Mind vs. Body: Never Give Up and Adventures in Rock Climbing
My heart pounded and sweat dripped down my face. “I can’t go anymore,” I told myself, as I pressed my body closer to the wall, my fingers sliding off the slim hand holds. “I’ve got you!” Michael yelled 50 feet below. I looked down. Big mistake. I looked up, only 15 feet to go. You’ve done it before, Stacey, you can do it now! My eyes stared straight into a broken handhold. The hold that I naturally wanted to grab based on my positioning. Stressed and frustrated my heart pounded faster. “I can’t, I have to come down, there is no where for me to go. I’m losing strength!” my mind kept chanting.
“Take your time, I’ve got you!” I heard that supportive voice again from below.
Shallow breaths, heart pounding, sweat increasing. I can’t. I can. I can’t. I can. I can’t.
PAUSE.
I CAN… AND I DID. I reached the top of the wall, hit the final hand hold and yelled, “Coming down!” A giant smile on my face. I didn’t give up.
WHAT HAPPENED UP ON THAT ROCK WALL?
I didn’t give in to my mind, knowing that physically my body would take me where I needed to go. I credit my yoga practice for that belief. I learned over the years that my body is stronger than I think and that my mind is often first to give up, especially when faced with physically or mentally challenging situations. That’s what I love most about teaching yoga and other mind/body connecting practices – helping people over come roadblocks by building not only physical strength but mental strength as well. Helping people connect in to the strength in their body and their mind.
Every experience is an opportunity for me to practice overcoming roadblocks. My knowledge of yoga helped me get through the rock gym roadblock. I will use the memory of this rock gym experience to help me overcome the next roadblock. Do you see how that works? We must have practices in place so that when faced with a “real life” situation we are equipped to handle it. Without my practices I would not have the strength physically or mentally to get to the top of the rock wall, enjoy nurturing relationships or a successful career.
The next time you hit a roadblock on an otherwise smooth road, consider the following before you let your mind take over and give up.
Remember to breathe. It’s basic, it’s simple, it’s necessary. Check in with your breath, no matter the situation and see what you can do to slow it down. Tension releases allowing your body and mind to slow down, providing the mental clarity you need to proceed toward your goal.
Check in with your body. The mind and body are not separate they are fueled by one another. Yet too often we let our mind take over, disregarding the strength we have in our hearts and our bodies. When they are both relaxed, wonderful things can happen. When they are disconnected, well, we give up. The next time you notice your mind racing with thoughts, pause from thought and check in with your body. Is your body really ready to give up or is your mind is talking smack. If your mind is talking smack, tell it to shut up for a bit. Your physical body is stronger than you think.
What’s the rush? Climbing a rock wall 65 feet up is challenging and tiring both physically and mentally. Perhaps the broken handhold was my signal to slow down in order to achieve success. Next time you’re faced with a roadblock, avoid frustration and take heed, maybe it’s time for a short rest. Take time to enjoy the process, not just the destination. The challenges make you stronger.
Re-assess the course. My climb was smooth until I got to that broken handhold. By taking a moment to pause, look at my current location and then look around for options, I was able to re-position myself for success. In this case I took a few steps down before I continued up the wall. I needed a new position in order to achieve success. Don’t get locked into your course, remain flexible.
Don’t go it alone. Support is critical in anything that you do. I was not on this rock wall alone. Michael provided support by belaying me (those not familiar with this, you can read more about belaying here). I needed to hear the occasional, “I’ve got you” and “There is no rush, take your time”. I felt safe and supported - two keys to success. With his support I was free of fear.
Have you ever hit a roadblock in your life and been quick to give up? What practices do you have in place to help you overcome those roadblocks?
lol you were on top rope and were scared and are now blogging about it, lol
Wow! What a fantastic trip along your journey! So much to take from your experience and apply to everyday life experiences. Thank you for sharing!
Marks last blog post..Everday Fitness
@aaron - It’s too bad you feel the need to “lol” about someone else’s experience. This post wasn’t about being scared - not once did I feel scared. My mind told me I couldn’t make it - and I chose not to listen. There is a difference.
@ Mark - Thanks Mark, as always, for stopping by!
Staceys last blog post..Mind vs. Body: Never Give Up and Adventures in Rock Climbing
First off, Stacey - great job overcoming the limitations your mind was setting you up for. I give you a lot of credit for forging forward. The easy thing to do would have to give up.
I recall a time about a year ago, when I was going through a strength building workout. One evening I was doing deadlifts, more than I had ever lifted. And I kept walking over to that bar, and then walking away. My mind kept telling me it was too much. It took way too long (to convince my mind that my body could at least try). It was difficult, It was probably near the max that I could lift. But, once I convinced my mind - I WAS able to do it. I pretty much did all the steps you’ve listed (with the exception that I was working out alone). And it worked. The last step, though, even though I skipped it in this example - is crucial. A strong support system does wonder for helping me to get through those times when I want to give up.
So, Stacey - are you saying that yoga helps to make a mind/body connection? You’re starting to convince me that maybe this is something I need to try…
I love how you shared your story and then related it to the mental roadblocks we face.
Lances last blog post..Believe In Yourself
Stacey,
I wrote you an entire comment here the first time I read this and stumbled it, don’t see it now, but came back to read it again because it was so good. Sometimes I think I get distracted and click off at the redX on my screen before I hit submit…sigh…
Someone needs to write a post about keeping Wendi FOCUSED…..
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Are you Planning for the Fog?
@Lance - it’s amazing how quickly the mind gives up! Yes, yoga helps make the mind/body connection. It is one of the best practices to do that, in my humble opinion. It’s a topic I will write more on in the future, so stay tuned!
@Wendi - Thank you for the stumble and I’m sorry your comment didn’t post. I didn’t see it in spam either. Thank you for coming back for another read!
Hi Stacey: I love how you say that we should listen to our bodies. Sometimes when I’m jogging I get to a point where my brain tells me that I’ve had enough and that it’s time to stop, while my body is saying “no, everything is fine here, keep going”. I used to listen to my mind, but now I listen to my body and keep going. Kudos to you for getting to the top
Marelisas last blog post..100 Essential Life Lessons
Stacey,
I just found your blog. Great post!
I started a yoga practice eight years ago and stopped after five years. I’ve been trying to motivate myself into starting again.
This blog is the inspiration I needed. Thank you!
Deborah Johnsons last blog post..Engaging Students By Using Technology
loved this post as climbing is something I used to do SO OFTEN pre-mamahood and need to get back into.
thanks for the ‘trip’ I enjoyed it and will get back to making more metime as a result.
MizFits last blog post..It’s WORLD DIABETES DAY, People.
Have a nice weekend!
Marks last blog post..Everday Fitness
What a fantastic experience! Having those intense physical experiences can build such wonderful mental strength. It’s like you find this core of invincibility that you can tap into later.
Sara at On Simplicitys last blog post..Playful Simplicity
I think I do most of these things. Remembering to breathe seems like such an easy task – but I recognize it is not. When I am stressed I consciously take deep breaths. In the moment I don’t see the immediate results of my breathing, but at the end I know it has a lot to do with keeping me focused toward my goal.
I was 14 the first time I ever repelled off of a cliff. I can still remember how scared I was as I stepped away from land started moving my way down the face of the rock. But, I will also never forget how great I felt once my feet touched the beach below me. I knew if I could repel off the cliffs of Lake Superior, I could do anything. To this day, I often to back to that life changing moment.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..21 Reasons to Schedule a Weekly Night Out for Yourself
great post! i felt like i was up there with you- but good thing i wasnt cause i probably would have peed my pants.
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Grounded Fitnesss last blog post..Nature’s Path Organic Giveaway!
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