Episode 25 - Lessons from the Climb
Discover powerful insights from a transformative hiking experience at Grand Teton National Park. Learn how mountain climbing wisdom applies to everyday life challenges.
Last week, I embarked on an extraordinary adventure with my family – climbing the Grand Teton in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Standing just under 14,000 feet, this majestic peak had long been on my husband's bucket list. With three of our children joining us, we decided this was the year to make it happen.
The Journey Begins
Nature has always been my sanctuary – a place where I feel deeply connected to myself, others, and especially God. It's where I find my ground and presence. For this challenging ascent, we wisely enlisted the expertise of Exum Mountain Guides. Our guides, Max and Izzy, proved invaluable in creating an unforgettable experience.
The journey began with two days of intensive instruction, covering everything from bouldering and multi-pitch climbing techniques to rappelling, knot-tying, rope management, and belaying. We learned the essence of teamwork. Then came the main event – a two-day climb to reach the summit of the Grand Teton.
5 Transformative Life Lessons from the Mountain
1. Remember to Look Up
Throughout life, we often focus so intently on avoiding obstacles that we miss the beauty surrounding us. Just as my friend regularly reminds me to look up during our walks, my husband's gentle prompt on the mountain – "Hey, Jill, look up" – revealed breathtaking views. This simple action reminds us to:
Appreciate the beauty in each moment
Look beyond our immediate challenges
Recognize God's presence in our lives
Find strength and gratitude in difficult times
2. Trust Your Shoes
Finding the right climbing shoes taught me a valuable lesson about self-trust. After trying multiple hiking boots, I discovered that specialized approach shoes with sticky soles made all the difference. When I stopped overthinking and trusted my footwear, my climbing improved significantly. In life, this translates to:
Taking deliberate, intentional steps
Having confidence in our abilities
Focusing on the present moment
Believing in ourselves through challenges
3. Slow Down, It's Not a Race
Our guides emphasized the importance of maintaining a steady pace during the 7-mile, 5,000-foot elevation gain. Racing to the top would only deplete our energy for the summit day. This wisdom applies perfectly to life's journey:
Consistent progress beats rushing
Enjoy the process rather than rushing to the destination
Remember that "fast is slow and slow is fast"
Maintain sustainable forward momentum
4. Listen to Your Guides
With over 30 years of combined experience, our guides knew exactly how to keep us safe and successful. Their expertise proved invaluable when the trail seemed to disappear or when confidence wavered. Life offers similar guidance through:
Friends and family
Mentors and teachers
Spiritual leaders
Inner wisdom and intuition
5. Trust the Rope
Perhaps the most profound lesson came from learning to trust our safety ropes. Initially, fear of falling prevented me from fully utilizing the rope's support. Once I understood its purpose and learned to lean into it, the rope became not just a safety measure but an aid in climbing higher. This beautifully parallels our relationship with faith:
Understanding that support systems will catch us
Learning to lean into help when needed
Recognizing that assistance makes us stronger
Trusting in divine support through life's challenges
Mentioned in the Podcast:
Exum Mountain Guides https://exumguides.com/programs/
Want More Clarity?
Are you ready to take it to a deeper level? Jill would love to be your coach!
Click HERE to learn about all the ways you can work together!
Click HERE to schedule a FREE Clarity Conversation with Jill.
Click HERE to check out her FREEBIES!
Click on the following links to learn more about Seasons Coaching and the Seasons of Joy Community Facebook Group.
To contact Jill about speaking to your group or business, email her at jill@seasons-coaching.com.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and rate and leave a review! Help spread these tools!
About the Author: Jill Pack is a certified faith-based life coach and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through her podcast "Seasons of Joy" and coaching practice, she helps women navigate life's various seasons with purpose and joy.
Keywords: Grand Teton climbing, life lessons from hiking, mountain climbing wisdom, personal growth, spiritual journey, adventure lessons, self-trust, mindful living, nature connection, faith journey
