There are many ways to Matter in this life, not all of them necessarily involve alternative energy and sustainability. While Matter Magazine focuses mostly on those topics, I believe it's also our duty to highlight interesting, challenging and inspiring information and experiences that fit into the broader context of our mission, which is to explore and celebrate ways to enrich your world while reducing your impact.

So today, I'll turn you all on to the adventures of a very close friend of mine, David Ferris, who right this second is seeking meaning and richness in his life by scaling South America's Mount Aconcagua which, at 22,841 feet is the highest spot of land in the Western Hemisphere. Of course, not everyone will get the connection between risking your life and enriching it, but Dave does. I know because we used to do this sort of stuff together, back before my life migrated more towards changing diapers and mowing organically fertilized lawn and seeking my outdoor adventures in three-hour snippets on a bike or skis. In fact, one of Dave's climbing partners, Terri Schneider was the coach/trainer of our rag-tag expedition racing team.

So if you want a chance at some vicarious armchair adventure, check out Dave's audio posts over the next few weeks as he explores new cultures, tests new limits and scales new heights.

While you're at it, send some good thoughts his way.