August 28, 2005

• Skills

  
  

  1.  Half Dome

  
  

  My Boyscout troop was going on their annual trip to Yosemite National Park for a long day hike backpacking, staying over night in a little valley, and hiking up Half Dome the following day.  The previous year I had gone but had not climbed Half Dome.  I was a little bit nervous because of my fear of heights.  I had to pack all of my stuff (sleeping bag, tent, food, clothes, utensils...) and keep my pack light enough so that I would be able to complete the hike without having too much weighing down on me.  Part of the reason I was going was because a lot of my "friends" were going as well.  I don't think I truly anticipated the problem I have with heights until I was almost to Half Dome, but I do remember being a bit scared.  I was almost frozen when I actually started climbing... the incline being unbearably steep.  It was almost an out of body experience, because I could hear myself saying.  "Oh my God.  I can't do this."  I was terrified.  But because I had made it this far and I knew it was possible, I started up.  Looking at the long drop offs was intimidating and scary as hell.  I did make it to the top and I consider it to be a big accomplishment, for I conquered a fear of mine.  Also, my adrenaline was pumped up to the point where my head was going to burst, giving me a rush I won't forget.  That is probably why I always look to that hike as such an incredible experience.  When I went back to climb it again, 9 years later, I anticipated the phobia seeping back through, but it didn't.  I was a little nervous, but it was the actual physical hike that was more difficult than the mental task of focusing before and during the climb.  Since then I have also jumped out of a plane, with very little fear.  I am very capable of controlling my emotions and fears now.  I just haven't put them completely into action.

  
  

  analysis later...

  
  

   

  • 1:53 pm
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