Inspiration from a Rock Climber...Who's Afraid of Heights!

Found an awesome post on the Prana Blog from Rock Climber Alli Rainey, who constantly works through her acrophobia to continue on with her favorite sport--rock climbing.  After struggling through experiences that left her clinging to the climbing rope with an irrational fear, even when she was safe, she shares how she has learned to continue climbing through her fears.  Read her full post here.

Her final words can be applied to many life situations.  Are you working through an injury?  Recovering from a surgical procedure?  Struggling through a difficult relationship?   Her words apply to anything that tries us....and if her words aren't inspiring enough for you, watch this video of her below--maybe you'll find her muscles, her grace, her fearlessness inspiring!


Be patient and gentle with yourself, and just take it one step at a time – but make sure you’re taking steps, every day you can, in order to make continuous progress. Learn to trust your equipment and your belayer (or your support system) – and most of all, yourself and your ability. As long as it’s safe for you to fall, aim to focus your attention on the climbing at hand as often as you can, instead of how high up you are. Just like in any other climbing endeavor, don’t compare your ability to handle heights or lack thereof to others; this will only lead to frustration and irritation. Instead, lend yourself a helping hand of encouragement and take pride in every small accomplishment you make in chipping away at your foe.

~Alli Rainey, prAna Ambassador

Alli Rainey on Galactic Emperor 5.14a from Mike Snyder on Vimeo.