It's Global Climbing Day! @thenorthface partners with climbing gyms around the world to celebrate the sport and lifestyle of playing with gravity. Climbing is cool. Why might one ask? Three body lengths above the ground our self preservation instinct kicks in. We think in differently. We have to be in the moment. The activity itself builds strength, flexibility, bone density and mental acuity. It's pretty straightforward - go climb a rock. No need for a stop watch, judges, hence no winners and losers. You climb = you win. The foundation of climbing with other people is based on trust, communication and shared intent. Belaying is a humble act. You have to be patient, listen to the person you are climbing with and follow the protocols. You help someone realize their goal and in turn they help you realize your goal. Climbing is my life. It's provided some memorable moments (Meru) and brought me to question extistence and purpose (Shishapangma). Yet through it all I keep coming back. The author @kimstanleyrobinson in his recent book "The High Sierra" writes: "But of climbing is some kind of condition of consciousness, the when you have it, you can't change it." Join us at gyms around the world on this day, find your own challenge and see if climbing is something you need to survive. I'm fortunate to have found my passion at a young age and sharing this joy with others is part of who I am. @joeiurato & @boonespeed with the Joe's art @thecliffslic 2017 Sunrise in Tahoma July 2022 @pemba_gyaljen_sherpa bouldering @khumbuclimbingcenter 2019 @justan0therblackdude on Tahoma July 2022 Cragging in Colorado @thenorthface_climb Tent life Alaska Range 1989 @alexhonnold playing with the plastic swords prior to his ascent of El Cap "free hand style". @memphisroxclimbing 2018 On this day in 1980 @reinholdmessner_official climbed the North Face of Chomolungma alone and with out supplemental O2. Thanks for motivating many, myself included. Sweet summit selfie. Respect. I'll be @publiclandscharlottesville with @hilareenelson & @jimwmorrison today. If you are around stop in and say hello. #neverstopexploring #globalclimbingday