Ricky Sahni: Walk Your Trail, You’ll Eventually Find Yourself Amongst All Walks Of Life

Urban living poses challenges for Ricky, as nature takes refuge in his heart, not the city’s. He posits that those expressing an affinity for nature are, in essence, voicing a longing for quietude.

Ricky Sahni, who has called Vietnam home for the past seven years, has a morning ritual that many city dwellers could benefit from: a daily 10-minute meditation session, an essential exercise in tranquility amidst the chaotic urban hustle. This routine, made all the more precious by the affectionate demands of his two cats, dictates his mood-of-the-day.

Before settling in Vietnam, Ricky lived in Hong Kong, where he indulged his love for outdoor activities such as trail-walking, mountaineering, and kayaking. Yet, the city’s frantic pace was not to his taste.

Longing for a calmer, slower rhythm of life, he faced a choice between Taiwan and Vietnam and ultimately chose the latter.

Ricky Sahni has always been a man of varied interests, a trait that has led him to engage in an array of sports. He attributes this to a restless nature that easily succumbs to boredom, pushing him to explore new avenues and discover what truly delights him.

His impromptu decision to relocate to Vietnam triggered reflective introspection on his life journey. His past was a vibrant tapestry of evolving interests and career shifts. During his high school years, Ricky was an artist, dabbling in clay modelling, sculpting, and painting, while also engaging in sports.

Nevertheless, he chose a divergent academic path, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on history, sociology, and geography.

After finishing his studies, Ricky Sahni went into the era of testing water; we all agree any job goes when we are figuring out the career. He worked at Pizza Hut and later in a call center, handling calls from the UK and US.

Throughout these transitions, one constant remained: his enduring love for nature. Whenever he needed a break, he retreated to the mountains, a habit that started in his high school years and continues to be a significant part of his life in Vietnam.

A Legacy Of Passion

Ricky, an ardent outdoorsman with over a decade of experience in wushu, finds exhilaration wrestling opponents who outweigh him by 10 kilograms. Yet, the principal challenge he faces lies not within the confines of the sports arena, but in his professional life.

Last year, Ricky grew weary of the administrative burden and interpersonal dynamics within the office environment. To find the balance, he decided not to be involved in the managerial tasks. He has dedicated himself to spending more time immersing himself in nature.

Coming back to the city, he takes every opportunity to educate others on how to form meaningful connections with the natural world.

Ricky’s past is a kaleidoscope of experiences, ranging from the arts to the social sciences, and now, sports. When questioned if these past endeavors continue to shape his current practices or if he feels a sense of detachment, Ricky reminisced about his past, particularly the influential lessons from his grandfather.

His grandfather instilled in him the value of self-reliance—a lesson that has navigated him through life. Ricky underscored his tendency to tackle tasks independently before seeking assistance, viewing this as an opportunity for personal growth and learning.

The Nature Of A Nature Enthusiast

There is no formula to assemble a nature enthusiast; we have to look at their love language—acts of service.

Ricky is an active participant in animal rescue operations. His location in Saigon allows him to feed the city’s homeless population, and his work extends to rescuing cats, dogs, and … snakes. Also, winged mammals.

One striking incident involved Ricky discovering a baby bat in his apartment’s pool area. He immediately brought it to the Saigon Pet Clinic, demonstrating his commitment to animal welfare. The rescue group he’s taken part in typically saves approximately three to five kittens each month and assists individuals in locating pets by arranging adoptions. “If I can’t rescue them, donations lead the way.”

Despite his love for animals and his own Phu Quoc puppy, Ricky acknowledges that he lacks the resources (read: time and attention) to adopt another good-boy.

Ricky’s passion for animals dovetails with his broader perspective on nature. He recognizes a pervasive fear of certain elements of nature, mostly insects, reptiles, and the “exotic-of-exotics,” among those who express a desire to connect with them.

He suggests that this fear arises from a romanticized conception of nature, one that celebrates tranquil images of mountains and rivers in popular culture while disregarding the less appealing aspects of the natural world.

However, Ricky Sahni stresses that understanding nature requires a focus not just on the macro view—mountains, rivers, and forests—but also on the micro elements, like insects, dirt, fungi, and tree molds. He underscores the need to recognize our place within this intricate web of life, rather than viewing ourselves as separate from these elements.

Ricky suggests practical measures, such as hiring a knowledgeable guide or taking precautions like cleaning shoes before entering homes, to facilitate this connection. He believes these adaptable strategies can pave the way for a more genuine, unimpeded connection with nature.

How Much Do We Need To Push Ourselves?

Let’s talk about commitment, discipline, and childlike joy in sports.

When queried about his take on extreme sports, Ricky Sahni playfully cited overeating as an extreme sport, a vice he occasionally succumbs to, leaving him breathless. His actual participation, however, lies in the realm of obstacle course racing (OCR), a challenging yet manageable sport.

More than just a participant, he views himself as a mentor, fostering enthusiasm among others to immerse themselves in these activities. His primary role is to discern and nurture the best interests of each individual in the sport, equipping them to share their knowledge organically with others.

Ricky reflects on his adventures in various outdoor pursuits, including ultra-trail running, mountain biking, and trekking. Driven by the need to connect to nature rather than stand on a podium, he never ventured into them professionally. He candidly confessed his tendency to “crash and burn.”

When asked if regular hiking or trekking could prepare someone for an ultra-trail race, Ricky suggests that it all essentially boils down to a love for nature. He notes that while people may have different preferences—some might enjoy fast runs, others long-distance runs, and some might find joy in camping or cycling—the unifying element is a shared appreciation for nature, especially the mountains.

Ricky Sahni doesn’t run long distances; for him, 21 to 25 kilometers is enough. However, he loves running and enjoys sharing his experiences with friends. He states that despite the different distances and speeds they run, they always find common ground to talk about—the beauty of nature.

In May, Ricky and the ExoTrails team went to Núi Dinh for a weekend “runaway.” To my joyous memory, Ricky showered everyone with treats bought from the local stopovers. Many more incredible journeys with ExoTrails & Ricky on ExoTrails App.

Don’t Pack Every “What If” Question When Going In Nature

Ricky Sahni shares their personal experience of running in sandals in the mountains. They attribute this practice to a friend named Hienka. During a trail run in Núi Dinh, Hienka had only a small flask of water, while the speaker had multiple water bottles and additional gear.

Inspired by Hienka’s minimalist approach and claims of self-training, Ricky embarked on a journey to pare down his own equipment. Nowadays, on casual runs, he runs with nothing more than sandals, shorts, a t-shirt (occasionally, without even that), sunglasses, and a small water bottle.

Ricky reflected on his journey in trail running and his relationship with nature. He discussed the concept of “what if,” which he believes is more prevalent than imposter syndrome when people venture into nature. This stems from uncertainties regarding what they might need or what could go wrong; from speeding up on a hill to moving on with wet shoes.

He stated that, with experience, he has reduced his own “what ifs” and knows exactly what he needs according to the distance and location of his run.

Intriguingly, despite his adventurous spirit, he confesses a fear of swimming and discomfort with deep water. Yet, he does not shy away from confronting that fear if a situation calls for it, such as saving a life.

Despite his trepidation, Ricky Sahni has ventured into snorkeling and found it enjoyable, as he was still able to breathe. Open to trying new experiences but always respectful of his personal boundaries, he presents a balanced approach to adventure and self-care.

Conversation About Conservation

Ricky, having resided in various Asian regions, asserts that the East trails behind its Western counterparts by a couple of decades in harmonizing with nature. He recalls his participation in races in the pristine wilderness of Sweden and Canada, where infrastructure respects and coexists with the natural environment, rather than bulldozing through it.

He asserts that Asia is in a phase of environmental education, emphasizing the importance of natural habitat preservation and infrastructure development that complements them, rather than destroying them for progress.

As Asian economies grow, he highlights the need to learn from Western practices, but insists the path towards conservation must be customized to local contexts.

Building on this, Ricky fervently believes in the pivotal role of the younger generation in shaping infrastructure that respects and protects nature. He acknowledges that urban development was a primary focus of past generations, unintentionally hindering access to nature.

However, he remains hopeful that the ongoing discussions about nature will encourage the younger generations to create structures that enhance, rather than hinder, our connection with the natural world.

Ricky agrees that Asia can learn a lot from the West’s conservation methods. However, he suggests that instead of simply copying these strategies, they should be adapted to fit local circumstances. He emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that consider and respect the unique conditions and requirements of each locale.

As an example, he mentions his trip to Con Dao Island, where he saw local turtle conservation efforts first-hand. Contrary to initial impressions, Ricky notices a growing commitment to conservation in many Asian countries.

He mentions the numerous posts he has seen inviting students to participate in week-long turtle conservation programs.
In an intriguing comparison, Ricky draws parallels between turtles’ instinctual return to their birthplaces to lay eggs and the human quest for a ‘home’. This ‘home’, he explains, could be a family, pets, or even nature itself, providing a haven of peace, calm, and quiet.

Thus, in the context of the conversation, he surmised that humans are trying to find a community that cherishes nature and offers sanctuary from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Pilgrimage Trails And Spiritual Fitness

Turning the conversation to the topic of pilgrimage trails in Asia, Ricky Sahni notes that these paths often lead to religious sites also ensconced in mountains or remote areas. This shared reverence for seclusion is a common thread among many global religions, with temples, churches, or pagodas nestled in isolated places to offer tranquil spaces for monks and worshippers.

The trek to these sacred sites, frequently involving hiking, is perceived not as exercise, but as an act of devotion. In countries like Vietnam, Japan, India, numerous mountain trails culminate at temples, regularly traversed by religious devotees. The focus, he stresses, is not on the hike itself, but on the spiritual destination it leads to.

Highlighting the importance of mindfulness and respect when running in areas of religious significance, Ricky criticizes runners who disrupt the tranquility of these environments with loud music. He also mentions that some pagodas have preemptively blocked routes to prevent such disturbances.

Ricky Sahni advocates for a quieter, more respectful approach when running in these areas, and broaches the topic of preparedness for long-distance running. While runners in the West typically carry essentials like water, food, and a first aid kit, he notes that in Vietnam, runners often find food and water at the start and end of the trail, but there’s a conspicuous absence of first aid stations along the route.

Ricky Sahni argues that the provision of first aid kits or stations could enhance safety, without diminishing the journey’s spirit.

Sport-Life Balance In Curriculum

In Asia, a traditional emphasis on academic achievement often overshadows the importance of extracurricular activities, including sports. This can lead to a lifestyle marked by overwork, with little regard for physical health or personal passions.

Yet, it is entirely possible to strike a balance between a corporate life and an active lifestyle.

Individuals who have found a way to incorporate an active lifestyle into the conventional work-life routine are quite unique and rare, much like unicorns. The key to this balance isn’t to see work and physical health as opposing forces, but to blend them seamlessly into everyday life.

This suggests a potential evolution in our education system, where both academics and physical development are given equal importance, recognizing their joint contribution to long-term success and well-being.

This distinction between systematic education and self-curated learning is a debate that holds potential for reshaping how society views success and personal development.

Ricky Sahni asserts that the current educational curriculum needs to incorporate more sports and recreational activities. He points out that most education systems, especially in schools and universities, predominantly emphasize memorization over problem-solving and understanding concepts. Those soft skills, undoubtedly, are utmost important in nature.

To counter this, Ricky Sahni is collaborating with a university in India to develop an educational curriculum emphasizing physical health, outdoor activities, and basic nutritional knowledge.

This initiative aims to broaden students’ choices and foster a deeper understanding of their bodies and health. Ricky Sahni strongly advocates for the worldwide implementation of similar programs.

One thing that you don’t want to see change in the near future is…

When I wake up, I’d like to hear “meow.”