by John Bishop
For many who attend Lawrence Academy, "Mountain Day" is one of the most memorable days every year. This tradition began in 1879, and depending on the weather, we’ve been doing a version of it ever since.
But why take the time to do so in early fall? Why interrupt classes and practices and the just-established school routine? As Head of School Dan Scheibe's reasons, Mountain Day is a one-day metaphor for the deeper purposes of our work at Lawrence Academy.
"Today, I just hope everybody has a great day walking up, walking around; doing what you're doing," said Scheibe at an 8:30 a.m. assembly before the ascent of New Hampshire's Mount Monadnock. As is often the case, he endeavored to put more profound meaning behind the task.
"What are we doing here? What are we doing in school?" Scheibe asked rhetorically before answering: "It's an individual journey towards a collective goal.
"What you're doing today, what you're doing tomorrow, what you do when you walk at graduation is an individual journey towards a collective goal."
However, not everyone can attain every goal in the same way. Nor should they. Using historical precedent, Mr. Scheibe illustrated the point by using the 1885 ascent and its description in that era's student newspaper, the Student Aid.
"We started off in a great hurry to reach the top," explained the antique author through LA's head of school. "But we did not run far for the ascent was not unlike going upstairs, and soon cooled our ardor.”
"In other words, they went out too fast," explained Scheibe.
It was a nudge in the ribs moment for many students, most of whom have never climbed its 3,165-foot peak.
"Here's some advice from a guy named Robert Pirsig," added Scheibe. "He wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.”
"So here's a guide for how to walk up the mountain: 'The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end, but a unique event in and of itself.'"
Even as the student and gathered faculty contemplated the summit today, or Thanksgiving break in November, the end of classes in June or even graduation in four years, Mr. Scheibe sought to ensure the community enjoyed the view along the way.
"To live only for some future goal is shallow," he said as he continued to quote Pirsig. "It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top."
"Have a great time at the sides of the mountain," concluded Mr. Scheibe as the excited group headed to the buses. "Have a good time on top, at the bottom, and everywhere you are. "