Hi Everyone,
I've been thinking a lot about this blog and will be updating it regularly to create a variety of topics and resources. Yes - keeping up with technology and adding value to those that are interested in the various topics. Please check back for updates and send me an email with any thoughts you have! tim@granddynamics.com. I look forward to hearing from you and engaging in some interesting dialogue.
Yours in Adventure -
Tim Walther
President
Grand Dynamics, Inc.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Summer of 2007 - Highlights
Well Well - What a Summer this has been. Here are a few highlights.
Grand Dynamics Highlights
Grand Dynamics has been rocking this summer. Our home office in Jackson Hole has been delivering a variety of our classic adventure based team building events. Our AMAZING RACE EVENTS have been quite the big hit lately, and for good reason. This event includes navigating throughout Jackson Hole in small teams with SUVs. Teams use GPS Units and make their way to scenic JH locations where a multitude of unique problem solving activities are presented by our GDI Enthusiologists! - Yes - Our staff! We've also been quite busy with grant writing and delivering small business consulting with several small businesses here in Jackson. It's great to see the vison of a small business and help those entrepreneurs transition that vision into reality. Jamie Reilly has been instumental in the business management and development. He has also been keeping busy as a professional actor and been featured in several local plays here in Jackson Hole. Jamie - You're tha Man!
Our New England Division has been very busy this year as well. Will Leggett has delivered many events across New England and developmed many strategic partnerships with Resorts and Meeting Planners. Way to go Willie!
As always - Grand Dynamics fuels my passion for providing amazing experiences for teams and the platform for personal and professional development. I look forward to sharing those experiences and insights for many years to come.
OTHER PROJECTS
Seeking True North - This is a soon to be published book that I have written with Erick Erickson. We are very excited to see this project finally be available to all of our past, present and future clients. The book is a story of personal and professional development and packed with Models, Methods and Tools to take life to a higher level. The main characters are Freedom and Beautiful. The story plays out as they attend a leadership retreat and learn lessons from an Older and Younger Facilitaor. As the tools are referenced in the story (the first half of the book), the reader can flip to the second half of the book to discover a bit more about each of the tools. The book is scheduled to be published in November and distributed in the new year. Thanks to everyone that has been a part of this project in one form or another.Stay tuned!
Reality Television?
The world of wonder - a production company in LA - contacted Grand Dynamics after searching for an ideal team building company to be the focus of a new Reality Televion show. The demo reel for that will be available in the coming weeks on line. This should be an interesting one!
BRING IT BACK - this is a film project that I have been working on with Scott Fessler. Scott is a child hood friend of mine and it is great to reconnect with him. The film is about the transition from my Tsunami experience and eventually going back to deliver the funds to the orphanage two years later. Along the way - the adventure travel focuses on my First Ascent in Cambodia. The philosophy part and deriving theme is about Self Actualization and how we all perceive what it means to live to our own true potential. More on this in future postings!
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Rock Climbing and Mountaineering
This year has been an incredible climbing season for me personally. I have climbed many incredible routes, which I will post in more detail in the future. Every time I go into the mountains I come away with a deeper understanding of who I am, how I face challenges, and what is most important to me. This topic deserves significant writing in itself and I will definitely be posting more about this. Of Course - having an article in Climbing Magazine's EPIC issue this month has been quite the amazing thing. Talk about a dream come true.
Quantum Physics
You are what you think and thoughts are things. Energy is real. You create your reality with intention. These concepts have been on the forefront of my mind and this will be another topic of significant interest. I look forward to many posts on this topic and to hear your insights on them as well.
Okay - that's it for right now. I am off to pick up MASTER RICK ERICKSON at the airport. We have several multi-day retreats and other pojects we will be working on together over the coming months. I look forward to writing more - and creating some thought provoking insights for you to consider.
Grand Dynamics Highlights
Grand Dynamics has been rocking this summer. Our home office in Jackson Hole has been delivering a variety of our classic adventure based team building events. Our AMAZING RACE EVENTS have been quite the big hit lately, and for good reason. This event includes navigating throughout Jackson Hole in small teams with SUVs. Teams use GPS Units and make their way to scenic JH locations where a multitude of unique problem solving activities are presented by our GDI Enthusiologists! - Yes - Our staff! We've also been quite busy with grant writing and delivering small business consulting with several small businesses here in Jackson. It's great to see the vison of a small business and help those entrepreneurs transition that vision into reality. Jamie Reilly has been instumental in the business management and development. He has also been keeping busy as a professional actor and been featured in several local plays here in Jackson Hole. Jamie - You're tha Man!
Our New England Division has been very busy this year as well. Will Leggett has delivered many events across New England and developmed many strategic partnerships with Resorts and Meeting Planners. Way to go Willie!
As always - Grand Dynamics fuels my passion for providing amazing experiences for teams and the platform for personal and professional development. I look forward to sharing those experiences and insights for many years to come.
OTHER PROJECTS
Seeking True North - This is a soon to be published book that I have written with Erick Erickson. We are very excited to see this project finally be available to all of our past, present and future clients. The book is a story of personal and professional development and packed with Models, Methods and Tools to take life to a higher level. The main characters are Freedom and Beautiful. The story plays out as they attend a leadership retreat and learn lessons from an Older and Younger Facilitaor. As the tools are referenced in the story (the first half of the book), the reader can flip to the second half of the book to discover a bit more about each of the tools. The book is scheduled to be published in November and distributed in the new year. Thanks to everyone that has been a part of this project in one form or another.Stay tuned!
Reality Television?
The world of wonder - a production company in LA - contacted Grand Dynamics after searching for an ideal team building company to be the focus of a new Reality Televion show. The demo reel for that will be available in the coming weeks on line. This should be an interesting one!
BRING IT BACK - this is a film project that I have been working on with Scott Fessler. Scott is a child hood friend of mine and it is great to reconnect with him. The film is about the transition from my Tsunami experience and eventually going back to deliver the funds to the orphanage two years later. Along the way - the adventure travel focuses on my First Ascent in Cambodia. The philosophy part and deriving theme is about Self Actualization and how we all perceive what it means to live to our own true potential. More on this in future postings!
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Rock Climbing and Mountaineering
This year has been an incredible climbing season for me personally. I have climbed many incredible routes, which I will post in more detail in the future. Every time I go into the mountains I come away with a deeper understanding of who I am, how I face challenges, and what is most important to me. This topic deserves significant writing in itself and I will definitely be posting more about this. Of Course - having an article in Climbing Magazine's EPIC issue this month has been quite the amazing thing. Talk about a dream come true.
Quantum Physics
You are what you think and thoughts are things. Energy is real. You create your reality with intention. These concepts have been on the forefront of my mind and this will be another topic of significant interest. I look forward to many posts on this topic and to hear your insights on them as well.
Okay - that's it for right now. I am off to pick up MASTER RICK ERICKSON at the airport. We have several multi-day retreats and other pojects we will be working on together over the coming months. I look forward to writing more - and creating some thought provoking insights for you to consider.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
FEATURE in Climbing Mag September EPIC Edition
IT'S OFFICIAL!
Our first ascent in Cambodia (The Spirit of Mokwai) will be featured in Climbing magazine this September. It is in the annual EPIC issue. Pick it up at outdoor stores and book stores... Enjoy!
Grand Intentions - and... Heli Skiing?
Grand Intentions - and... Heli Skiing?
Read this brief story and think about the power of intention, serendipity, and attracting things into your life....
I got back from climbing the Grand Teton (again) yesterday and this wacky thing happened to me and for some reason I feel inclined to tell it to you. IN BRIEF - the climb was full of wind, snow, rain, sun on summit... fully adventuresome. i took up Brian Iguchi and Lilly - Sam's (Teton Thai) sister whose married to Brian... We come off the rappell - which you may or may not know the final free hanging rappell REQUIRES two ropes. So we're just about to leave and I see this guy throw the rope down that stops in the middle of the overhang. Bad news. So I shout out to him... he's freaking out. So I get another rope up to him and he, and his 16 year old son, make it down inthe midst of raging storm. It turns out is is Theo Minor who runs an Alaskan Heli Guide Operation, proceeds to thank me over and over. His first words as he was still hanging on the ropes were, "What do I owe you?" Nothing, Man. No worries. Just glad to help." I reply. "No - really - you save my ass!" He proceeds to go on and on and offer me a free Heli-Skiing day in ALaska! Sweet. I'll have to put that on the list now! Wacky, eh?
What's most interesting about this whole experience is this: My INTENTION I set for that day and the meaning of this particular climb for me was on giving - and how I can be more reception and aware of opportunities to give in random situations. Then this happens... sweet... Don't you love the power of intention and paying attention to serendipitous occurences?
Friday, January 5, 2007
Back in the USA - and Back in the HOLE
WOW - I am back in the USA. I have a layover in LA and am able to see my parents who are vacationing with friends over new years. That is nice, seeing how I missed the entire holiday season, starting before Thanksgiving.
Anyway, I get on yet another airplane on Friday morning and come cruising into Jackson Hole. I step out of the plane and take a deep breath, smelling the clean, mountain air. A feeling of joy overcomes me. I have made it home from travelling around the world, and I can honestly say that I live in the most beautiful place I have ever been. I can't wait to see my dog, to get home, and to start working. (Yes - I LOVE Grand Dynamics) It's good to be back.
Soon enough I am greeted by Geanie cranking my favorite tunes and Telos, my chocolate lab, licking my face.
I get home, and begin my transition process back to Grand Dynamics, and reflection on what all this has meant...
Anyway, I get on yet another airplane on Friday morning and come cruising into Jackson Hole. I step out of the plane and take a deep breath, smelling the clean, mountain air. A feeling of joy overcomes me. I have made it home from travelling around the world, and I can honestly say that I live in the most beautiful place I have ever been. I can't wait to see my dog, to get home, and to start working. (Yes - I LOVE Grand Dynamics) It's good to be back.
Soon enough I am greeted by Geanie cranking my favorite tunes and Telos, my chocolate lab, licking my face.
I get home, and begin my transition process back to Grand Dynamics, and reflection on what all this has meant...
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
From Russia with Love
I manage to make it to the airport on time. Anastasia and I have a bit of a debate as to whether my baggage I left is at the same airport that I am flying out of. A few moments of panic, and then we realize that everything is in line. I make my way through the airport check ins. At one point a security guy is going through all my luggage and finds a horn from Kathmandu. He squeezes is and jumps up, startled. He looks up and around, gets the attention of another security checker, and squeezes it again. They both break out in laughter and I follow suit. Wow - Russians laughing with me at the airport! A great way to finish my trip. It was almost as funny as when I realized my zipper was down for about an hour in the airport... ummm, yeah, another good one. Maybe that's why everyone was smiling and laughing at me?
I continue through the check in process and get to my gate. As I proceed, the security checker finds my bottle of Absinthe, and quickly takes it away! WHAT?! Duty free is right there! I proceed to make several arguments, none of which is understood. As I stand there, pleading my case, I hear off in the distance, "Welcome to Russia!" I look up to see a beautiful Russian girl with long blondish-red hair, smiling at me. "Hey - can you talk to these people for me?" I ask her for help. She comes over and soon she explains the options. "Leave the bootle here with them, or drink it." Ummmm....Okay.... I crack the bottle and announce to the rest of the people waiting that there is free Absinthe for the drinking! I thank my new found friend, Alena, for the support and we share several shots before we get onto the plane. As we head to our seats, Alena invites me to join her later in the flight. Spicaba! I pass out and have beautiful dreams, spawned by this historic, dark liquor...
I wake up and join Alena for the rest of the long flight. We talk about many things, including a the Economist article about Neurology and Brain Science. This comes right after I am explaining to Alena about Plato and the Allegory of the Cave, and we discuss whether or not we we can ever know what is real and what is fantasy. (Literally, I open the magazine and that article is referenced in the section we are reading - sweet.) I make one dire mistake of telling Alena that I know how to Salsa dance (that's another story)... By the time we land we have built a stong connection and one that we plan to build on. What a great way to finish up the trip. Out of Russia... with love! And I mean that as a great metaphor. The entire Russian finale experience transformed from one of a cold confrontation and challenge, to a warm grateful feeling, with love. What better concept of Self Actualization????
I continue through the check in process and get to my gate. As I proceed, the security checker finds my bottle of Absinthe, and quickly takes it away! WHAT?! Duty free is right there! I proceed to make several arguments, none of which is understood. As I stand there, pleading my case, I hear off in the distance, "Welcome to Russia!" I look up to see a beautiful Russian girl with long blondish-red hair, smiling at me. "Hey - can you talk to these people for me?" I ask her for help. She comes over and soon she explains the options. "Leave the bootle here with them, or drink it." Ummmm....Okay.... I crack the bottle and announce to the rest of the people waiting that there is free Absinthe for the drinking! I thank my new found friend, Alena, for the support and we share several shots before we get onto the plane. As we head to our seats, Alena invites me to join her later in the flight. Spicaba! I pass out and have beautiful dreams, spawned by this historic, dark liquor...
I wake up and join Alena for the rest of the long flight. We talk about many things, including a the Economist article about Neurology and Brain Science. This comes right after I am explaining to Alena about Plato and the Allegory of the Cave, and we discuss whether or not we we can ever know what is real and what is fantasy. (Literally, I open the magazine and that article is referenced in the section we are reading - sweet.) I make one dire mistake of telling Alena that I know how to Salsa dance (that's another story)... By the time we land we have built a stong connection and one that we plan to build on. What a great way to finish up the trip. Out of Russia... with love! And I mean that as a great metaphor. The entire Russian finale experience transformed from one of a cold confrontation and challenge, to a warm grateful feeling, with love. What better concept of Self Actualization????
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
MOSCOW and the Learning Zone
I have one more day in Moscow. My travel from St. Peterburg begins by missing my flight. I misread the departure time and thought it said 1:20 - instead of 12:00. Oops. I catch a flight an hour later and am shocked that there is no penalty fee. As I contemplate my last night in Russia, I waiver between "going big" and getting a $600 hotel room downtown and relaxing for the last night, or going back to the hostel. I am feeling much more confident now and step out of the airport ready to dial in my last day. I decide to take Moscow head on, and quickly negotiate a taxi for 1200 rubles (800 less than what I paid the first time!) I return to Godzillas hostel and and welcomed with open arms by the reception folk. It was nice to see them again. Everything is feeling much more comfortable. I take a nap and head out for the last night. One of the highlights is a Russian shot called the Green Dragon. The shot is topped with Absinthe and it goes down in flames! (Email me if you want the recipe!) Rock and roll... i party fairly hard and end up back at the hostel hanging out with a VERY random guy, playing music and jamming until the wee hours.
THE INSIGHT
I arrived in Russia without any experience of the culture, the language, or knowledge or my surroundings. It was a bit nerve wracking and personally challenging. The experience was definitely out of my comfort zone. By the time I returned back to Moscow, I has the basics of the Russian Language, a comfort level with the culture and an overall confidence in travelling in this foreign land. This was a perfect Learning Laboratory of the comfort zone and how it works. NOW - I have expended my ability to travel in general, and my experience has provided me with a greater sense of confidene and knowledge that i CAN and WILL always handle new and challenging situations. Embrace the Learning Zone. It may be uncomfortable at the beginning, yet the rewards of expanding your capacity as a human are well worth the effort!
THE INSIGHT
I arrived in Russia without any experience of the culture, the language, or knowledge or my surroundings. It was a bit nerve wracking and personally challenging. The experience was definitely out of my comfort zone. By the time I returned back to Moscow, I has the basics of the Russian Language, a comfort level with the culture and an overall confidence in travelling in this foreign land. This was a perfect Learning Laboratory of the comfort zone and how it works. NOW - I have expended my ability to travel in general, and my experience has provided me with a greater sense of confidene and knowledge that i CAN and WILL always handle new and challenging situations. Embrace the Learning Zone. It may be uncomfortable at the beginning, yet the rewards of expanding your capacity as a human are well worth the effort!
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