Some mountains are so steep and rugged that a different skill is required: climbing. Rock climbing, like mountain climbing, can bring you to higher states of power. The hardest places to climb to are sometimes the most sacred mountains because not as many people have been able to contact the spirits there. Rock climbing is a process of doing what Arno Ilgner describes in The Rock Warrior's Way (2003) as "venturing out of our comfort zones," which is "essential" for spiritual, mental, and emotional growth as well as for increasing your personal power.

Luckily, as monkey-like creatures, we are capable of climbing many different objects. "Climbing is natural," writes John Bachar in Free Climbing (1996), "and early man was a climber out of necessity usually to escape predators or chase down food." Climbing trees and rocks are both ways to exercise and connect with earthly spirits. The trees and the rocks have very different energies so different people may find one more enjoyable than the other. In both cases your body will receive a total work out.

There is also a method of rock climbing that Arno Ilgner describes in his book The Rock Warrior's Way (2003)as "a program of balance, harmony, and insight that is inspired by a peaceable application of ancient martial traditions." Ilgner applies "the warrior mindset to rock climbing" so that the sport contains mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects that cannot only help you climb better but can help you deal with other exercises and situations in everyday life. Ilgner writes that the warrior state of mind "breaks down the habitual and self limiting mental framework we bring into climbing and into life in general." The mental training that Ilgner teaches is partly to "keep your conscious mind quiet thereby allowing your intuitive abilities to come forward. You'll keep your focus on the journey, not the destination." Such a practice is important when practicing life threatening skills such as rock climbing because if your conscious mind troubles your nerves when you are in a moment of action, then fear may arise. Illusory fear, as opposed to survival fear, can risk death and death is your reality check when climbing. Death "reminds us that every action matters," writes Ilgner.

Not all climbing requires a taste of death. There are many easy to climb trees and rocks, among the very difficult ones. Start at your own level and work up slowly so that you never have to fall. It is also a good idea to use the proper equipment. If you start small and easy, then there can be moments of tranquillity. "Letting moves come to me feels better then forcing my way," writes Ron Kauk in Spirit Of The Rock (2003), "Just let the moves come to you. Extend your spirit not your ego." Let the earth tell you where and how to climb and you will find the spiritual places you need most.

Most tree and rock spirits are friendly and enjoy company. Nevertheless, be respectful. Don't climb a tree that has small branches because they could break. A broken branch not only could hurt you, but it hurts the tree. Similarly, don't climb on crumbling slopes because falling rocks are dangerous for everyone and it can cause erosion.

Like rocky mountains, trees have been worshiped all over the world for thousands of years. Sacred oak groves were worshiped by the Druids. Also ancient Germans, Greeks, Italians and people in the capital of Sweden worshiped sacred groves. All over Africa, tribes believed certain trees were sacred. Throughout time, fruit trees have been respected and worshiped as well. For these reasons, climbing a tree can be a form of ritual as long as it is done with respect for the tree's spirit.

Try doing yoga and stretching in trees or with unique rocks. "Tree pose," or balancing on one foot, can be extremely enlightening when practiced on a tree branch. Use nature as your own gym. A tree limb or a smooth stone can serve as a wonderful tool to stretch the back on or just relax on. Dance with the tree's limbs and meditate with the rocks. Feel the power of the earth as your body is healed.