome their mindset challenge.

Let’s break this down.

It is believed the Watkin Path originates from Sir Edward Watkin back in 1892, a Liberal Member of Parliament and railway entrepreneur. Sir Watkin retired and moved to a chalet around Cwm Llan. Sir Watkin was eager to build a path from the quarry to Snowdon’s summit, allowing visitors to reach the famous peak. The Path was the first designated footpath in Britain and officially opened in 1892 by prime minister Gladstone

A prominent figure himself, Sir Watkin provides the opportunity of many metaphors.

Sometimes our minds can be set in old thoughts actions and feelings, ultimately deeply rooted within neural pathways of our mind.

Here we have Sir Watkin creating a new route to achieve a successful summit of Snowdon across what can only be described as a challenging walk for many and leading the way for others to follow! Just like their own path and journey in life where they pursue the light for a way forward through dark challenging times.

A new path can be a new neural pathway to new ways of being or thoughts perceptions and beliefs and can stand the test of time if done properly. Also, with a prominent figure leading the way which can provide courage and inspiration to others to take on new paths in life etc etc.

Although there are many opportunities ascending the initial section as you approach the disused incline on the steep banking to your left, as you approach Cwm Llan waterfalls, the flow of water through the stones offers so many metaphors. 

Deep routed hidden or tried to be forgotten experiences can creep up through the mind at any given point, especially when we are mentally tired as our defences weaken. This has many similarities to PTSD, phobias, unwanted habits and much more, with many trying to find ways to cope. 

The plunge swirl pools collecting water and eventually flowing over to the pool below, trapping stones at the bottom and only allowing the surface water to pass. This can be like working with coping straggles to avoid going deep to remove or change what is lying at the bottom of your mind, still there with your mind reminding you every so often. Sometimes at the most inconvenient time!

If we take the concept of flowing water, just like water flowing through the stones and boulders, it ultimately will find a way through at some point if not addressed properly. If a new route with firm strong foundations and boundaries is created, the water can help wash away aspects of the mind (on the basis the original problem/challenge is reframed).

For some people, working with metaphors around traumatic experiences can help bring inner peace and a way of finding a new route to a more positive way of thinking as long as, the underlying cause is resolved. Otherwise, the metaphors just become coping strategies. This process naturally requires experience to work with PTSD, but if done efficiently, clients can overcome PTSD effectively whilst being in the outdoors with a specialist.

As you go past the final waterfall, you have two options. Turn left and ascend, or you approach a bridge. 

Each option offering multiple metaphors.

Ascend left just past the last waterfall, and you could bring the story of Moses into the walk by telling a story just prior to the turning left. 

Moses as we know would ascend the mountains to reach a wise person for answers. Ok we won’t have any burning bushes or begin walking down with tablets of stone with written commandments in our hands, but a client can often find answers from an imaginary person or figure. Especially as you ascend there is a winding path onto the disused incline track. From here you make your way directly up the slight re-entrant where there are a couple of old structures and cave with tunnels that lead in and out. 

Here a client could look for answers, look how far they have come and how great the pathway down looks with beautiful scenery and history. 

The metaphors at this point become vast. The client is returning with answers, the pathway is downhill which is easier than the ascent and often their minds’ clear of the mist/fog effect allowing them to enjoy how far they have come and much more with clarity in their mind. If it is literally misty, raining with poor visibility, this is even greater given you can be guided to safety, yet being allowed to navigate with a little support. This provides insight to your ability to guide through challenging times even when you may not initially see a way forward through the mist/fog. 

Imagine having found answers and mental resolution to a given situation without being able to see where you are going?

Back to the route. Instead of turning left, another option is to proceed to the bridge just in front.

Providing you with safety to cross over water. For some, this may remind them of the song by Simon and Garfunkel with the infamous song - Bridge over Troubled Water. As we know, the song references a way forward over of challenging times, just like being able to walk over flowing water without the risk of being swept away and overwhelmed with risk and fear etc.

Very soon you approach an old derelict building which the military used to use as target practice on the right-hand side.

As you observe the numerous bullet holes, it’s like a dot to dot of any experience, thought, actions, feelings, perceptions, beliefs, habits and much more. How our programming of our mind connects our past to everything we are in the here and now. With prior work with yourself understanding your mind etc and certain techniques being applied and practiced, this offers a perfect place to bring a visual transformation process to the mind where you can visualise a new route map of the dot to dot of bullet holes and metaphorically relate it to new neural pathways or thoughts actions and feelings etc.

As you proceed ahead reaching Gladstone Rock, this provides a place where an individual if trained would know this rock represents a place where a perceived wise person once stood. Suddenly as you approach, working with a metaphorical process, you are walking towards a place where a wise person in your mind may be waiting to answer any question.

A steady walk and one that is achievable by many means regardless of the weather, this initial section alone offers so much opportunity to work metaphorically with a client around mental performance and mental therapy that goes beyond mental health first. 

Conclusion

Regardless of where you are, understanding how to apply the outdoors and our routes which we have researched clearly offer so many opportunities around mindset therapy and performance amongst the outdoors. 

It’s important to remember that mental wellbeing isn’t about just therapy, it’s also key to mental performance and something I truly enjoy not only empowering private clients with, but also training others to help even more amazing people.

For some the outdoors presents itself as a way of escapism. For others, it offers itself towards mental performance for long lasting results. For me, it’s a respectful and professional playground of immense opportunity to work with and empower a client to a more enjoyable and fulfilling way of life.

If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate and get in touch.

Warmest wishes

Jonathan

Founder of Walking With My Bear

Following my success of working with clients amongst the outdoors, during this podcast with Peter Mabbutt - Head of Academics at LSCCH, we explore the benefits to not only the therapist but equally clients when working amongst the outdoors.

Throughout this podcast, we discuss the amazing journey of Jenny. How the therapeutic process has helped transform her life.

To listen to the podcast, just click on the link below.

If you would like to know more details, whether it be how to become an outdoor therapist, or to book a discovery call to explore options on how we can help you, just get in touch and we'll arrange a mutually convenient time to have a chat to see how we may be able to help you on the next stage of your journey.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-therapycast-vol-3-no-21/id839453129?i=1000551737468

Accepting the Setbacks

So it’s 7th February and my first day back at work. I’m 7 weeks too early given my decision to stop my expedition due to injury.

It’s been a challenging few days to say the least, with acceptance of an unsuccessful attempt to complete my 2nd 1,000 mile unsupported adventure within a 12 month period now putting my vision back 12 months. 

This is the 4th time in the last 5 years I’ve fallen and not achieved the goal. But hang on a minute, was there an actual defining aspect where I had a win from this experience?

A big part of me wants to get on my bike and go cycle another 1,000 miles across and around the UK, but the reality, I need 7-10 days for my toe and finger tops to heal before I go out and smash another 1,000 miles. I still have 2 months to achieve another 1,000 miles but need to ensure I allow some time for recover. I have very limited feelings in the ends of my fingers due to frostnip and a not-so-great looking middle toe of my left foot. That said, everything is fine and ready to go!

But I pause, I ask myself - What would I achieve if I went and did 1,000 miles on my mountain bike? 

Personally, I don’t think it would be an achievement as I can do 1,000 miles on a bike all day long. I continue my pause for a moment and reflect. 

I realise I wouldn’t be gaining anything by grabbing my mountain bike and going off to cycle 1,000 miles, and it would be a tick exercise. That is not what I’m about!

It’s been a bitter pill to swallow. My pride, risk of reputation, financial outlay, expenses, time from working with clients and much more. All of which I have to overcome and focus moving forward with my learnings from this experience. 

My South Pole world record is still on track!

A big part of me is filled with huge disappointment and something that has yet to process fully within my mind.

All the training, planning and preparation suddenly came to a holt on day 2 when I had conversations with the medical specialist on my options to continue my adventure. I honestly thought it would be a conversation indicating that it would be ok to continue. How wrong I was.

It’s not how hard you fall, but how hard you are willing to get back up fight for your vision, goals and aspirations. You fall down, you get back up, and try again. Fall down twice, get back up again, fall down 3 times, get up 4. Fall down 4 times, get up 5. 

Guess this is where I’m at, it’s the 5th time I've gotten up, brushed the dust off my shoulders and continued my pursuit towards my goals. 

For me, It’s only when you quit following your goals, dreams or aspirations, that failure presents itself.

The Experience

Day 1 turned out to be one of the toughest days on any adventure I had experienced. The moment I was dropped off, I was faced with challenges. Challenges I did not expect to occur given the intensive preparations, especially with my equipment.

It took over an hour to get the pulk set up given one of the securing pins had managed to break into the pulk poles and I had to start making repairs. All of which in sub zero conditions didn’t make for a great start with my fingers and toes.

That said I remained focused on my goal.

For the first 4 hours, things just got from bad to worse. Cold weather management with my snowshoes meant I had to add extra socks, try and warm the toes on my left foot. Bearing in mind I have never had problems with keeping my feet and toes warm, but for some reason this time my toes got very cold and numb all of a sudden. 

By around hour 7 on day one I was ready for rest as I made it to Joatka Lodge.

I needed to be indoors and not in a tent. My right hand finger tips were suffering yet my toes were toasty and warm having worked on them and changed footwear.

As I warmed my fingers up, I knew I had to wait and see in the morning how my fingers were. I checked my toes and they looked great which was a relief, but I had concerns over the level of frostnip on my finger tips.

The following morning having slept with wool mittens on my hands, my fingertips didn’t feel right. I felt it wise to call back to Alta to see a Doctor and get advice before continuing on my adventure.

This meant checking into a hotel for one night as they couldn’t guarantee what time they would see me.

The Showering Moment!

Still in cold shower mode, I started my shower under cold water and then turned on the warmth. 

The lovely warm shower was great until I got out and dried myself off noticing an unforgiving image on my middle toe on my left foot.

There was no doubt, I had frostbite just on the tip of my toe going under the toe nail. I got dressed and went straight to the doctors. After a short wait, I was seen by a lovely caring Doctor. 

Good news Jonathan she said, there is circulation on the toes but the injury needs observing and the frostnip on your right hand fingers will ease off over time. That said, you need to be cautious until everything heals. Any further exposure at this stage could lead to serious damage.

The Realisation

It was at this point I made the call. I couldn’t feel any temperature difference on the tips of my right-hand fingers. This is a major concern. Purely because if I can’t feel the cold on my fingers, if I go back out on my expedition, I could lose some or all of my fingers and risk suffering a major issue, furthermore the frostbite injury on my toe could get a lot worse.

My ego and pride initial said just get on with it. My heart said hang-on Jon, Norway will still be here next year, but your toes and fingers may not. Calculate the risk. 

It was a simple decision to make. Norway will still be there next year!

Safety first and live to fight another day. No question about it or negotiations needed with my ego. It was simple and quick, postpone my adventure until next year. Afterall, I do control my bear!

It could have been very easy to be egotistical and push on. But really! What would I be proving, that I can destroy my body at any costs just for one of the many adventures I have planned. 

No. I’m in full control of my bear, and sometimes, we have to take a step back to go forward.

So I chose to take a positive step, rest, recover and regroup, to the go back another time for a successful outcome. 

What I know, is that I can influence my direction going forward and whilst I didn’t achieve my desired outcome at this moment in time, I have to ask the question if it is the universe having another plan for me to which I have chosen to accept this adjustment.

Conclusion

Sometimes in life things don’t always work out as we hope they will do, but it doesn’t mean we bury our heads into the sand and take our bat and ball home. No, I believe in the approach where I embrace my learnings and grow from them. 

Parts of my equipment are being upgraded and my training is back on track for 2023 onwards.

Since writing this blog, I’ve spoken and met with my Doctors here in the UK. Everything is going to be OK. The frostbite has became localised and both toes and fingers are healing well. 

Could the injuries have been avoided? Mostly yes which I take ownership of. Could I have prevented the equipment failure at the beginning. No, I have stripped and cleaned the equipment maticulously.

That said, things don’t always go to plan in life, but it’s the actions and decisions I made during and afterwards that I embrace and take with me going forward.

For now, I will be focusing on my private client work, supporting clients achieve a solid mindset that can take on anything they desire both in the office and outdoors.

Roll on 2023 and beyond for my next set of adventures...

If you want to explore how I support clients, just click on the get in touch button below to arrange a short discovery session.

Challenging times

My background

I have been working with Jonathan with very intense therapy for a while now. If you haven’t read my previous blogs I will briefly outline my previous struggles. 

Alcohol dependency and eating disorders. I had an eating disorder for over 2 decades and became alcohol dependent for about 3 years up until 2 years ago. 

Both of these addictions almost took my life. Sadly I had got to the point where I wasn’t bothered if it did.

At the time, my addiction chose alcohol and lack of eating over my own son, family and friends. 

That’s addiction, it doesn’t discriminate. Situations in the past get interpreted by each individual differently and people react differently. By this, I mean that while one person wouldn’t be bothered about an event in the past, another could be quite affected by it or affected by words. 

So there has been a lot of therapy around my past to overcome this. Other services had briefly brushed over and not challenged my mindset which is why it has been going on so long until Jonathan stepped in.

I’ll be honest, with all the intensive treatment I was receiving there were moments where I thought, “is this working? What’s the point? Am I ever going to be ‘fixed’? How long does this take”? 

Reflecting and taking the decision for change

The challenge with instant gratification and being in the height of addiction is what I feel is craved as an instant fix. That “fix” is only short term and I had to accept recovering would take time. 

I had “practiced” my heavy drinking for long enough, it was time to accept what’s happened, take ownership and practice the tools I had learnt to get better. I didn’t get it right straight away, I messed up but I learnt from it and sometimes had to try a different approach. 

There’s a good old cliché “practice makes perfect”, I even say it to my 7 year old son, and getting your life under your control and actually having a life is totally worth it. Life can be scary, unpredictable, chaotic, highs and lows but with the right mindset and use of effective mindset tools YOU CAN get through anything. 

I have, and since being sober/eating well, recently had the most challenging experience to date. In fact, it’s still not over and for the first time in my life I'm using effective skills instead of turning to drink or restricted eating. 

Why it’s so important to Secure Your Tectonic Plates of Your Mind (as Jonathan would put it!)

Here’s the recent situation….

Saturday 16^th October. Wedding dress shopping with my bridesmaids and my mum. Had a great day out, meal etc, oh…found the dress. However in the back of my mind I couldn’t help worrying about my son, Bob (still not actually called Bob), he’d been off school for 2 days being sick and laid up on the sofa. 

Normally this kid never stops, we do loads of active things together. On my return from the exciting day out, a rash had appeared on Bob. Without giving it 2 thoughts (of my past reservations about going to hospital and being stuck there) I rang an ambulance and packed a bag at the same time. I knew something wasn’t right.  

Let’s just say in the height of my addiction and eating disorder, my own hospital experience was not a very good one and I probably wasn’t the ideal patient, which led me to getting sectioned. 

Why I Know My Tectonic Plates have been Secured!

Bearing in mind 2 years ago, my addiction would have chosen alcohol over my son!

On this occasion my whole world stopped, nothing mattered other than getting Bob sorted. My usual routine of exercise and set meal times which helps me stay sober and eating well, went out the window but I knew I would be OK. 

I fought to get him sorted. I experienced feelings (which I would have previously tried to numb in very unhelpful ways), emotions, anxiety, sadness, guilt, hopelessness, nervous energy and very lonely and there was nowhere to go to “switch off”. 

We were in and out of hospital for over a month then we contracted Covid, which was a kick in the teeth. I can honestly now tell you what got me through this. 

Jonathan and myself have done so much work together. One aspect was to strengthen my mind using certain techniques attaching emotional drivers to what I wanted to achieve. My emotional drivers were trained to kick the ass out of alcohol and food issues, and all of a sudden I was now in hospital with a rare auto-immune disease impacting on my son. My emotional driver used was Bob. 

Another technique used was to train my mind to take the batton as if I was in a relay race against my past self.

Jonathan would get me to imagine I was on an athletic race track. I would imagine Jonathan racing against my old dark self to start with. Jonathan would do a lap and I would take the Baton and begin racing. At first my old self would catch me up. 

Over time after practice and attachment of emotional drivers, I became so mentally strong, I did not need Jonathan on the race track with me. I would just look at the old self on the other race track lane and make it clear it no longer threatened my life, nor could it beat me. I would and still smash it into the ground if my metaphorical old self even thought it could take me on!

The anger and emotions I felt towards my issues getting between me and Bob became so strong (after practice) I am now over 2 years sober. This vision and attached feelings empowered my mind and enabled me to stay strong, focused be there for Bob, and get through it with whatever cards are dealt!

Reflecting

I realise the situation with Bob could have gone one of two ways, but I have practiced to achieve a strong mindset and I got through it. There would have been a time previously when that situation would have brought back a lots of feelings around being in hospital but I took control of the situation, didn’t panic. Even when the word “meningitis” got thrown around. I stayed strong for him. 

I’ve found it’s the build up to something that creates the anxiety, the not knowing, the things I tell myself in my head, it’s all made up nonsense.

Even though it is still ongoing it is rewarding to be writing this, and I can look back at my previous unhelpful behavior and know, that’s not me anymore. Writing this has also reminded me how useful the tools are, not only to get you through addiction (for example) but to have the ability to be strong for unexpected life situations. 

Looking back, I would have found the above information quite vital the people helping you don’t have grey hairs for nothing. If I could sum up this article in one word it would be- Believe.

If you want to learn more about overcoming Anxiety, Alcoholism and eating disorders, please get in touch.

Whenever I work with clients, I ask them to complete an exercise I call the 5As. It’s a key element for clients working through different sections in my book “How To Build On Tectonic Plates” or personalised manual I provide my clients.

The purpose of the exercise

The purpose of this exercise is to establish an understanding of your current situation. It involves looking at what has happened in the past, whether you acknowledge that past and how it has influenced you in respect of your thought’s actions and feelings. 

It also helps you to break down the change you may need to make, by looking at the actions required and how you can measure your progress.

The process then leads you to position your mind as if you have ultimately achieved the journey and desired successful outcome or change. 

Gaining clarity

Far too often clients go straight the visualising process only to find things don’t materialise over time. By applying the above process, this empowers your mind with the knowledge and understanding of what needs to be done.

It can support clarity, eradication of procrastination, unwanted stress, anxiety and much more.

My 5As principle incorporates: Ability to Acknowledge, Ability to Accept, Ability to Agree, Ability to Act, and Ability to Achieve. 

Below is just an insight to some of the questions a client is encouraged to reflect and answer:

Acknowledge

What do you choose to acknowledge about yourself in respect of your mindset?

What do you need to acknowledge about your current financial affairs?

Accept 

What is it that you need to accept?

Do you need to accept action is required? and what needs to be achieved?

Agree

What is it you need to agree?

Act

What action do you need to take?

Is it measurable?

Achieve

What achievements key milestone markers have you noted?

How do you think or feel your emotional state of being will be once you have achieved your desired outcome?

Are you willing to take action?

If you would like to know more about how I support clients with their mind and wealth, don’t delay, just reach out and get in touch.

I’m sure you will have heard this before, but if you keep doing the same, you will continue get the same outcome. 

If you truly want to make change, then take action and get in touch.

Warmest wishes

Jonathan