Grace and Attention

Following along the Merced River in Yosemite, the evening light was soft and colors rich in fall tone, I came upon a long “slack line’ used by climbers to work on their balance and core strength. This one was an incredible 150-200 yards long. A figure began the traverse. His focus, poise and adeptness completely captivated my attention. I knew I was witnessing a level of mastery.

I slowly approached as not to disturb, although I bet I could have been in a clown suit jumping up and down and it would not have caused a ripple. Ever so gracefully he traversed the line all the way to the end and then to my surprise, spun around, pulled his hoody over his head and began the reverse direction. Incredibly, this would only be his first pass. The light faded and I made my way to my nearby tent at the always tumultuous Camp 4.

Returning home I gazed at the images and it suddenly stuck me. I was not looking at a climber, I was looking at The Man… Alex Honnold considered by most as the finest solo rock climber in the world. At 28 years old, his exploits are legendary, as if he jumped a generation of climbers. I read all I could…just blown away.

How fine to have not known any of this and just be present for awhile, watching a man slowly stepping through space with such exquisite grace and attention. Yes, in the presence of what we are capable of in our own way, with passion and authenticity of spirit.