Francis Sanzaro (Ph.D.) 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.

"Climber Sanzaro... writes simple but elegant, vivid prose to make his case for a unified approach to movement and mind...An inspiring book aimed at rock climbers and other athletes that's ideal for both spirituality and sports psychology sections. Its emphasis on the virtues of cultivating mind-body awareness will also appeal to readers interested in New Age wisdom" Library Journal"Written by a climber, and for climbers, there is no better book to get you started climbing with the right mindset." Adam Ondra, first person to climb 5.15c and 5.15d, multiple World-Cup Gold Medalist"A skilled and experienced climber, Francis Sanzaro writes about his long-time application of Zen Buddhist mind-training techniques to overcome the difficulties of fear and enhance performance in life-challenging, climbing situations ... The lesson: we could bring this wisdom not only into climbing and other athletic pursuits but also into modern-day life in all its many aspects." John Baker, co-editor of Cutting through Spiritual Materialism and The Myth of Freedom
"A skillful and entertaining presentation of aspects of Zen that can make one a better climber and, at the same time, enhance one's enjoyment of climbing. Top athletes, climbers and others, reveal how these traits improved their performance and led to deeper understanding and appreciation of their craft." John Gill, father of modern bouldering, author, mathematician

"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

Publisher: Saraband

Pub date: 2023-08-08

Length: 224 pages