What do Zen masters, sixteenth-century Samurai, and the world's elite climbers have in common?
- They have perfected the art of awareness, of poise amidst chaos.

Climbing is a sport of perception, and our level of attainment is a matter of mind as much as body.

Written by philosopher, essayist, and lifelong climber Francis Sanzaro, The Zen of Climbing explores the fundamentals of successful climbing, delving into psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and Taoism. Awareness, Sanzaro argues, is the alchemy of climbing, allowing us to merge mental and physical attributes in one embodied whole. This compact volume, by the author of the classic The Boulder: A Philosophy of Bouldering, puts the climber's mind at the forefront of practice.

About the Author
Francis Sanzaro is equal parts climber, writer and philosopher. The former Editor-in-Chief of Rock and Ice, Ascent and Gym Climber magazines, he has been climbing for more than 30 years: trad, ice, sport, alpine and bouldering. His first book, The Boulder: A Philosophy for Bouldering, won early critical acclaim. It is now published in a second edition. He has a PhD in the Philosophy of Religion (2012) from Syracuse University, New York. His essays, poetry and fiction have appeared frequently in The New York Times, Outside, Climbing and Adventure Journal, amongst a dozen other publications. He has appeared on the BBC, on international podcasts, and delivered a TEDx talk on wilderness and risk. He makes his home in the mountains of Colorado, with his wife and two children.

Reviews

'The Zen of Climbing is a fascinating read. We are climbing our best by paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment. The book integrates different forms of practice for developing your physical, cognitive, and mental domains. Highly recommended!'

-- Udo Neumann, climber, coach, filmmaker, co-author of Performance Rock Climbing

'Between the start and finish of every climb, big or small, is a vertical gulf we can see across but never fully chart beforehand. The Zen of Climbing provides a peerless working model of how to embrace the unknown, cross that gulf and come to know the crazy wonderful sorcery of ascent.'

-- John Long, author of more than forty books, storyteller, stonemaster



Book Information
ISBN 9781913393717
Author Francis Sanzaro
Format Paperback
Page Count 214
Imprint Saraband
Publisher Saraband