The Zen of Climbing (In the Moment)

Great introspection related to the sport. Can even be applied to other sports different from climbing. The author covers insightful details one as an athlete tend to forget. Would recommend if you are a climber who enjoys others point of View and wanting to improve

I read this when I need a pick me up or when projecting a hard climb. Great thought starter for climbing mentality and a tool for every climber new and seasoned

I had the opportunity to learn how to successfully write outdoor adventure stories from Francis Sanzaro when he was the editor of Rock & Ice Magazine. This book is Francis at his best. I enjoyed how he would help you breathe life into a story, by listening and challenging you to dig deeper. I could hear his voice as I read each chapter and could see the wall and holds take shape with the examples he used. The book however is not about climbing, but the challenges we often create for ourselves when we live in "small mind" that he describes in the stories he tells. Pulling from everyone from current top climbers to Zen teachers he pushes us to move closer to the moment we are in verse the future we want. The lessons extend beyond climbing to all aspects of our lives; physical, intellectual and emotional. I endorse reading this book from front to back, but it is also a great resource when you are confronted with a challenge that has you stuck. Just flip the book open to a random page and read that section. I guarantee that you will find Francis sitting on a big wall ledge in the lotus position with a piece of sage advice that will help you answer the question you are asking.

A good book usually can generate one or two perspective shifts, I am only part way through this and already have had some AHA moments. As a long time climber and zen dabbler this book just sort of "fits" into a lot of mental holes I have still.. very happy to see the discussion on practice and other ideas espoused within. It may never be a very popular climbing book, but it is already maybe my favorite on the subject. Thanks to the author for putting the time into articulating his thoughts on Zen and Climbing. Zen its not what you think...

My husband went on raving about how good this book was. He said it inspired him to live more in the moment.

I started reading this book assuming it would be new age hipster talk about Zen and some weak link to climbing. I was wrong. This book is very practical and useful as well as nuanced. Highly recommended to any climber who is looking for some introspection to their own mental pathways.

This is better than any other book I have read on the mind and sport. Very highly recommended. Clear and deep.

Very meandery. The author likes to make up phrases he thinks sounds wise. I was hoping for something more coherent, this felt like a lot of word soup. Not sure why all the 5 star reviews, save your money and buy some quick draws

Great read, puts climbing into perspective, made me see my climbing differently and is helping with my relationship to climbing

A must have for any dirtbag

Dies ist ein wundervolles und sehr inspirierendes Buch über viele der zentralen Aspekte des Buddhismus angewendet auf den Klettersport in all seinen Ausprägungen. Jeder passionierte Kletterer wird von dieser Lektüre profitieren und sie mit großem Genuss lesen. Als begeisterter Kletterer und praktizierender Buddhist kann ich jedem angesprochenen Thema dieses Buches mit ganzem Herzen zustimmen und nehme natürlich viele inspirierende Gedankenanstöße auf. Mein einziger Kritikpunkt liegt in der meiner Meinung nach vernachlässigten Aufforderung zur meditativen Praxis. Sie erfolgt erst viel zu spät am Ende des Buches. Viele Menschen werden diesen Text voller Inspiration lesen und sich vornehmen all die fantastischen Ideen und Anregungen in ihre Kletterpraxis zu übernehmen, jedoch wird dies nur in seltensten Fällen gelingen, weil ihnen die durch Meditation kultivierte Achtsamkeit fehlt, um die guten Vorsätze in die Tat umzusetzen. Das tiefe Verständnis des Autors von der Philosophie des Zen lässt vermuten, dass er selbst Praxiserfahrung in der Zenmeditation hat. Darüber spricht er jedoch an keiner Stelle, so dass von ihm nicht transparent dargestellt wird, wie er selbst zu dem in diesem Buch kommunizierten Wissen gelangt ist. So bleibt die Chance zu wenig genutzt, um inspirierte Leser*innen für die wertvollen Früchte meditativer Praxis zu gewinnen.

If you are a climber looking to overcome your mental obstacles, this is THE book. SO many great gems of knowledge here. There is not a better book out there that discusses climbing in such a cerebral and thought-provoking way. Highly, highly recommend for any climber.

A beautiful book- perfect blend of climbing, meditation and life wisdom.