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Really engaging article. The "climbing as therapy" notion is a bit overhyped, in this article and elsewhere. IMO anything that promotes focus or mindfulness can

Really engaging article. The "climbing as therapy" notion is a bit overhyped, in this article and elsewhere. IMO anything that promotes focus or mindfulness can chip away at a depressed state, and once in a while, pop you into happiness. It can be painting, mountain biking, playing piano, anything.

sfink 3y ago
I'm sure it's different for everyone, but I think climbing has a bit more reason to make a claim here. If you lose your focus, or fool yourself into thinking you're focused on the right thing when you're actually not, then you'll find out. You'll slip or you won't find a way up. With something like painting, it's easy to fool yourself. It's a bit like the difference between writing and programming. I like doing both, and can get deep into both, but a compiler is going to tell me I'm being a dumbass a lot quicker and more definitively than any eventual reader could.
- actionfromafar 3y ago
  To me, programming is past that. But I easily fool myself what I program is worthwhile. Or am I?
BaseballPhysics 3y ago
> The "climbing as therapy" notion is a bit overhyped What I liked about the piece is it actually hits on exactly this point, and specifically that if you can't find peace off rope you won't find it chasing a high on rope.
jfengel 3y ago
Also, climbing with protection can be very therapeutic. As can bouldering. It doesn't have to be deadly to really, really focus your attention. Your brain doesn't want to fall even if it's just a few feet. It's also a remarkably mental exercise. I love when they set new routes and you can watch the high level climbers gathered around, mentally rehearsing how to solve a problem.
samtho 3y ago
They never said climbing (specifically free soloing) was the only way to do this, it just so happened that this guy gravitated towards that. It’s a pretty well established fact that physical activity or mentally stimulating activity of certain types will help alleviate symptoms of depression.

sfink 3y ago

I'm sure it's different for everyone, but I think climbing has a bit more reason to make a claim here. If you lose your focus, or fool yourself into thinking you're focused on the right thing when you're actually not, then you'll find out. You'll slip or you won't find a way up. With something like painting, it's easy to fool yourself. It's a bit like the difference between writing and programming. I like doing both, and can get deep into both, but a compiler is going to tell me I'm being a dumbass a lot quicker and more definitively than any eventual reader could.

actionfromafar 3y ago
To me, programming is past that. But I easily fool myself what I program is worthwhile. Or am I?

BaseballPhysics 3y ago

> The "climbing as therapy" notion is a bit overhyped What I liked about the piece is it actually hits on exactly this point, and specifically that if you can't find peace off rope you won't find it chasing a high on rope.

jfengel 3y ago

Also, climbing with protection can be very therapeutic. As can bouldering. It doesn't have to be deadly to really, really focus your attention. Your brain doesn't want to fall even if it's just a few feet. It's also a remarkably mental exercise. I love when they set new routes and you can watch the high level climbers gathered around, mentally rehearsing how to solve a problem.

samtho 3y ago

They never said climbing (specifically free soloing) was the only way to do this, it just so happened that this guy gravitated towards that. It’s a pretty well established fact that physical activity or mentally stimulating activity of certain types will help alleviate symptoms of depression.