By this time you probably already know me to be a rock climbing evangelist! Here is a link to my article, published in Spirituality & Health Magazine, called “The Benefits of Rock Climbing After 50” where I spell out exactly why I have found it to be an empowering bastion of physical and mental well-being.
Notwithstanding my love of rock climbing, the article starts this way:
“I clung to the rock face, tears streaming down my face. ‘’I’m scared!”’I called out to my husband, Jay, who was supporting the rope at the bottom on the cliff. My mind flooded with negative thoughts. I’m too old for this! I’m not strong enough! I’m scared. I can’t do it.
‘It’s okay. I got you tight!’ Jay called back. Just take a break. Sit back for a minute, rest on the rope. You’re safe. You got this!’
His words helped calm me. I trusted my belayer (the person who holds the rope and gear that keeps you from falling) and knew we had been through all the necessary safety checks. The fear coursing through me was purely psychological…”
