Benjamin Frankiln noted, "So convienent a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do."  That is one of my favorite quotes and one I think about every time I am motivated to do something.  I listen to my mind "reason" it out and, wow, it can be really convincing!  I got this rock climbing bug... to the point that I am constructing a climbing wall in our garage (I will post that later with blueprints and pictures).  There are a lot of things I like about the activity and as I reason it out in my head, I wanted to share with what I rationalize as REAL benefits that I don't think the general public understands about climbing.

Climbing can be a true mental, physical, and spiritual adventure.  Mental in that it will test your intent, focus, determination, and fear.  It will physically condition your strength, flexibility, balance, and general kineseology.  Spiritually, it will put your ego in the backseat and force you into the Now moment and if you pay attention you might better sense your connection with the universe.

Additionally, rock climbing is a great way to interact creatively with nature and accomodates any skill level.  You progress at your own rate and persue your own challenges.  The entry fees are relatively low with less re-occuring costs (such as golf balls and green fees).  You may climb well into your senior years and consequently will probably stay in pretty good shape throughout.  I also read an article once that discussed how couples that climbed together built stronger, trusting relationships.  I suppose when you trust that person with your life, any other matter of trust is miniscule or trivial.

That leads to a question that comes up a lot: Is it dangerous?  In short, it is dangerous, if you approach it recklessly.  If you often cross the street without looking both ways, operate heavy machinery without prior training, randomly shin kick oversived bikers, then this hobby might not be for you. But, if you take necessary precautions by learning and understanding all of the appropriate techniques, keep your equipment well maintained, and are cogniscent of your environment and risks, then it is a safe, family-friendly activity.

I readily admit I am fairly new to the activity and my enthusiasm is similar to that of any new love.  The thing with it that differs from other experiences I've pursued is that this one "feels" right.  Which is quite ironic since I live in one of the flattest geographical areas in the country.  But there are some bouldering sites relatively close and I'm a 6 hour drive from some great routes in surrouding states.  The climbing community here is small and I don't have any climbing buddies.  My wife has low interest but is willing to try it out (that's love!) after the pregnancy so I might have a partner next year.  I am continuing forward in the pursuit and, like everything else, will unfold as it will.

Anyway, if anybody reads this and would like to provide me any tips or midwest sites, please comment here or email me through the contact form.  Thanks!