What’s the first thing most people do when they do it for the first time? Catastrophize it. Will it hurt? What are all the possible bad outcomes?
This may seem silly, yet it's very true. Human brains are wired to keep you safe. In reality, we are no longer attacked by mountain lions and bears out in the wild. We live in insane and secure houses with walls and doors, except when those pesky mosquitoes sneak in.
That’s why taking people rock climbing for the first time is so much fun.
There’s this intermediation of what others will think of how I do, hesitation of will I fall and hurt myself, coupled with excitement. It's so much fun to do something new and anxiety all wrapped in one.
This elasticity of emotions push forward and pull back goes back and forth in your mind and body like a ping-pong ball game. Yet, only one thing must truly occur.
Take the first step. See what happens. There is a deep inner strength to begin anew.
In rock climbing, getting the first five feet off the ground is usually the hardest. The coolest part is that in outdoor climbing, all possible hand holds and foot holds are available to you. This means there is really no wrong move whether you move a few inches, move a bit to the right or left, or much up off your toes to reach even the next hold.
As each move brings you further up the rock, your focus turns into tunnel vision. All other sounds are blocked out, you hear yourself breathing, and the strength within powers you up to the next move. If you get nervous, all you have to do is breathe. In an instant, calmness washes over you as you proceed up again. With power gaining momentum, you start connecting moves. You start doing things you never knew were possible.
Everything is within reach. Take the first step, find the strength within, and rise above the trivialities. This internal power moves you toward your deepest dreams and desires. The surprises and opportunities that come your way will blow your mind.
What will you put into motion this week?
© 2024. Lora Lapiz. All Rights Reserved.
