Reach New Heights with a Climbing Partner

Earth has its own rhythms. Just listen to the hypnotic ebb and flow of waves at the beach or the pulsing crescendo of wind as it whistles through the trees. You’ve gotta admit: nature rocks!

In order to waltz with the world, you need to get in tune. Pay attention to her moves and step up accordingly. Just as your two feet work in tandem and your two hands coordinate their actions, so too should your climbing strategy be synced perfectly with your partner.

ANCHOR AWAY

Unlike Superman, you can’t leap tall mountains in a single bound. It takes precision and purpose; each step and handhold must be on point.

As part of a safe climbing agenda, you should anchor yourself at every stage in your ascension. When you reach new heights, secure your rope before moving forward. This is a great metaphor for life. When you accomplish a certain goal, don’t simply brag about it… or else you could fall back on your own arrogance. Instead, make the most of your win and build off of it. 

That’s where a partner comes in.

Your climbing partner is on the other end of the rope. Once you secure your line, you make it possible for her or him to move past you, anchor in, and steady the rope anew. This is the dance I mentioned earlier. It is a two-step with the rock face, and it can only be achieved through careful choreography with your trusted partner.

PARALLAX VIEW

Close your left eye. Now quickly open it and close your right eye. The world just shifted in front of you. Mind blown, right? That phenomenon is called the parallax view, and it is all about perspectives.

One eye sees life from a slightly skewed vantage point. The other eye is also offset, but exactly in the opposite direction. Together, they balance one another out and give us depth perception, three-dimensional sight, and the ability to understand all of the visions that swirl around us every day.

In short: it allows us to climb and explore at will.

Your view is uniquely your own. Nobody perceives the world quite like you do. The same can be said of your climbing partner. When paired up, you bring two opposing yet complementary perspectives to the mountain before you. It is an example of a parallax view on a grand scale. If your partner moves 100 yards ahead, she or he will gain valuable insight. You can peer the other direction to make sure your line is stable and secure. Together, you perform the function of two eyes scanning the wonders of nature. Partnership is perspective, and vice versa. 

LIFE SAVER

The only remedy for human error is human ingenuity. We all make mistakes, but only the strongest among us actually learn from them.

Case in point: I bought new crampons before attempting to crest Denali. Crampons are the spiked cleats that attach to your boots and help you from sliding into oblivion. At least, that’s the theory.

But Denali had other plans for me that day. I lost my footing and started careening down an ice field. The rush of elements speeding past me was almost as visceral as the rush of adrenaline flooding through my veins… almost.

If I had been alone, I would have been a goner. Yet another proud soul who thought they could conquer Mother Nature, only to have her swallow him whole. But I was not alone, thank the climbing gods. My partner was anchored 50 feet away. I slid past him, plummeting another 50 feet before our rope took hold.

It was like an umbilical cord, tethering us together. I wish I could say I was the mom, but sliding toward your own impending doom makes you realize what a helpless baby you really are. I grew up quickly that day, and I owe my epiphany to my climbing compadre.

LIFE/PARTNER 

A co-pilot can save your life, even if you aren’t attempting something as difficult as climbing the highest peak in North America. Your rope is a metaphor; you are indelibly linked to those closest to you, and you should work diligently to maintain and strengthen your bonds.

For example, the global pandemic has tested our collective resolve on an epic scale. There may be days when you just can’t seem to carry on, but you must. Your anchor is your climbing partner, and they are picking up the slack during your most difficult times.

Even if you are battling a depressive funk, your partner is cheering you on. Set simple goals and celebrate your successes. Something as simple as taking out the trash is a win. Your partner can appreciate your effort in the face of a daunting emotional wall that towers over you. Next time, it’s your partner’s turn to take out the garbage. The dance continues…

YOUR SUMMIT BECKONS

Applying mountain climbing lessons to everyday life is useful. It’s kinda my “thing” and it has helped me put complicated events/emotions like cancer survival into perspective.

So, what is your personal Denali? What obstacles lie in front of you, taunting you to eclipse them? Or, to rephrase it in a “glass half full” way, what opportunities await your unique talents and vision?

The Summit Challenge is your chance to shine. It quantifies your goals, puts them into motion, and holds you accountable for your own success. By jotting down your aspirations, you lend them inspiration. Join the Summit Challenge and be sure to enlist a partner to keep you honest. Share your plans with one another and check in to help transform those dreams into reality.

The mountain is calling. Answer it… and conference in your partner.