Work Life Play with Aaron McHugh

Field Report-Let's Keep Destroying the Programs (Unedited)

Destroying the programs that do not serve us to pursue purpose and happiness.

Field Report-Abundance (Unedited)

A mindset of abundance isn't so easy to find.

How to Know Where You Are: Navigation Lesson from Pathfinder

A navigation lesson recorded in the Colorado wilderness featuring renowned guide "Pathfinder" Dave Eitemiller. A video of this experience is here .

Field Report-Liminal (Unedited)

A state or a phase of transition, on the threshold of something new.

Field Report-Learning to Love the Question (Unedited)

Rilke says, "Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer."

Field Report-Sustained Peak Performance (Unedited)

On the road to impossible, how to sustain our ability to create impact and performance.

Field Report-Usefulness (Unedited)

Confusing our worth our usefulness.

Field Report-Prayers (Unedited)

The words we speak are our prayers.

I Am From-Sabbath Poem

Inspired from George Ella Lyon's "How to write a poem" exploring the question, where am I from?

Field Report-Exuberant Joy Via Ferrata (Unedited)

Finding ecstatic joy in life's adventures.

Field Report-Snowmass Peak Zone 2 Living (Unedited)

Updates on the thorns, buds, and roses of life.

Field Report-Metabolizing Endings (Unedited)

Creekside thoughts about endings and new beginnings in corporate and personal life - inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud's book "Necessary Endings." Intentionally saying goodbye or hello to metabolize an ending and keep moving forward.

Field Report-Fly Fishing Storytelling (Unedited)

An invitation into spacious places of friendship.

Bending the Map-Refusing to Face Reality

A life principle learned in the field. We had to choose between insisting the trail still existed and following our original plan, or admitting that our maps and the terrain were inaccurate.

Field Report-Bagpipes and Goodbyes (Unedited)

I reflect on a cherished memory of a dear friend and the moving farewell during his funeral as bagpipes played Amazing Grace.

Field Report-Sabbath Poems Pikes Peak (Unedited)

Inspired by Wendell Berry's Sabbath series, this is my take on a Sabbath Poem with reflections, outdoor exploration, and meaningful connection.

Field Report-The Monk in Me (Unedited)

I’m built for a monastic life but navigate the corporate world, a challenging balance to thrive in.

Field Report-Super Better (Unedited)

Becoming Super Better while I'm kind to myself in my corporate life.

Field Report-The Integrated Life (Unedited)

Warren Bennis said, "Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple and it is also that difficult."

Field Report-When You Feel Destabilized (Unedited)

How do we keep our heart forward? How do we stay grounded and centered?

Field Report-I Choose a Life (Unedited)

The life I choose was an impossible dream a decade ago.

Hunt Your Longings -Sabbath Poem

Field Report-The Outlaw is the Radical (Unedited)

Be human and remind everyone else of their humanity.

Field Report-Strenuous Wholeness (Unedited)

The hard but rewarding effort to live fully and authentically, integrating all parts of yourself amidst life's challenges.

Field Report-Hard with Heart Forward (Unedited)

Doing hard things with heart is the only way.

Analog Mode-Sabbath Poem

A sabbath poem reflection about a trip in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

Field Report-Firsts (Unedited)

Firsts are challenging, exhilarating, and draining.

Field Report-To Be Believed In (Unedited)

The importance of believing in others and telling them.

Field Report-Start Here Introduction

Unedited recordings from the front lines of my journey. Sixteen months ago, I took on a new, all-consuming career assignment—amazing and demanding every bit of me. Along the way, I’ve cataloged ideas, insights, and transformational stories to share. Welcome to Field Reports : raw, real, and simple adventure updates. Keep going, friends. Aaron

Why I Believe Work Life Balance is a Myth

Let go of work-life balance and embrace the unforced rhythms of a fully integrated life. I used to think that work-life balance was achievable. Now I believe it is a myth. No matter how hard I tried, I could never achieve this perfect moment of everything in my life working in perfect Zen harmony and balance. I felt so exhausted trying to stay in balance The way forward isn’t exhaustion. It isn’t juggling, stretching, or herculean gymnastic efforts to come through for others while ignoring yours...