Lessons learned from Rock Climbing

He has not learned the lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rock Climbing experience has gifted me lessons that I can use to transform my life. This experience on the wall was an eye opener for me. Perhaps help me to improve my next rock climbing and prepare anyone who is going to try rock climbing.

1. One step at a time: When you are at the starting point, you are aware of the end point you must reach. However, to reach the tall goal you must go step by step. Each leap reminds you to be present in that moment and then look for the next milestone. It also demands your strength, focus and taking charge of the present, before moving to the next level.

2. Perseverance: Just at the beginning, my leg slipped, and I almost lost my control. But this initial hiccup did not stop me from going ahead and trying to climb up the rock. I was determined to try again and again as many times as needed. I also figured that you need to use legs more than arms. When you’re climbing, the drive to move forward and finish the climb can only come from within yourself.

3. Conquering your fear: As I went ahead few steps, it gave me the required confidence. This confidence then taught me to overcome the fear. It taught me to trust the journey. The ability to conquer the fear increases with each step you take towards your final point.

4. Rest: Rock climbing demands immense strength in your legs You feel the burn by the time you are about to reach the topmost point. So, if you feel tired, that is the point when you need to take some rest and then continue the journey.

5. Learning from others: Several people will try to do the climbing and it is important to observe and learn from them. At the same time, we should not fall trap to the comparisons as we all know we have our own unique strengths.

I am grateful for this experience. It gave an opportunity to stand tall and look at the wonderful view from above. It made me trust my feet as I progressed.

I am now applying the above lessons learned to stay in present, learn from adverse experiences, keep trying even when I feel like giving up and taking a pause from time to time. As someone once said “You Simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.”

--Sanchita

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