"Driven"!

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"Driven"!

Page Type: Article

Activities: Trad Climbing

Page By: The Chief

Created/Edited: Aug 8, 2006 / Nov 29, 2008

Object ID: 213881

Hits: 3236

Page Score: 89.36% - 25 Votes

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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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Dragger

I like this:

Voted 10/10

"I conclude that I too 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. "

Though I don't know you Chief, you remind me of my friend Jim who climbed in the 50s and 60s in Yosemite Valley. He died last year after a battle with cancer but he refused to accept the prospect of "gradually fading away". He was flying gliders up until about six weeks before his death -- even when he couldn't feel his legs any longer. People told him to quit -- that he should be resting in bed because he'd hurt himself. He would bark at them and do what he damn well pleased! I miss him a lot. And I enjoyed your article.

Posted Aug 9, 2006 12:12 am


	The Chief	Re: I like this:
	Hasn't voted	I am glad that it brought you a "Spark"!
		Posted Aug 9, 2006 12:27 am

C4C

Deep

Hasn't voted

Another well written article! You really should write more like this!
Never stop searching!

Posted Nov 17, 2006 2:19 pm

jrbouldin

Great reminder

Hasn't voted

Chief, I really like what you say. We live in a time when few people know who they could be or have any concept of pushing their personal limits and really exploring themselves and wilderness terrain. It's great that you applied your military training to personal climbing attitudes. Thanks for the good words.

"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!"

Yes, and I would add the wisdom of knowing whether you have the competence to handle truly risky situations.

Posted Mar 5, 2007 3:48 pm


	The Chief	Re: Great reminder
	Hasn't voted	I am glad that you enjoyed it!
		Posted Mar 6, 2007 4:02 am

Mark Doiron

Great Article!

Voted 10/10

Thanks, Chief, for this great article. If you don't mind, I'm going to link to it in the "Why We Do It" album. --mark d.

Posted Oct 3, 2008 5:46 am


	The Chief	Re: Great Article!
	Hasn't voted	Glad that you n'joyd it. Help yourself!
		Posted Oct 3, 2008 11:31 am

Dean

Excellent article

Voted 10/10

Hits the nail on the head in many ways. Most of my friends think I am "driven" and don't understand why I have to be in the mountains whenever possible. They think at my age I should be playing golf and canasta or whatever but age has nothing to do with it, being driven is what it is, a blessing in disguise. It keeps me healthier, younger and with a positive outlook. Thanks for your article.

Posted Oct 7, 2008 12:41 pm


	The Chief	Re: Excellent article
	Hasn't voted	Am glad that you associated with and n'joyd it. Clearly appears that you have in fact been "around" and truly understand the fundamental premise of this article. I pray that my body will hold up so I will continue to be as "Driven" and capable as you obviously are at your age. And, thank you so much for the kind words.
		Posted Oct 8, 2008 11:12 am

Viewing: 1-9 of 9