2020 Themes - Adaptability, Agreeability, and Grace

2020 is still here. As of this writing, it’s not going anywhere for another 28 days. When it’s gone what will have changed? A calendar date? But will we have changed, and will all of the problems that 2020 “seemed” to have deliver be gone? 

We don’t live in a socially constructed number. We exist in our minds, our feelings, and our bodies - bodies that interpret the physical world and connect with the life we share it with. As time goes on, this connection changes, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the worse, but usually, with mild variance. Humans are profoundly adept at developing a status quo for ourselves, one that we can rely and depend on. Our tradition and institutions aim to ensure normalcy, fairness, and prosperity, all in the name of preservation of our species. I’m not defending the status quo here - just trying to set the stage for how, when it gets shaken up by the inevitable or unforeseen, injustice and suffering are exposed in more palpable conditions. 

Climbing connects us with the physical reality of life in a very direct and convincing way. It shakes up our status quo by removing us from our comfort zone. It grounds us with a constant reminder of the fragility of our existence, and how our tiny being impacts the universe. Climbing gives us some context for all of the problems associated with our existence. But it can also hide us from the realities of life.

True, climbing is an escape, but not necessarily a fleeing mechanism. We climb to escape the limiting force of gravity. We climb to escape the limits of our mind. We climb to escape the sorrow of loss and suffering, hoping that an ascent will bring joy. The camaraderie we build through our partnerships is rich and meaningful. It deepens every time we tie in together.

During this calendar year, 2020, there has been much to escape: death and disease; our racist past and present, and how it continues to be a central theme in our democracy; and loss of privilege. As we destroy our livable climate by use of modern conveniences, we mourn as our  inability to act exacerbates the destruction.

We’re in the midst of a journey that will redefine the soul of America, and of all humans living on Earth. Hopefully, the escapism that we’re forced to practice will inspire a brighter future. And as I’ve continued to say, we’re not all in this together. Life is not a level playing field.  Some of us suffer more than others. Some of us have more obstacles to overcome with less opportunity for second chances. Desperation is an incredible motivator. It forces us to get outside ourselves - sometimes creatively, sometimes destructively, but almost always, with the hope of change. 

Fortunately for alpha climbing, and our mission to empower youth and young adults through performance driven rock climbing and travel, all was not lost. But it was different. 

Witnessing the suffering and desperation of so many, it’s been a challenge to find value or necessity in climbing: it’s an inherently selfish activity. Operating in any capacity came with its share of guilt. But I had some super psyched kids and families who were desperate and willing, so we followed through with some amazing trips, and acted as responsibly as possible.

It’s worth defining some of the themes that were noticed in our athletes this year, how they shaped our journey through 2020, and how they will continue to inform our journey as climbers and human beings. 

Adaptability 

It should go without mention that adaptability has been an unrelenting component of our ability to thrive during 2020. But human adaptation often goes unnoticed. Gradual increments occur over our lifetime and through generations of evolution. When major life events happen or when the unexpected presents challenges, we adapt more quickly, as a means to survive. 

As climbers, we’ve had to adapt during the year if we want to keep climbing. Through the need to create distance to prevent the spread of Covid, we’ve reduced our available partnerships. Gyms have shut down. Crags have closed or become restricted. Staying safe in order to keep hospital beds open has forced climbers to strongly consider how our actions could negatively affect the pandemic. 

Our partnerships have suffered. Forced distancing has removed our normal means for connecting. We cannot meet up in the ways that allowed us to stay together. Currently, with the pandemic surging with staggering growth, we’re reimagining what climbing will look like this winter and into 2021. As the pandemic changes, we’re reminded that adaptation is a process. It’s never really settled. 

We’ve all felt the paradigm shift this year and have all had to adapt to some degree. That goes for me as well, attempting to reimagine how I can offer climbing opportunities and mentorship in a safe environment. 

Agreeability

Adapting is part of our nature, but being okay with the changes is an entirely different characteristic. Agreeability comes with a large part acceptance, but it is also a disposition - a state of mind. It might be a bit cliche to say that it’s as easy as being happy or cheerful. From my perspective, there is more conditioning needed to be agreeable than just putting on a happy face. 

Through all of the programs I’ve offered this year, it’s hard for me to say if my athletes we’re acting agreeable because of forced adaptation, good parenting, or just have generally positive outlooks on life, but regardless of the reason, it’s been heartwarming to see how agreeable today’s youth can be. I’ve had some downright surly and ornery athletes in the past, and this year’s recruits were all angels comparatively. It’s entirely possible that I haven’t been as much of an ideologue and have softened my approach, developed more patience, and have had to accept the limitations of the events of this year. However, I really can’t take credit for some amazing attitudes that are the product of good parenting and upbringing. 

Grace

What happens when we fail to meet our expectations - when life isn’t giving us what we’ve worked for and have strived to achieve? What happens when the ground gets pulled out from underneath us - when our foundation fails to hold us up like it always did? 

 The characteristics we demonstrate through loss and suffering have been at the forefront this year. It hasn’t been easy to keep our heads up as we collectively work together on the solutions needed to minimize complications of the pandemic. It’s easy to mourn a loss of privilege, but if we try to move more effortlessly and with dignity, the grace we show can help others feel a lightness, too. 

Rock climbing is more practice than performance. We continually attempt to validate our efforts through performance, yet showing up when it’s a struggle, or not fun, is what develops our craft. Many of us have been forced to practice in ways that are different, uncomfortable, or not ideal. We’ve had no choice but to find grace. Accepting that climbing might not be the best thing for humans to be doing now comes with its fair share of humility. Learning to balance our desires with the needs of our friends and neighbors takes maturity. 

Americans faced a real awakening this year: many of us are finally coming to terms with the atrocities our ancestors committed that paved the way for the privileges we now have allowing us to climb rocks (among many other pursuits); and recognizing the systematic and institutionalized injustices that are still in place and being capitalized on. As we continue to find passion in climbing, we also have to recognize that it is not as accessible to some. It is a luxurious and frivolous pursuit in so many ways. Finding grace in how we approach climbing can help us acknowledge these dilemmas, and to try to find solutions rather than continuing to pretend they don’t exist. We owe it to those less fortunate to help them experience what is so life affirming to us. This will take grace. 

Of course, we can quit or give up. But if you’ve read this far I don’t think this describes your modus operandi. If you’re a parent and your child climbed with us this year, this is also not an apt description.

As we move into 2021, let’s continue to use the themes adaptability, agreeability, and grace, as we work together to find creative solutions for our problems and to help those less fortunate.

I’m looking forward to the year ahead! -Aaron