FACING FEARS 3,000 FEET UP
I recently watched “Free Solo,” a
mapping out his routes and memorizing the placement for each hand and foot hold. The trust he has in himself and his preparation is incredible. Listening to Honnold talk about his remarkable feat reveals much about his motivations as a person. For him, it’s all about setting and accomplishing goals. Once a goal is set, he becomes obsessed with completing it, visualizing each step along the way. His preparation is second to none. Although the goal itself may seem crazy, the thought process behind it is painstakingly thorough. That’s why it’s not enough just to complete the climb; how he completes it is important as well. Before he starts, he believes he’s mapped out the perfect course. Any sense of uneasiness or anxiety he feels on the climb exposes a lack of preparation. There is nothing lucky about a successful climb. Watching “Free Solo” left me feeling invigorated and motivated but also with an appreciation of the preparation required to meet your goals. Honnold remarked after the climb that he felt “comfortable” as he made his way up. No amount of preparation would ever make me (or most people) feel comfortable on the side of a vertical cliff, but taking the time to fully prepare for life’s obstacles helps us feel comfortable when the time comes to start climbing.
documentary about Alex Honnold’s 3,000 foot climb up the face of El Capitan’s granite cliff in Yosemite National Park without ropes . The footage captured by National Geographic of Honnold’s death- defying climb is equal parts captivating and nerve-wracking. I felt my palms sweating as I
watched Honnold meticulously move his hands and feet from one tiny crack or ledge in the rock’s surface to another. At times, it appeared there was nothing supporting his weight as he hung hundreds of feet above the ground. Free soloing is a version of climbing where the athlete performs without the use of ropes, harnesses, or other equipment — just a pair of climbing shoes and a bag of chalk. It requires extreme physical endurance (of course), but also a level of concentration that’s nearly impossible to maintain. Honnold spent years preparing for his ascent,
–Jon Svitak
APRIL 2019 DATES OF CONSEQUENCE
Directions 1. Lightly grease a small nonstick skillet with oil. Heat over medium-high. 2. While heating, gently shape meat into four patties 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful to handle the meat as little as possible to prevent tough burgers. Season liberally with salt and pepper. 3. Sear patties on each side, about 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until desired doneness, about 1 more minute per side for medium-rare, 2 more per side for medium-well. 4. Let meat rest for a minimum of 3 minutes. 5. To assemble, place patty on bottom bun and top with tomato, pickles, lettuce, and onion (in that order). Spread condiments on top half of bun and place on top of onion. Serve. OPENING DAY HAMBURGERS Ingredients • 1 pound ground chuck, 80 percent lean • 4 soft, white hamburger buns, split • 4 1/4-inch thick tomato slices • 12–16 pickle rounds • 4 small leaves iceberg lettuce • 4 1/4-inch thick yellow onion slices • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • Condiments of your choice
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Every Saturday morning throughout the year, St. Joan of Arc Men’s group meets from 7–8 a.m. in the St. Joan of Arc Parish Center. Please join us.
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