THEORY AND PRACTICE

This is certainly one of the most important conditions for this “sport” to become a real form of Yoga.

Yoga is possible for anyone who is really willing. Yoga is universal... But do not approach Yoga with a business attitude or in search of material gains. Sri Pattabhi Jois

NIYAMA AND CLIMBING

As we have said in the introduction, the second step is represented by Niyama and gives positive suggestions for our life and habits from a yogic perspective, adopting healthy habits for our body and consequently for our mind and emotions. In this case also, they are not rules to be followed mindlessly but an approach to life which must become spontaneous and that can be applied to climbing.

1. Saucha: cleaning, purity. This first Niyama should not be intended only in terms of external body cleaning, but most of all as cleanliness and purity of intentions and thoughts. The extension in climbing has different meanings, both personal and connected with our approach towards the environment and people around us.

From a more individual perspective, the concept of purity might be intended as the inner attitude with which we climb: to be aware, harmonious and pure in our decisions and thus in our movements, to keep the mind clean in intentions, completely focused on the present moment and to foster that mental clarity which is essential to maintain centredness during an ascent. From a social perspective, “cleanliness” means to leave the route/boulder at its most natural state, to clean the holds, eliminating the excessive traces of chalk or the signs that we (or others) have left.

Climbing in an ocean of rock has existed for thousands of years… A thought to experience climbing with humility, joy and most of all Aparigraha, non-attachment Climber: Enrico Baistrocchi Photo: Massimo Malpezzi