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General Climbing Discussion

Poll Option

Votes

Graph

I don’t smoke and climb 15-20

25%

I don’t smoke and climb 20-25

27%

I don’t smoke and climb 25-30↑

14%

I smoke and climb 15-20

I smoke and climb 20-25

10%

I smoke and climb 25-30↑

14%

I’m Chris Sharma

Why’s that pink elephant taking out my pro?

Topic Date User

Whacky tobaccy poll 25-Aug-2005 At 11:51:17 PM kerroxapithecus

Message

Well said DaCrux...but out of control threads are great!! Working in criminal law I constantly see the effects of drugs on mental states of people. I find it amazing how many people with some form of psychotic disorder have a diagnosis of 'drug-induced' psychosis. Once it happens there's no turning back.

Hardware: It's no surprise to hear an example of the effects of drugs on a person's so called nerves. That's why people take them. The increase in energy (depending on drug), sensitivity to the surrounding stimuli, supression of inhibitions are all effects of drug-taking....making people more willing to do things they wouldn't do when straight...like dancing on tables half naked when pissed. There's no mistaking that drugs and alcohol give people dutch courage. That's why people use them and that's why people become mentally addicted and then physically addicted.

I know it shouldn't suprise me that people take drugs and climb but it saddens me that people are so far from self-connectedness that they are so desperate for a flippin' thrill. Climbing rocks is thrill enough but having to take drugs while doing it???? That just takes the cake of desperation to me. Has anyone here ever heard of the natural high that comes from mere waking every day and feeling the joy of just existing? It comes from engaging oneself in life to the point where most experiences become intriguing and enlightening lessons and almost all communications with others, especially with like-minded people become the most amazingly fantastic and uplifting experiences. Every important step can be looked upon as a fantastic piece of experiential living where you gain insight and awareness about yourself and others.

This can be a natural thing (no artificial substances needed) and you start by making decisions that are true to yourself and live only according to your intentions, desires & moral beliefs. You look for signs all around you for guidance and you always observe....never stop watching. Actually it's the real courage and fearlessness...the courage to be oneself regardless of what others think. I'm not saying it's the easy road.

Now that I've vented on that.... rock climbing is quite fun and something to engage in and another way to experience life, connecting with nature, connecting with people (arguable), learning about trust, acceptance and belief in oneself amongst a myriad of other possible benefits. Some might say it's just for kicks....and that's ok but I, personally, do nothing just for kicks. There's always something more than mere 'doing' to anything I do. Rockclimbing is very 'doing' (like all physical activities) but it can be made into more than that...without drugs. It just takes a little thought and feeling...which is what many people fear the most...hence the drug and alcohol use....to supress the thought and feeling that makes you you.

I'm sure we could all lift heavier weights if we took steroids and stay awake for 72 hours on No-doze just like we can pick up a one-night stand with beer goggles on. It's no great feat really...is it?

Of course it really comes down to one's ultimate goal. Is it to climb the highest level no matter what? Lose all fear? Get the giggles during the climb and the munchies after? Or is it to experience life in your own skin as yourself and to see and feel what you can do by yourself?