Anyone who has walked through Chapada Diamantina knows that the mountain is a great teacher.
In the silence of the trail, under the weight of the backpack, and in the rhythm of breathing, we learn about ourselves—our limits, our choices, our consistency, and our purpose.
Inspired by the book Leader Trekking – The Executive and the Professor in the Pati Valley by Cezar Almeida, we revisited these teachings. As a result, we found three essential lessons that are just as useful on the mountain as they are in everyday life.
1. Review What You Carry
On the Trail
The weight of your backpack matters—a lot.
Letting go of what is unnecessary allows you to walk lighter, faster, and with less physical and mental strain.
Every day, our guides observe what travelers carry and help remove excess items. At first, it may seem like simple logistics. However, it is pure philosophy.
Deep down, we don’t just own what we carry—we also belong to it.
Each object becomes a responsibility: it takes time, energy, and attention.
Often, what we believe serves us is exactly what holds us back.
That’s why experienced trekkers carry less.
In the mountains, what is extra usually weighs more than what is missing.
In Life
To reach where we want to go, we also need to let go of our personal “weights”: habits, beliefs, places, and even people.
Carrying less allows you to go farther.
In fact, maturity often means realizing that happiness requires much less than we imagine.
Happier people focus on what truly matters and, therefore, release what no longer makes sense.
2. Have a Plan — On the Trail and in Life
On the Trail
Is it possible to reach your destination without planning? Maybe.
However, the chances of getting lost, starting over, or exhausting yourself are much higher.
In the mountains, planning means safety:
- Proper clothing
- Enough water
- A defined route
- A map, GPS, or an experienced guide
- Reliable references
When you know where you want to go, the path becomes clearer.
Moreover, when you prepare, the journey becomes lighter.
The trail teaches that it’s not magic—it’s consistency.
And the right resources make all the difference.
In Life
Recognize your goals and create a plan.
Choose your references, your companions, and your habits wisely.
What will you consume?
Which book will you read?
Which course will you take?
Who will you walk with?
Everything shapes the terrain of your journey.
For example, if you want to improve in a sport, it doesn’t make sense to surround yourself with people who discourage you. Instead, seek inspiration, training partners, and content that lifts you up.
And remember: to reach the top, you must climb one step at a time.
3. Stop Before Exhaustion
On the Trail
An experienced guide never waits for the group to reach exhaustion before stopping.
Instead, they define strategic rest points—even when no one seems tired—because they know something important:
Those who rest before exhaustion go farther, stronger, and enjoy the journey more.
If the group crosses the limit, recovery takes longer and performance drops.
Therefore, the rule is simple: recharge while you still have energy.
In Life
It is no coincidence that burnout is called the disease of the century.
We live exhausted, pushing limits every day, until the body demands a break—or shuts down without warning.
Listening to your own rhythm is wisdom.
Rest is not weakness; on the contrary, it is a strategy.
Pause before you collapse.
Give breaks to your body, your mind, and your emotions.
Above all, remember that the right rest, at the right time, can change the entire journey.
The Mountain as a Mirror of Life
The Pati Valley has been a silent school for decades.
Those who walk through its green valleys, steep climbs, and breathtaking viewpoints often carry home something bigger than photos: powerful lessons.
The book Leader Trekking translates these teachings clearly, showing how trekking reveals patterns, illuminates choices, and helps build a more conscious life.
At Lençóis Trekking, we deeply believe in this:
What works in Pati works in life.
