To get energy to flow efficiently along the path of least resistance, we need to know our starting point. That starting point is our current reality. If we don’t know where we are, then we can’t begin our journey effectively. A river starts at its headwaters. A climb starts at the ground. There are additional starting points once the journey has begun. For a river, it may be a quiet pool before water cascades down a waterfall. On a climb, it may be a rest stance before a crux.
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We tend to color our current reality with thoughts of the past or future. “Why am I so pumped? It’s only 5.11. I don’t want to fall.” These thoughts dwell on how the past created your current reality, on the future reality, or justifying your current reality.
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“I’m pretty pumped. The 5.11 crux is ahead of me. I may fall if I commit.” These thoughts dwell on describing your current reality. You are pumped; no need in denying it. The 5.11 crux is ahead of you. You might fall if you commit.
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Describing the situation objectively can help. This is not positive thinking. It is simple honesty. You can include what you like about your current reality and what you dislike about it. Refrain from solving whatever challenge you’re facing. That will come later. Stick to simply describing your current situation as clearly as possible.
This Post Has 2 Comments
(If I understand it correctly..) this is a very good lesson.
When walking in the mountains, I used to be very frightened of heights, well actually of what might be around a corner or over a ledge. It was as if when I got close to the edge, there might be a dragon waiting!
Physical training and using your strategies, including defining & assessing the true situation have helped me to reduce my irrational fear. In the last 2 years I have gone from a 5.6 climber, to getting very close to sending my current project at 5.12b. (I am 53 years old and still have some pretty lofty ambitions!)
Thanks for the great lessons Arno, each one is a little prompt worth recalling in the following weeks.
John
Found myself quoting you today. My friend started a lead climb and wasnt sure if he was going to follow the “set” route. I said just follow the path of Least resistance. Thanks Arno! Your always in the back of my head giving me a calm and reasoning.