It's Literally All About the Climb
A few weeks ago I went repelling and rock climbing in Yosemite. The repel wasn't high enough for my adrenaline seeking-ness, but still awesome, and I could have kept rock climbing for hours. It was a thrill to repel down a rock face, jumping down a few feet at a time. But it was more than just a fun adventure.
The view from the top of our repel was breathtaking. We looked across the Sierras toward Mammoth, down into a meadow, across many trees. Atop the rock we got harnessed up and started repelling in pairs. I waited to go toward the end so I could take in the view longer. I began the repel, awkward at first, working to find my footing. Then my friends below called up, "Start jumping your way down." So, like the secret agent I wish I was, I would push off the wall giving my rope slack, and soar a ways down before my feet connected with the wall and I would do it again. I got a rhythm going and plenty of encouragement from below. People change things.
It is amazing how a seemingly flat piece of rock can become climbable. I looked at the rock without a harness, shoes, and rope and thought to myself, "No way this is possible." Then I started climbing with all my gear on, and my friend bellow belaying me, saying "I got you," and all of a sudden I'm climbing. The little grooves invisible from below became supports for my body, and I realized there is nothing helping me right now- there is something ready to catch me- but there is nothing pulling me up this rock but myself. This rope I tied and clipped to my own harness changes everything. When given the right tools, I believed in myself in a new and beautiful way. It was no longer a question of if I can, but how fast and how high. I am reminded of one of my favorite Harry Potter quotes:
" 'The thing about growing up with Fred and George,' said Ginny thoughtfully, 'is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve.' "
—Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
I think if I learned anything from this adventure is it's not about skill. Sure, some people are more experienced rock climbers than others. But it's not about our skill, it's about choosing to climb up that wall believing we can make it to the top. Our mindset changes everything.
