Float

I logged into Facebook this morning and was treated to this gem by Kris “Odub” Hampton of Power Company Climbing.  It caught my eye first because I saw that a friend had “liked” it.

Kris gave me permission to reprint the photo and its caption, and here it is:

“Float” is a word that I began using, while climbing, in about 1998. I would repeat it to myself to keep my confidence up through scary runouts or difficult cruxes. I still use it today, only now I apply it to every aspect of my life. A song by the same title, written with Misty Murphy, changed my life in a profound way.

After deciding on a font, I asked my brother, Shawn, a tattoo artist, to put the word “Float” on my forearm so that it was in a spot I could always see while climbing. It reminds me everyday that reaching for your dreams can oftentimes lead to realizing a life far beyond what you could  possibly have dreamt of.

Tattoo by Shawn Hampton.
Photo by Taylor Frohmiller.
Inspiration from so many.

Thanks.

-Kris Odub Hampton

I’ve been working on lightness in my own life.  I think about a white feather, when I need a reminder of lightness.  Of flow… of not forcing things, whether in my life or work or relationships or climbing.

But thinking of light … being light … feeling light … is something I try to be.  I love the thought of “float” … of floating … as something that I can do.

There is, of course, more to the story for Kris.  The tattoo is a tribute in addition to a mantra, and a little bit more about that context is here on Vimeo.

I am thinking about Kris today… and Brad, today… and the Skinner family today.  I am thinking about the family of Joe Puryear, for whom an assistance fund has been started.

And I am thinking, with a big smile and — literally — a tear in each eye, about the loving, accepting, creative, beautiful family that I am blessed to be a part of as a climber.  I feel a bit like I’ll wear my deepest gratitude on my skin today.  And thank you for being part of this family.