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In search of purpose: Ropes and knots

<photo: Learning to tie figure of eight knot and classic Prusik knot and how to climb out after falling into a crevasse.>

Mountaineering is an exhilarating sport filled with emotions at every stage. You are filled with wonderment when researching on which mountain to climb. From the awesomeness of the Himalayas to the bucket list must climb mountains such as Mount Kinabalu, there's just so many mountains to choose from.  Then there's the pain of training, forcing yourself into a routine, groaning up endless staircases and running those kilometres when your friends are out merrymaking. And then the day comes for the climb and the adrenaline starts pumping.  The funny thing about climbing is that many mountaineers swear that they'll never climb again after coming down from the summit - it's too painful! So they say ... and a few weeks later the cycle starts when they look at the list of mountains and start planning for the next climb. 

Everyone who climbs want to get to the top. Who doesn't want to reach the summit and bask under the rays of the rising sun, high five-ing with your fellow climbers.  But just like life, things don't always go your way. And here's the thing about mountaineers- they know a LOT of things can go wrong when they climb and that's why they train hard on the proper use of ropes and knots.  The right knot can help rescue you after falling into a deep crevasse. Mountaineers are one of the most safety conscious people in the world - they don't want to get injured because if they do, there goes their ability to climb the next mountain. 

Life, just like mountaineering, is full of challenges and can be an emotional up and down. And just like mountaineering, you should learn to see knots as things you can create to make climbing safer.  Don't see knots as entanglements - they help you get to the next level in your climb in life.  Knots can also help to get you out of crevasses.  

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot, and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt

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