Sin Miedo

Whooooooooohoooooooo, we went rock climbing again for the third day! It was so fantastic! My whole body is screaming but it feels really good. We left at 9 am before you sweat just standing still and set up further up the trail than the other two days, four dogs speeding up and down between us, barking their excitement to be in the middle of nowhere. I really liked the new routes, they are more fun than yesterday when I didn't climb at all because I didn't feel in control of my body. I started once and came down after a couple of meters. I think I was still recovering from the first day. I climbed two good routes today. I am starting to trust the little pieces of rock that look to me like nothing at all but when you just dig in and push, they really hold you up. I also wore shoes that fit today which makes a big difference. They are special for climbing and fit your foot tightly and the soles sort of stick to the rock when you put your weight on them. Susanna belayed my first and she is great at guiding without making me nervous. I think I would have quit if I had been with anyone but her. There was one point when I had no faith in this little spot and she said, "I really want you to just try this one, I am holding you really well and if you do it you take a big step." So I did it, and she was totally right. After that I was willing to try much smaller points and move a lot faster. "It's like a dance with the rock," I kept hearing. Don't think, feel where you need to go and then go there all the way. There is no need to be afraid. It feels so good to tangibly let go of fear. I had these moments where I thought about coming down but realized I really wanted to get to the top, but couldn't do so without letting go and I just decided to do it and omg it is so free! My shoulders have been really strong (although now they need a big rest). After working hard for the past four years to be stable and strong I see that I made huge progress. I can pull myself up the face of cliff! Holy Shit! I am having a proud moment. Before I couldn't even lift a gallon of milk with my left hand. Thank you Rosemary and Lizz!!!

I love the challenge of climbing. Like climbing trees as a kid but magnified by thousands. It's also like being under water. It's difficult to be anywhere but where you are, and isn't that what we strive for everyday?

I am about to make Sopa Azteca for the hostal. It is nice to be back in the same place with people I know and new people I am glad to know. Oaxaca is such an amazing place. I love the vibe here. I love the people who come here. I even love the man who walks through town completley naked all day long.