surprise

I learned how to rock climb in Bishop, California, at a legendary area known as the Happy Boulders. My friend Tyson used to say, “You never know a rock until you’re rubbing noses with it.”

Approaching a climb from the ground gives a certain perspective. You can plan the moves mentally and envision a sequence that’ll get you to the top. But having a plan is no guarantee — everything shifts once you’re on the rock.

Adrenaline pumping, breathing heavy, pulling on slim holds with the weight of the body; a swirl of fatigue, fear, and determination when faced with the critical move.

Sometimes that move requires careful balance and slow, smooth movement. Sometimes you have to tap into a reservoir of spunk, engage fast-twitch fibers, throw your body weight into it, and “send it.” The understanding of what you need to do can only be discovered when you’re up on the rock.

Success in climbing means a synergy of mental calculation, physical ability, and disciplined follow-through in the moment.

You never know anything until you’re rubbing noses with it.

Dance with the moment. Hold ideas / beliefs / perceptions / stories lightly and remain open to the splendor of possibility and surprise.