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June 04, 2002
Risk and Reward: Why I Climb.
I was reading an article by Lynn Hill (famous climber) the other day and I was
thinking about why some climbers do such dangerous things. Things which could
even result in death. Now there are many types of climbers. Many climbers
never really ever put themselves at any risk. Theres nothing wrong with this
at all. Why put yourself in more risk than you want? Then there are others
who DO put themselves at varying degrees of risk.
Most people think its because these daredevil climbers crave danger. Crave
the feeling of cheating death again and again... thriving on the feeling of fear.
In reality, very few climbers match that description. In fact, most climbers do not like being afraid and in some ways, would prefer not having to skate so close to death. So why then? The answer is in the experience. The rewards of climbing come from the experience, and there are many rewards.
First, theres the focus. In no other time in my life have I been as aware of my mind, my body, and my suroundings then when I'm climbing. I'm not always that focused, and when I'm not, I know it because I tend to climb much worse.
Second, theres the comradery. Intamacy is often used to describe a woman and a man, but the the true meaning of intamacy has nothing to do with whats implied by the context its normally used in. Intamacy between two people is really when two people completely let their guard down and are exactly who they really are. Even people who are completely comfortable with themselves tend to have a public face which is different from their private selves. But two people on a wall together must trust each other with their lives. They must KNOW who that other person is. This tends to bring ones true self out. The friendships one develops on the wall are unlike any other.
Third, theres the personal growth. Facing your fears, believing in
yourself, suceeding on your own, these things build charecter in a super
accelerated way. These things can be gained through many different things,
but not so fast or noticeable. I personally have grown more in one year of
climbing then any 5 year period of my life. I've gained a confidence in
myself that I never had before. There are many more reasons why I and others
climb. But why the risk? With great risk comes great reward.
The rewards justify the risk. So, I will continue climbing in spite of the
risk. Of course I try and minimize the risk as much as possible, but its just
part of the game.
Happy Climbing!
Posted by wonko at June 4, 2002 12:31 AM
Comments
An incredible anecdote! This describes a typical large construction project very nicely. I intend on using this in my senior level construction management class at Polytechnic Univ.
Be safe and maybe I'll run into you on a mountain in Colorado some day.
AB
Posted by: Andrew Bates at November 30, 2003 03:26 PM
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