| | "Driven"!   | 
| Page Type: Article Activities: Trad Climbing | Page By: The Chief Created/Edited: Aug 8, 2006 / Aug 11, 2006 Object ID: 213881 Hits: 1915  Loading... Page Score: 89.09% - 15 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Gaston Rebuffat once said to a group of businessmen in Paris, "In this modern age, very little if nothing remains real...For me, only my time spent in the High Places remains the reality of my existence. It is the only thing that is real and true. It is my life."
I was watching a new "Reality" show last night focus'd on John Force, the "Funny Car" Racing Champion. Interestingly enough, I have really found him to be a quiet mentor of mine through the past 15 years or so. I have found him to be an example of intense pursuit, dedication, passion and love for what he does best. His example of intensity to do the best that he can, is a mirror of my character and aspirations. Each time I would see this guy, I truly see myself. He was never satisfied with his results, regardless of whether he won or lost. He was always seeking ways to improve and be faster, better, stronger. I saw in his eyes the engine of determiniation that most definitely always said, "GTF outta my way", I have shit to do and I aint got time for your petty excuses and whinning BS!" The quote that is one of my favorites which stemmed from another situation that called for deep and intense pursuit, "Failure is not an option", is always in John Force's eyes, always! I can honestly say, I too have this look in my heart on a consistent bases.
I began my "Driven" pursuit of this Life-style back on 68' upon my first sight of the Eiger as a nine year old squirt. On our return drive north to Frankfurt, we stopped in Garmisch which lies diectly below the Zupgstize. My father enrolled me in a one day "Youth Alpine" Program sponsor'd by the the US ARMY. Off I went on my first climb. Upon reaching the Cross located at the summit, I looked around and all I can rememeber to this day, is, I felt so close to God...incredible!
I shall never ever forget that precious moment in my life. After that experience, I began getting a hold of every climbing and alpine book available, and read them all. I searched and sought after the words and discriptions of others that I had so incredibly experienced. I couldn't get enough. It was on!!!!!
At the age of 12 I began my full time pursuit of any type of climbing. It became my quest to repeat that so incredible peaceful moment back in Oct of 68' atop the Zugstize. It then became a quest of a solid relationship within myself to find the true me and everything that I could find about myself. Climbing became my momentum of survival, emotionally, mentally and physically.
I joined the Navy at 16 so I could get to Antarctica and climb amongst the Spirits of Shackelton and Hillary. Got there and I did, for four and half seasons. Later, within my career in the Navy, I learned in BUD/S
what I was truly capable of enduring and more importantly, what I was capable of pursuing and achieving. I learned the fine art of "Suffering" and conquering my physical abilites. I learned how to switch on the "Over Drive" and kick in the power of the mind to overcome what I thought was all I had. I learned the art of who and what I was. I learned to recognize all that is required is how I look at anything, my attitude is premier. I learned how to be a true human being and what this unique and very powerful body is capable of. I learned how perfect one can be if they only apply all the qualities and abilities that one is blessed with. I learned who I really was!
I remained for 24 years in the Navy as it became my vehicle to locations all over this planet for me to continue on my quest of peace through climbing. Today, I have finally planted myself in a small little community below the "Thrones of the Mountain God" that so eloquently consumed itself into my heart back in 68'.
My question that is laid to bare, is this a standard for many of us that have chosen this field of endeavor? Is it a requirement to have this intense motivation in order to be part of a small class that have "surivived" over the years in so many different tales and experiences? I say that it is!
Boldness of Character is the main ingredient. The challenge of achieving the "All" in my abilities for that one moment in time, this is what I pursue. Pushing myself beyond any limit that I ever fathomed. In doing this, I include all my experience. Putting it all together, I learned that it is never done. That there is always more to be achieved, within myself. All this is energy comes from depths that I can only conclude is that of a Spirit that has dwelled inside my soul since the moment of my conception. Therefore, I haven't a choice but to allow this force of Spirit to continue to "Drive" me in directions that are my destiny.
I conclude that I am "Driven" to excellence of purity in who I truly am. I find that I am where I need to be at exactly that moment in time. I know that the moment I quit pursuing this goal of personal character and excellence, is the second in time that I will truly die. I must do this. I must do this to the utmost of my abilities and never stop searching for the more and better of myself! Never! Maybe the Spirit that Gaston Rebuffat succumbed to, also has consumed my Soul...Nope, not maybe, I know it has!
"Climb on Dude!" Now, where is that #1 Head placement????
"In the Throne of the Mountain God's!" Where true Peace lies for me, even amongst the strongest of Storms...
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