The School of Greatness 487 Success Without Seeing: How Erik Weihenmayer Climbed Everest & Kayaked the Grand Canyon Blind
May 22, 2017
Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to summit Mount Everest and co-founder of the No Barriers movement, shares his remarkable journey overcoming physical and mental challenges. He discusses how he navigates the world without sight, emphasizing the brain's amazing adaptability. Erik delves into his adventurous spirit, detailing his transition from climbing peaks to conquering rapids in the Grand Canyon. His stories of resilience highlight the power of community support and mental strength in tackling life's obstacles, inspiring listeners to embrace their own challenges.
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Seeing With The Brain
- Erik explains that vision is processed by the brain, not just the eyes, so other senses and imagination can create rich mental images.
- He uses auditory and tactile input to 'see' and form detailed mental models of people and environments.
The Dock That Forced Acceptance
- Erik recalls losing sight at 14 and the denial his brain created until he couldn't take a step safely.
- He describes a mistaken step off a dock that taught him acceptance and adaptation were necessary.
Ramp Painted Orange
- Erik's dad painted his bike ramp bright orange so Erik could keep jumping it as his sight faded.
- That parental adaptation modeled an early 'no barriers' approach to problems.