I’ve taken on a new hobby – bouldering. Essentially, it is a rock climbing gym without the rope, so when you fall, you must fall correctly so as to not hurt yourself.
Recently, I arrived at the bouldering gym feeling a little panicky. Just one of those days. Giving a quick hello to my friends I went to the center of the gym where there is an independent hexagonal shape structure with various climbing paths. Without a second thought, I chose the yellow path – one I’ve accomplished several times before and sat at the top of the structure to take a breath.
I let myself take a moment to breathe – you can’t climb when you’re panicky. You need groundedness, awareness, and self-trust. When I looked across the gym, it was like seeing the bouldering gym through a whole new lens.
I watched as people gave their best shot at different climbing paths:
Some climbed solo and focused with air pods in the ears.
Some climbed with a group of friends cheering them on from the ground.
Some made it to the top.
Some fell halfway through and tried again.
Some fell halfway through and remained lying on the floor contemplative for a while.
Some continued trying over and over and over again.
Some asked for help as they were stuck on the wall unsure of what step to take next.
Some just observed in awe from the ground.
You heard squeals of joy, laughter, frustration, surprise.
No matter the circumstances they may find themselves in, they must climb the path they have set out on, on their own. Whether they are doing it solo, or with community cheering them on, no one else can do it for them.
Sometimes, we might be the trailblazer – displaying that a specific path is indeed possible. And for those that follow, all we can do is cheer them on from the peak, or climb down and cheer them on from the ground level. There is no way we can pull them up, for we face the risk of falling in a way that can hurt us. This is their path, they must find a way, in the same way you did.
Sometimes, we might be the observer – witnessing someone climb a path we have yet to accomplish. You have a choice to witness in awe... or resentment. Remember – you have no idea how long they’ve been training, or how many times they fell before reaching the peak. Choose to celebrate those who have accomplished paths that you hope to one day complete. Even celebrate the ones you have no desire to reach.
It took about a month to figure out how to climb the path below. My friend and I attempted it together several times, but we kept falling through the gap in the first picture – unable to make it to the other side. After a few weeks of climbing other paths, I finally felt ready to come back to this one.
I texted my friend to let her know I was going to give it an other shot, and we went to the gym together. As I crossed the threshold for the first time, I heard my friend whisper in awe from the ground, “she’s doing it.” I then watched her cross the threshold next.
At the end of the day, life is just like one big bouldering gym. We’re playing, exploring, experimenting, learning, strengthening our core. There is music playing in the background. Community at every corner if we choose to tap into it. Don’t take it too seriously. Know your limits. Be patient. Trust that life will catch you if you fall. And most importantly, have some fucking fun.
What path are you trying to climb these days?