Correct climbing helps integrate both right (emotional) and left (logical) brain functions, and so opens up a path to experiencing wholeness. Climbing also involves the whole gamut of experiences. Climbing can take you to the stars, and dump you on your ass. However, when things get tough, if you keep perspective and realize that every move is a miracle, you'll be able to better appreciate all that climbing has to offer. Once you start pushing personal limits, climbing becomes an intense, committing activity. In one sense, climbing shows you who you are and what you're made of. No need to tackle the world's bleakest routes to know how it feels to be on top. Just climb, and you will know.

John Long