The thought was how life is like a climb, and each day is like a pitch. How can I apply to my life in general, what I am teaching myself and others on the rock? When we climb well, we are relaxed and focused on each and every move. I use two techniques to go foreword in accomplishing this on the rock and in life in general: the Alexander Technique and a weight training program designed by Steve Ilg.

Yesterday, I was doing my yoga/stretching before the weight training. But real slow this time. And I noticed that while I was getting a good stretch, I was certainly not relaxed. But as I concentrated on keeping every muscle relaxed while stretching,the deep tension within surfaced, then floated away. I became aware of things around me that before I had not been aware of. This is exactly what happens when I do my Alexander...

And this is superbly important! With all these things going on around us, we live not in the present, but in the future, always thinking and preparing for what is next.

The climbing was excelent! Though the cliff was enveloped in fog, it was great to be outside again.

John Falkiner climbing at les Trappistes, November 12, 2005 Val du Bagnes, Verbier, Switzerland

A view of the Mt.Fort, mid November, 2005. What a great time to be climbing!

I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, and started skiing at Smugglers Notch while attending Johnson State College. This has bloomed into something rather extraordinary. Moving about these Alps on skis and foot has become a passion! From snow boarding the couloirs above Verbier, skiing perfect corn snow off the peaks of Greenland, climbing perfect rock above shimmering glaciers, who could not become addicted?

Come share your experiences with me, through these communal words, or maybe even sharing a wonderful alpine experience together personally.