Post #3724769
2026-07-10 19:33 UTC
Many people have a natural, physiological reaction to heights. I ask myself, is the activity legitimately dangerous? What are the risks? How can I mitigate them? Is the mitigated risk acceptable? Fear is the signal that starts analysis. It can trigger intense focus. But I don't want it to be the deciding factor.
I saw an interview with Alex Honnold (first person to free solo El Capitan) and when asked if he was afraid he said something like in free climbing there's no room for fear.
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Replies (1)
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@intrepidhero@mastodon.social 2026-07-10 19:33
There's only room for the intense, whole body focus that the activity requires. I think the state he's describing is the biological state that is created by the emotion of fear. The survival instinct takes over, heart rate and respiration increase, focus narrows. Everything becomes about surviving the next few moments. Being able to exist in that state and retain the ability to consciously act requires preparation, discipline, and practice. 5/