Pole-pole is the Swahili phrase for "slowly, slowly". It is used during long treks like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro to remind climbers to conserve energy. While learning how to kite surf my instructor also told me, pole-pole, to be patient and confident to control the kite. Even deeper it is an Eastern African philosophy for everyday life: to be calm, patient and steady. This past week on the coast of Kenya I have definitely been soaking in the pole-pole energy. The locals here, and East Africans in general, live a simple, non-sophisticated life and are generally happy and satisfied. In the US we overcomplicate so many things, thus leading to energy expended and wasted in the wrong areas of life. At first it was a challenge for me to be slow and simple because I am a busy body by nature, always trying to do or see the next thing. I have learned a lot from taking this week on the beach just to live, breathe, and be simple. However, I am ready to be on the go again. I thrive in scenarios where my energies are pushed to the limit and I must be decisive with how to spend my time. This week of relaxation has given me renewed vigor to take my focus, health, and intellect to the next level. Typically people say the male pre-frontal cortex becomes fully developed by the age of 25. Of course this is just an estimate but it gives me a good benchmark to really level up in the next five months. Zach and I head to Rwanda tomorrow for five days to explore the cleanest, safest city in Africa. We researched Kigali, Rwanda over a year ago, excited about the progressive outlook of the country! After Rwanda, on Sunday, we fly to Dubai for a day trip towards the country of Nepal. In Nepal we have a really exciting itinerary I look forward to updating here about.
Diani, Kenya
2 min read
Chase Fagen
Living Gambit