Climbing

“I consider climbing a meditative activity,” Smith says. “You have to focus intently on what you’re doing, so you can eliminate all of your other thoughts." Stetson adds, "When you’re standing on top of what you thought there was no way you could do, when the risks were high, it’s one of the most satisfying things in the world."

So far my three favorite moments in Italy have involved climbing stairs:

1. Climbing to the top of the Dome of Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers in Florence.
2. Climbing up to the Rocca Maggiore castle in Assisi.
3. Climbing down to the Tyrrhenian Sea in Sorrento.

I agree with Stetson. Before you begin the trek up or down, your goal seems like a tiny flickering light at the end of the tunnel, wavering in stability. But once you take that first step, your blood starts flowing, your breathing becomes heavy, and the only thing on your mind is getting to the end. Climbing requires a lot of concentration and will; it is very easy to slow down and stop your journey, telling yourself that you've done enough and the view is just fine from where you are now. But is the seeing the view all you really wanted to acheive when you took that first step? The view at the end will prove to yourself that you really accomplished something, but the feeling of satisfaction is the most important.

Take the stairs next time you walk to class or head to the office, and CLIMB THAT GODDAMN MOUNTAIN! (Jack Kerouac)