Falling Like the Leaves of Autumn: Climbing Through a Season of Change
Autumn is a season that arrives with quiet insistence, softening the edges of the world. The leaves dissipate in a radiant display, the air chills as the rain encourages its prevalence, and the long days of summer slip into memory. Autumn is a season of transformation; a time to reflect on what we hold onto, and what we can let go of. In climbing and our everyday lives, autumn asks us to meet its stillness with honesty and to embrace its ever-evolving nature. Within this blog, I hope to share a few ideas to ponder in your climbing sessions during this dynamic season.
Letting Go
Trees do not hesitate to release their leaves in autumn. Surrendering them to the wind, they remain exposed and vulnerable. A metaphor that to continue to grow, we must be able to let go of what no longer serves to give us energy. Providing also a reminder, that letting go of old habits, feelings, or routines isn’t about weakness, but an opportunity to trust in the cycle of change and what growth may come of it.
Within climbing, consider what old habits or perceptions you hold onto. Perhaps you’ve developed a rigid training routine that is beginning to plateau, or on the wall you’ve developed a bad habit of readjusting your feet a few too many times, or maybe you even hold a belief that you’ll never be good enough to send the harder climbing grades. Letting go makes space for learning, new strategies, and ease.
And as climbers, we should know, that relaxing our grip on what we grasp puts more weight onto our feet, maintaining our balance and endowing energy to drive us upward. And If we do choose to let go completely – a mat and our friend’s arms are there to guide us to a safe landing. Letting go, therefore, is a notion to be appreciated not only in the realms of metaphors but in poetic practicality.
Practice Patience
Autumn moves at its own pace. The leaves do not fall all at once, nor does the damp cold air immediately appear. The season transforms with a sense of slowness, and yet, regardless of how it transpires each and every year, autumn always completes its growth into winter.
In our climbing journey, the season reminds us that success is not to be rushed. Progress in climbing, and in life, comes through gentle perseverance. Whether it’s making time for a bit of technique development in your warm ups, or learning to relax on the wall and around peers. We are encouraged to take things slower than usual, breathe in the journey, and be assured that as long as we continue, we will get there in the end; however gradual.
Autumn also invites us to embrace patience when we encounter setbacks. Greasy holds, less-than-ideal weather, or a tricky project may test our resolve, but the lesson remains. Stay the course, trust in your abilities, and give yourself the grace to grow without haste. For there are few external forces of agency in our niche ‘sport’, only the choices you choose to make and the wall ahead of you.
Reinvest in Focus
As the trees slowly shed their leaves and expose their elaborate structure, it poses as a reminder to reflect and focus on what really drives us upward. In climbing, as in life, focus is what allows us to redirect our efforts and stay on course when things begin to feel turbulent.
Take time this season to revisit your goals. Sometimes we may climb purely just to get ticks in the next grade, or we may have even lost the whole reason why climbing holds a significant place in our lives. Reinvesting in focus means asking ourselves the harder questions. Why do I climb? What fuels my love for the movement, the problem-solving, or the people I surround myself with at the wall?
Providing time to reflect and focus allows us to be present on the path we choose to journey upon. Stripping back the noise and prioritising quality over quantity. Next time you’re on the wall, bring that focus finely to the present moment. Make every move intentional, every step deliberate, and begin to build your new focus into your climbing.
Embrace the Warmth of the Indoors
As the autumn brings moodier skies and the days grow shorter, the climbing gym offers a haven of warmth, cosiness, and community. The contrast between the cold outside and the energy within creates a sense of refuge, where we come together not just to move, but to share in a collective experience.
Autumn in the gym becomes a hub to share in the self-care needed during this season. Whether you’re offering beta, sharing experiences with certain resets, or enjoying a natter over a coffee. The gym provides a warm safe space to find connection, solace, and look after one another.
This autumn, take the time to connect with others. Celebrate small victories, share frustrations, and find joy in the collective journey. In a world that can feel disconnected at times, the gym offers a unique sense of belonging. Let this season be a reminder that climbing is not just an individual pursuit but one that thrives within a supportive, shared experience.
Grasp the Outdoor Days
At times autumn may feel miserable. A season of wet, cold, and grey muted notes. However, occasionally the season presents itself with the most glorious of outdoor climbing days. Cooler temperatures increasing friction, the rare bluebird sky illuminating the vivid colours of the landscape, and a subtle morning breeze to whisp away any lingering moisture.
Seize these opportunities when they arise. The fleeting nature of autumn’s outdoor days reminds us to be present in the moment and appreciate what we have while it lasts. Adorn your warmest jacket, pack a flask of your favourite tea, and embrace the shifting light as you dance your way up a project or elegantly move around the rock in appreciation.
These days might be fewer, but they’re often filled with an unparalleled sense of connection. To nature, to your climbing partners, and to the simplicity of being outdoors. Whether it’s a full day at the crag or a moment outside on your way to work. Remind yourself, to stop, breathe, and take in some of autumns unique atmosphere.
Conclusion
Autumn asks us to embrace its rhythms. The ebb and flow of change, the balance between holding on and letting go. In climbing, it’s a season to pause and reconnect with why we climb; The joy of movement, the sense of accomplishment, and the love generated through shared experiences.
Whether we’re bundled up for crisp outdoor days or gathered in the warmth of the gym, autumn reminds us that climbing is as much about the journey as it is about the ascent. It’s about finding patience when progress feels slow, focus when distractions creep in, and trust in ourselves and those around us.
So, as the leaves fall and the season shifts, let your climbing reflect the beauty of autumn’s transformations. Move with intention, celebrate the moments that bring you closer to the wall and your community, and let the lessons of the season guide you upward.
