Rock Climbing

I made it to Goat Rock State Beach last weekend to go rock climbing despite my bout with food poisoning. It was a beautiful sunny day and the air felt crisp and fresh as we walked down the hill to the Sunset Boulders. We brought a beautiful picnic lunch, all of our climbing gear, and a lot of enthusiasm. There were several other people already there on the rock. I'm always amazed at how friendly other climbers are. I think it is because they are fully engaged in something that they love. They feel happy and satisfied. Climbers possess this winning attitude and zest for life.

I love rock climbing because of the mental and physical challenge. There is so much beauty and grace involved, especially when it is done outdoors. While climbing in an indoor gym is fun, there is nothing that beats having your fingers on a chunk of rock and figuring out how to maneuver up it. I love the strategy involved. Finding little crevices and holds for your hands and feet is like solving a puzzle. There is also a great sense of inner stillness for me. Everything drops away, as my mind quiets and my body becomes one with the rock. Climbing is not unlike a moving meditation. A single climb can be a lesson in trust, perseverance, self-confidence and letting go.

Moving our bodies is very important for our mental, emotional and physical well-being. When we don't move, our Qi (energy) becomes stagnant. Acupuncture helps to move Qi in the body but so does exercise. Every person is different and stagnant energy can manifest in a number of ways. For example, a person might experience fatigue, sluggishness, headaches, depression, digestive difficulties or pain. It is important to find some type of movement that works for you on a regular basis. It could be running, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, yoga, dancing or walking. Tai Chi and Qigong are also wonderful and gentle ways to move Qi in your body. When starting something new, it can take a little while to get the hang of it. Changes might be slow at first, but you will feel better in the end. Just find something that you love and get out there!