Climb Well, Live Well

Picture yourself rock climbing, high on a cliff: You come to a difficult section and feel like you're going to fall. You get scared. Your breath comes quick and shallow. Your muscles tense up, and your ability to climb drastically drops.

Now, intentionally take slow, deep breaths and tell yourself that you aren't going to fall this instant. Your muscles relax; you feel calmer and notice a great hand-hold within easy reach. You grab it and you are able to climb well through the difficult section and finish the route.

Now imagine yourself in a stressful life situation: For one student this was taking a big exam. For you maybe it's driving in heavy traffic or arguing with a roommate or family member. Things are not going your way; you are frustrated, angry. You feel yourself about to lash out and scream - or break down and cry.

You check your breathing again. It's fast and shallow. Deliberately take deep, regular breaths. Feel yourself begin to relax. Tell yourself that the car in front of you, the person you're arguing with - whatever you are mad at - isn't in control of you. You begin to think more clearly and finish the test with confidence, drive calmly to work, or apologize and live well.

Over spring break I took ten students on a week long camping and rock climbing trip. This activity about breathing illustrates how we looked at essential climbing skills and expanded them into principles to help us to excel in other areas of our lives. The aspects of climbing we focused on included: Breathing, movement, balance, and goal setting.

Spring Break Wilderness Treks are designed for students to encounter themselves, other people, God, and the natural world in new ways. In addition to the Arkansas trip, I sent treks to: The Florida Everglades; Cumberland Island, GA; and Big South Fork National Recreation Area, TN. In all, forty two students were able to take advantage of these four opportunities to discover new things within themselves while exploring God's creation.