I have been wanting to write about this from the beginning.... when I just started climbing in September 2012. And then I just kept procrastinating....but here goes.
People say we are crazy. Brave. Abnormal. But I can tell you, it's not as crazy as it seems and there is a reason behind it all.
I have always known that I am here to live. Really live. Ask questions. Explore my mind, my soul, my body. When I used to travel the world as an air hostess, I was curious to know why traveling makes one so excited. Why so many people want to travel. It's the same reasons. Exploration. The excitement of talking to a fellow human being from another culture/country. Learning about yourself while learning about other people. It's a spiritual thing. Before we run away with that word now, let's define it as it is in the dictionary: affecting the human spirit.
And I know this is my purpose – to affect my spirit. To expand. All. The. Time. Never cease to learn and ask questions.
And this is why I keep going back to the rock. Not only am I changing physically - as I have finally managed for the first time in my LIFE to do pull-ups, as I am able to do things in yoga I haven't even dreamt of because I thought it was impossible; but I come back changed - mentally and spiritually - each time I return from the mountains. This consumes my days and I cannot wait for the next day out. What will I learn about myself today, what will I learn about life today. How will I deal with fear. What is fear. Why are we so afraid?
I have had therapy sessions on the rock before that no therapists could've given me. I have cried like a lunatic (I used to be embarrassed about crying in front of people), I have laughed, screamed, cursed – all of this out of joy, disappointment, fear, anger, relief, gratitude and amazement. Our mind, heart and body are incredible. Hilarious even, when not in harmony. Rock climbing is shaping me and preparing me for other things. My approach to yoga has changed because of it and I instruct/suggest/teach my classes the way I approach life/rock climbing. I realize now that I don't actually have words to explain/describe it all. The ineffability of it all.
So... I am not crazy or abnormal. I am expanding. Learning. I am exploring my mind, my body and my spirit. And I wish all human beings will do this. Stop focusing on all the bullshit that you manage to see. Focus instead on all the beauty around you – which happens to be endless. No buts. Meditate while moving. Breathe. It is so amazing to breathe. Go to the mountains and feel what it is like to breathe fresh air. Clear your mind. Have no excuses. Get shit done. Live your life. Be still for at least 5mins a day. Do stuff that makes you feel good about yourself, about your life and about the world. Eat well. Stop running away with the mind telling you lies (oh, how this happens on the rock all the time). Practice being light and easy. Get rid of your baggage. Stop running away with a destination. Be here. (I say this in yoga class all the time. I mention a handstand and off they go. Some stay present, some are chasing that handstand. Some get frustrated that they can't do that handstand. Some don't care and enjoy the journey). Enjoy the freakin journey! Measure your success by how happy you are.
I wanted to tell you why I climb rocks...
