When life tells you to slow down, why not use the opportunity to observe from a different perspective?
I took a bouldering class through the Mountaineers. I just loved the class, the group, the instructor and the organization. It opened my eyes to new ways of thinking, trying and doing things. For those who don’t know, bouldering is climbing at low heights (no higher than you’re comfortable falling) without a harness or being tied in. Your only “safety” is a spotter and a crash pad. I’ve found its my favorite way to climb. By learning how to boulder, I’m learning (and in some cases reinforcing) many things, like:
- Forethought: How to think through my path before I start it.
- Patience: How to relax & be calm when I get “stuck” on a move rather than tense up and wear out my energy.
- Self-Care: How to slow down and heal when injured.
- Persistence & Tenacity: How to keep trying even if I don’t feel physically strong enough to make a particular move.
- Faith & Trust: The belief in myself that when I get stuck I can figure a way out, I will have enough strength to pull through and that my spotter will be able to safely catch me.
The photographs you’re seeing above are from a class field trip to boulder outside in Leavenworth. It would have been my first climbing adventure of any sort in the great outdoors. But, I injured myself (#3 above) and had to slow down and restrict myself from climbing. I even left my climbing shoes home so I wouldn’t be tempted. So, rather than miss out on the opportunity to see where some great bouldering spots are, I went along. I was very pleased I did. While I was exhausted from walking to the sites, they really weren’t far, but it was my first day out after being on the couch all week, I enjoyed capturing the beauty of Leavenworth. Little did I know that there would be so much to see and photograph. What an amazing trip. While I am really excited to climb there in future, I’m so glad I didn’t miss going.
