Entrepreneur and skilled pastry chef, Pooja Dhingra, undertook a bold venture to climb Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at an elevation of 3,776 meters, after recovering from a knee injury. While her quest didn’t culminate at the summit on this attempt, she remains undeterred and plans to make another endeavor next year. For Dhingra, the journey was a profound lesson in self-discovery, reinforcing the idea that the most formidable mountain to conquer resides within ourselves. She shared her reflections on the experience, highlighting the importance of acknowledging personal accomplishments and embracing the challenge of self-improvement.
Venturing beyond one’s comfort zone can be both intimidating and transformative. Dhingra, aged 37, embarked on this formidable challenge after reading about Mt. Fuji in Phil Knight’s memoir, “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” six years prior. Overcoming an early-year knee injury posed a formidable hurdle, prompting Dhingra to dedicate herself to rigorous training, encompassing strenuous workouts, yoga, walks, and stair climbing. Describing the climb as mentally and physically demanding, Dhingra expressed gratitude for the encouraging words of her friend, Rhea Kapoor, a producer and stylist, which provided the much-needed morale boost.
Despite being forced to take shelter with locals due to a typhoon warning, Dhingra’s experience was nothing short of “wonderful.” Reflecting on her stay, she painted a serene picture of being surrounded by clouds and the mountain’s fresh air. The local cuisine, marked by nutritious and wholesome fare, left a lasting impression, with warm Udon Noodles and a Japanese Chicken Curry standing out as culinary highlights. Dhingra also celebrated Tokyo’s diverse culinary landscape, indulging in everything from authentic Japanese sushi and ramen to Indian-Japanese fusion dishes and Italian cuisine.
Dhingra acknowledged that stepping beyond one’s comfort zone isn’t a simple task. The inherent resistance of the mind to discomfort can be a formidable barrier. Nevertheless, she emphasized the significance of surmounting such barriers. Every year, Dhingra takes on a distinct challenge, recognizing its pivotal role in her personal growth journey. Her narrative serves as a testament to the transformative power of pushing oneself into uncharted territories, urging self-discovery and evolution through the embrace of challenges. While the summit of Mt. Fuji remains an aspiration, the journey itself has proven to be a valuable and enlightening chapter in Dhingra’s life.
