Sister visit to Ky
10/2007
If
you have ever
taught anyone
anything, then
you know that
the best way to
learn something
about yourself
is to teach
someone something. It
was that way for
me with climbing
one weekend when
my nephews (age
10 and 9) and my
niece (age 7)
came to Kentucky
to visit with
me. I'm staying
at the Red River
Gorge to climb
for a month so
naturally, I
took everyone
climbing for
their first
time.
We found an ok
5.7 out at The
Great Wall, but
it was still too
hard for them.
Their first
attempts were
really good,
despite the
difficulty, but
their second
attempts
produced more
drama than I was
expecting. These
kids needed more
than a lot of
encouragement
and support. It
was quickly
obvious that
they were
driven,
committed and a
bit unforgiving.
I witnessed
everything
unfold, thinking
how similar
their needs were
to mine. After
all, we all
climb for the
same thing: to
get to the top.
We've all been
there, out of
our comfort
zone, possibly
looking for that
perfect beta, or
miracle hold
that will get
you through a
section. Maybe
you're gripped
with fear and
just want to
hear some
encouragement or
direction. But,
before this
weekend, I
wouldn't have
guessed that
sometimes I'm
actually just
afraid of
failing--failing
to get to the
top.
When my nephews
and niece were
climbing, I had
to smile when I
heard the
similarities in
their struggle
to the top
compared to my
own. Comments
like 'I can't,'
'the hold's no
good,' 'it's too
far,' and 'I
can't reach'
resonated.
Naturally, the
cheering squad
was in overdrive
trying to help
them out, but
when fear took
over for them,
there was
nothing we could
say that didn't
get a response
thick with an 'I
can't' overtone
to it. I would
chuckle with
amusement when I
heard these
outcries because
it seemed so
silly for them
to think like
that. That's
when I realized
we were the same
despite the age
difference and I
couldn't help
but become a bit
more
compassionate
about my own
experience in
similar
situations.
Having taught
climbing in
different
capacities
during my time
as a rock
climber, I have
learned many
things. Mostly,
I am reminded of
simple
techniques that
improve
efficiencies or
sometimes
someone has a
tip or trick
that I find
helpful. This
observation of perfection paralyzing and empowering their fear of failing was
pretty
insightful
and I owe it all
to my adorable
niece and
nephews.
More photos can
be found on my
Windows Live
Space.
