Get high and unplug

There is something recharging about my bi-weekly flights.

As a pilot for over 25 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to fly an average of once per week for 25 years.

I’ve long since noticed that after about six days without getting ‘airborne’ I start to feel ‘antsy’.

It manifests as a slight discomfort, mild grumpiness as though something essential is missing.

The minute I get ‘wheels up’ it is like a ‘quick-charger’ has been activated and my battery recharges within minutes. 

Worries fade away, problems seem smaller, and life gets brighter.

I used to attribute this magical regeneration to my addiction to flight, a trained and entitled behaviour, that I developed the need for.

More recently I have changed my hypothesis.

In a world of ever expanding demands and distractions, activities such a flying, that require 100% of your attention and focus are extremely rare, and have a meditative effect. The cognitive and physical demands block out the usual worldly interruptions and the mind is free to focus and heal.

My twenty-minute long farm inspection flights are more than enough to keep my skills sharp, uplift my mood, and reset my psyche. 

Find your zen activity. The thing that blocks out modern life long enough to allows you to become human again. Roll some Jiu Jitsu, shoot some targets, chop some wood, play a round of chess, or simply meditate.

It only takes minutes for your humanity to return.

• Now that’s a peak ethos