Pushing the Limits

Me and my sister climbing in California 

I have been rock climbing and rappelling ever since I was exposed to it for the first time in scouts but have really gotten into it recently and has become one of my biggest hobbies. For some some odd reason, hanging on the side of an eighty foot cliff is enjoyable to me. The thrill doesn't go away because there is always more room to push yourself to new heights and difficulties. And to be honest….. its addicting!

The question is... what does Rock Climbing have to do with anything Greek? You could make the argument that the strongest connection would be the fact that climbing as a sport has ties to the ancient Olympiad, the Greeks having a rich history in that area. But for me, there is a much deeper connection between the two.

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy rhetoric is not for the purpose of convincing all audiences, rather it is the ability to see what is persuasive in every given case. The Greeks used rhetoric to mold and shape ideas and thoughts. They searched for what is persuasive in their ideologies then created and argued positions in order to “push the limits” of their thoughts.

Me night rappelling up Spanish Fork Canyon
Taken by my sister. No Photoshop either!

For myself, rock climbing serves the purpose of pushing me to the limit. It allows me to face fear head on and creates an experience that is difficult to put into words. It expands my thoughts and allows me to connect with God and his creations in a whole new way. I talk to people who have been climbing for years and I always ask them if they ever get over the same experience that I have every time I climb or rappel. They consistently answer that the experience is always there no matter how many adventures you take. That is what keeps taking me back!