The Zen of Climbing by Francis Sanzaro

Climbing is a sport of perception, and our level of attainment is a matter of mind as much as body. To be successful in climbing, the art of focused awareness must be perfected alongside physical fitness, strength and technique.

Written by philosopher, essayist, and lifelong climber Francis Sanzaro, The Zen of Climbing explores the fundamentals of successful climbing, delving into sports psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and Taoism. Awareness, he argues, is the foundation of climbing, allowing us to merge mental and physical attributes in one embodied whole.

Written by the author of the classic The Boulder: A Philosophy of Bouldering, this book puts the climber’s mind at the forefront of practice. The book expands on the ideas mentioned in the author’s New York Times opinion essay published in September 2023.

This book is part of the IN THE MOMENT collection of books exploring themes of mindfulness and being present in our activities and environment. The first six, out now or forthcoming soon, are pictured here.

• Format: Paperback
  
• ISBN: 9781913393717

About the Author: Francis Sanzaro PhD is a climber, academic, speaker, and the author of books on philosophy, climbing, athletic theory and comparative religion. His essays, poetry and fiction have appeared in The New York Times, Outside, Huffington Post, Climbing, Adventure Journal, The Baltimore Post Examiner, Continental Philosophy Review, and Vol. 1 Brooklyn, Rock and Ice, among a dozen others. His books include The Boulder: A Philosophy for Bouldering; and Society Elsewhere: Why the Gravest Threat to Humanity Will Come From Within. He appeared at TEDx Ascend in Colorado speaking on approaches to risk and our relationship with the natural world.