INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION More than ten years have passed since I started working at
is in connection with climbing and its spiritual nature, try-
the first pages of this book. Since then, many things have
ing to approach climbers without too many complications.
changed in my life, in my way of practicing Yoga and
For this reason, at that time I made a description of the
climbing, and experiencing deep connections day by day.
techniques of Asanas, Pranayama and an introduction to
In the same way, the general awareness has changed con-
meditation, contextualizing them in a brief but (I hope) ef-
siderably concerning Yoga, which has spread in society and
fective way for what concerns the philosophy of Yoga, with-
climbing, with different pros and cons. Even though ten
out discussing some more “advanced” topics, which would
years ago Yoga was already known in the climbing world,
have deserved more insight though.
also thanks to some famous “yogi” climbers, climbers who
Moreover, what I reported was the result of my experience,
knew and practiced it were still few.
at that time, as a climber, practitioner and just graduated
Especially in Italy, except for some mentions or short arti-
Yoga teacher, together with the little knowledge already
cles, there was almost no source discussing extensively the
available of Yoga for climbing. Since then, the situation has
connection between these two disciplines. Moreover, climb-
evolved considerably. Personally, besides the prosecution of
ers had not showed an explicit interest towards Yoga yet.
my never-ending path of improvement as a Yoga teacher, I
For these reasons, the publication of the first edition of Yo-
have started teaching it in different contexts and spots.
gascent has been a gamble, the result of which was not fore-
This allowed me to get in touch with hundreds of climbers,
seeable: many were surely prepared to accept the usefulness
both at the beginning of their Yoga experience or already
of Yoga in relation to climbing, but at the same time, the
practicing it. Teaching regularly and exchanging views with
community of climbers was also reluctant to consider a
them, gave me the opportunity to become more sensible in
more spiritual conception of climbing in relation to Yoga
evaluating their reactions to the practice, their needs and
and other holistic disciplines.
the different ways to perceive Yoga in relation to climbing.
This uncertainty played a key role in the writing of the first edition, simplified since the beginning to be as effective as
In parallel, personal practice and study of both disciplines
possible.
allowed me to constantly investigate the different sides of a
The objective was first of all to disseminate what is, in my
spiritual approach to climbing, exploring many aspects and
opinion, a fundamental aspect: the awareness of what Yoga
discovering new connections.
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