FEAR OF HEIGHTS ? This might help

Discussion about fear of heights in Tree work

[@lucasdesjardins5905]

Bravo. I've been a tree worker for about 8 years now and some words from a former colleague never leave me: if you're too afraid to do the job, you should think about quitting. If you're absolutely unafraid about anything that has to do with the job, you should definitely quit.

[@thetruth7046]

My Jumpmaster told me something similar, when I chose to come down with the plane one day, and didn't jump. Even he, who jumped with the Golden Knights, stated he had even come down with the plane a few times. A healthy fear, and a great respect for what can kill you, can keep you alive for years to come.

[@geekay4703]

This is good stuff. As an arborist in training one year in, I have had a few nervous moments. What helps me is preclimb gear inspection, sound limb to tie into and if I get still unsettled to keep telling myself to trust the equipment and myself. You can pause going up for a minute to collect yourself and nobody won't even notice. A real psychological technique for relieving anxiety is to stay in the moment. For example, when you start to get anxious, pause and focus on something. Stare at the rope your climbing on, notice it's color, it's feel, it's strength etc. Perhaps focus on the leaves near you, the shape of them, their purpose etc. Notice the air, how it smells, it's temperature. You might see an ant 60 feet up next to you. Think about and wonder how it got up there, why it's there, how it might get back down... The objective is to redirect your mind from racing thoughts about potential future events to really concentrating on things around yourself. If you can do that you will find the anxiety goes away. Takes a bit of practice but it is amazingly simple and helpful. It's almost like a conscious form of meditation that only takes seconds to do.

[@CounTreeGuy]

Relaxing breaths work wonders as well! 4-7-8..... in through the nose for the count of 4.... hold for the count of 7...... out through pursed lips for a count of 8. You can do it three times in a row, it works wonders!!

[@ronburke]

I had 5 kids so that squashed any fear i ever had

[@sterlingmoore6032]

Awesome pointer Gee Kay. Dissociation is one of the greatest psychological coping techniques in the world. This is powerful and true !!!

[@rayclark9643]

Yeah I agree with what you're saying it works...but when I find an ant that's 60 feet or more up I always find my self feeling envious that it can get around up there so easily without any gear or worries:)

[@ronburke]

any of you guys see a video of a dude in a tropical environment maybe Thailand i dont know but the guy has a saw bout like a 290 stihl no gear all hes doing is hangin on with his legs and chunkin 2 or 3 footers down and he looks like he sittin around sippin a cold beer not even sweatin its pretty wild you guys stay safe man fear keeps you alive and thinkin you will be like little squirrels in no time when you get confidence in your gear.

[@devid8993]

"Fear is there to protect you, it's part of your checklist." great statement. Thank you.

[@ted3forks]

Sir, You are a master at problem identification and explaining on a level that anyone can understand. Thanks for the time and effort you spend helping people.

[@everett3938]

i think its just the accent

[@imkrane]

@@everett3938 Lol, it definitely helps!!!

[@Billster1955]

I'm 66 years old and did my first 50 foot climb recently. Did a couple SRT redirects, pruned dead branches, limb walked and before I knew it 5 hours had passed. As I came down I was so happy with what I accomplished. I must be a kid at heart because I still love climbing in trees. Thanks Reg.

[@colsinclair7793]

Reg when u hang up you're spurs you should look into teaching the up and coming tree climbers I honestly think people could benefit from your knowledge.

[@jasonarbour1616]

This guy is the epitome of chill, just amazing monologue videos. Mental strength- check

[@br-dj2ti]

9 months later I still watch this video this is the best video that I have personally ever watched on KZbin as a tree climber

[@sakamotosensei2506]

If it was up to me this video would be played at every college or arb training organisation certainty in the UK where I live. Outstanding, truely outstanding, thoughtful, eloquent, and provides an insight that is delivered in a manner that I found simply was not available, it would be a terrible shame if this particular video was not widely consumed within arb training and early years development. Thanks Reg, your one of a kind mate.

[@cannonball9478]

Thanks thanks thanks Reg :-) as Buckin says “I am calm, I am at peace, I’m in no rush”.

[@1975dbryant]

Yes he does. I like that. I need to drill that conduct into my own.

[@actionadah]

Well said! Havent commented before but I feel this might be useful to others, I've been a contract climber for 10years and the one and only thing I've found to really make the nerves go up are not having ground staff you trust or are even unsure their cerebral ability can comprehend the dynamics of rigging, it's all well and good working for a firm that has a boss that was and is very good, but for them to sometimes leave the job and leave the climber with ground staff that are doing the job for the summer or just dont care. I'd say to anyone going into subby climbing make sure everyone you work for has ground staff that can perform areil rescue make sure you can find out if they are even fit enough for resuce and can rig off well. I have been put into some seriously dangerous trees to only be told the decent chap wont be there and I will have to make do with the local crack head on 40quid a day. If someone had told me about these situations my stress and climbing ability would have improved to no end. Reg you make alot of sense mate thanks for sharing your knowledge and mega thanks for the arbtrolley

[@Billster1955]

That's why I work solo. I only work on small to medium trees and I take my time.

[@Gigharborbigfoot]

Best book to read when your job puts your life at risk = The Bible! I did not have the luxury of a mentor, just a series of greedy company owners who looking back were willing to put my life at risk for money because I didn't know any better. Prayers and faith got me through all those years and still gets me through when I am faced with a task that nobody else is willing to do. Lol about the many crazy excuses and shenanigans that people will do to get out of climbing or even just to get out of work. Sometimes, you just have to have faith.

[@jasonganoe6519]

Reg, you should write a book.

[@harm7448]

Ah yes! I would buy that

[@cameronb76]

Agree

[@mcschneiveoutdoors3681]

But make it an audiobook.

[@benbatt2268]

New age G.F. Berenek

[@nakedmongoose123]

Thank you for you time and wisdom Reg. I just got down from a 100ft tree, highest I've been. I was up for hours last night in anxiety, I came across your video and just repeated the key points in my head until I fell asleep, and carried on doing that the whole way through the tree. I'm on lunch break now and my body is absolutely cooked. Hopefully these sardines give me some fuel for the next tree lol! Been at it about 2 months, and the unknown territory was the source of all my anxiety. It's becoming a bit easier now. You're a legend Reg!

[@andrewlangridge8619]

Very thoughtful. I retired after 20 years plus climbing for a variety of reasons. But the most important was that I felt it was the right time. I had no accidents but saw some bad one's, felt like I needed a new challenge and realised that if my head and heart wasn't 100% into it I should stop. Now I landscape and periodically miss climbing but I don't regret stopping ever.

[@justinjones9255]

Reg, no illusions, you’re not perfect cause you’re human but you are also deliberate, thoughtful and incredibly inspirational. You’re the kind of guy one comes across, a total stranger, but yet, you think I’d like have a beer with that guy.

[@treeteacher]

I think like you said it's a fear of unfamiliarity, and that stepping into something unfamiliar might trigger some panic and inability to handle things. It's a mental challenge that almost has nothing to do with heights or trees in the end. The good thing about trees is you can incrementally push your comfort zone bit by bit to become quite comfortable in a situation that would be scary if you felt thrown into it before you trust your tie-in/gear/whatever. I've found climbing trees in my free time hugely helpful to push my comfort without added pressures that come along with being on a job

[@AllRightsReservedNoSurndr]

Thank you brother thank you thank you thank you this is probably the most thought-provoking video I've seen in years I've been doing tree work for 22 years 15 of it climbing. With all that time everything you said in this video Perfect it was dead on point as soon as you said the word complacency I got emotional and teared up. Because complacency is almost cost me my life tree work is no joke and you should have a healthy fear always but thank you again you're really good Man reg a truly awesome human being I wish I had someone like you to work with take care brother stay safe thanks again for the video truly remarkable

[@woodpeckerarborist]

“Weebles Wobble, but they Don’t Fall Down” kept me going in more than one tree early on! Thanks Reg for sparking some old thoughts I haven’t remembered for awhile.

[@johnengdahl8433]

im 58 and i want to get into this profession. this was a great block of instruction and will definitely help me with regards to the perspective i should have on the fear aspect of this profession. well said and greatly appreciated.

[@larryweinberg1191]

Good teaching moment from you. That said, my last CPR class the instructor said 2500 Americans die each year from falls off 6 foot or less ladders. I tossed my 3 foot step ladder in the burn pile decades ago as I realized a 3 foot fall on concrete with tools laying around hurts. Worked in woods since 1975 and I have hurt myself more at home. Luck/skill for sure. 180' is the highest I found a yellow jacket nest while cone picking. Thanks for posting vids.

[@paulmiller6534]

Reg, you're such a good student of life and so good at relating your life lessons to others. Everything you said in this discussion rings so true and I could relate to it so well from my own past experience. I unintentionally got into doing tower work for the Amateur radio folk in my area and had to progress through the trust the structure and trust your gear aspect in my late fifties. Not until in my early seventies did I out of need to manage trees on my own property get into tree climbing. I'm now to the point that my only 120' climb line isn't long enough.

[@tome.joyner887]

Hi Reg. I am a new subscriber. Buckin Billy Ray gave a shout out for you and I am so glad I made it over to check your channel out. This is psychology 101 for life and for being a tree climber. I truly enjoyed you sharing your common sense approach of what you do and how to build confidence for any thing we might attempt to do in life. I look forward to watching your videos and learning more about you. You are an interesting man. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@MrTimthetoyman]

Excellent talk Reg. Thanks for this. I'm relatively new to climbing and you certainly have addressed a lot of the common fears. One fear that I have that you didn't address is the fear of making a mistake that would lead to a fall. Such as when fliplineing up and bypassing a branch, or just moving around the canopy and having to unclip, move and then clip back in, and I think I'm clipped in and let go only to find that I didn't put the line in proper place or whatever, and now I'm falling because of a personal error. I'm sure there are a thousand examples of things that tree guys have done to hurt or kill themselves through personal errors and mistakes. Gravity is not very forgiving. My way of handling this fear so far has been to just move slowly and deliberately, and thinking through and calculating each move. I'm sure some of you guys have dealt with similar fears and I am interested in hearing your thoughts and how you've handled this. Thanks

[@Recoates]

Sounds like the fear is working in your favor, exactly how it should. You are doing everything right, well done 👍

[@marcooggianu3094]

Me too. I always still check my carabiners are working in the right way and analize the branch i want to pass my rope. This fear works on my favour (reg says....). Still thinking it's ok or not what i'm doing. Thank you

[@reubentrapp]

So well put by Reg regarding fear 'fear is keeping us safe if properly controlled'. or that's how I remember it (he said it much much better lol) But same with gravity, we rely on it daily to stay alive but it can kill us too. Main point is respect. A good climber has to have a healthy respect for all (including inconvenient) aspects of working in the tree. I found it was helpful to be self disciplined to follow "personal safety rules" I made up for myself. In time they become just really good habits and now contribute to a cooler head :)

[@tommyandresen8160]

Not many tree guys admit fear. But show me one who didn´t feel it, and I´ll show you a liar. I liked this video in particular. I feel the fear every time I am up there and controlling it is a bigger task for me, than planning the tree. You explained it very well

[@masonicmachine]

My first time spurred in I was 20 foot off the ground shaking like a leaf, and after my first gaff slip in loose bark I spent the next 2 years hammering my spikes into the tree, way way more than needed lol.

[@davemarks605]

Hi Reg, watching this has been a huge help for me! I froze on my first limb walk at height not long ago and it put a lot of doubt in me as to whether it was the right job for me. I told the guys I wanted to come down and did, but it has wound me up ever since. Can't wait to get back up and give it another shot now. Cheers!

[@dan-dan-da-treeman]

Your my choice for climbing guru. Thank you so much for all you share...it is the ground.

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

Thanks for your advice Reg. We look to folks like yourself as guides

[@leonportelance9613]

Wow! This was like a guided meditation; it flashed a 1/2 dozen 'come to Jesus moments' thru my life experiences; priceless, thank you.

[@jimhubbell8364]

Thanks for putting this so clearly. I wish I had you as a mentor 30 years ago.

[@brianlybrand5067]

You are awesome!! I have watched this video at least 10 times. Hopefully one day I can take it all the way to the top of the tree…Thank you so much!!

[@chriswild2458]

I have worked at height in construction for 40 plus years ,and you are spot on Reg ( different discipline but the same emotions ) I have thought about this a great deal and I think a lot of the problems come from perspective , you can look up at a Building or structure from the ground and it looks nothing but ,when you are on it and look down, it can be terrifying for the newcomer even for experienced hands, There is no shame in taking a moment to collect yourself. Your words are wise and really should be on every curriculum for potential climbers .

[@sidneyturner3427]

Reg in a truck talking tree climbing is the best .. Speaking of heights, I think you just topped yourself. Excellent video Reg . Thank for your time and effort .

[@henrybunker2922]

I would say this was much more than just help, it was what I consider mentoring - WELL DONE!

[@aviator1243]

This is probably one of the best videos on You Tube .Not only does it help a new tree climber, but anyone trying to achieve a new goal.

[@Velcrostraps91]

I've been watching you so long Reg. I'm glad I have. You've rubbed off on me quite nicely, man. Awesome compliments to my all-around work balance. 😎🤙

[@genethecook2300]

You are awesome at what you do brother! But of course,that goes without saying. Thank you for sharing with us. It's an honor and a real treat to watch "to me" one of the best in the 🌎. My helmet & muffs off to you my friend.

[@grayclapp1081]

Well said sir! Always enjoy this videos. Seeing you up a fir 150 plus makes me feel at ease in a 80 ft oak. You are correct about sitting back in your saddle and trusting your gear. Thank you for the words of encouragement!

[@matoscristiano]

absolutely true !very helpful, i was out of the game for a long time and recently restarted and the fear is back but I'm loving every minute !

[@PatrickBlais-jx8we]

Thank you so much for your content. I’m relatively pretty new to climbing I need to overcome the fears. Your video is going to be embedded in my brain on tomorrow’s job. Thanks brother. Keep the content coming!

[@ertreeservice9558]

Thanks RC, this hit home with me! Once I get over 90’ and the wind picks up something comes over me and I have to talk myself through getting the job done. Thanks again for the great video ✅

[@bonesthenorthwoodswarriors1854]

A truly exceptional video Reg. As you've touched on, complacency is a very real aspect of familiarity and I've seen an equal amount of injury from it as I have from beginners in any field. You've an immense ability to convey valuable information in a thoughtful way that invokes a strong sense of clarity. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Though I've only been climbing for a few years, I've been doing forestry work for over a decade & I simply think about my children & my wife anytime I feel I'm getting too comfortable with things.

[@merrittorius]

August sent me over. How the YT algorithm has failed this bad in keeping me from your channel is beyond me. Look forward to your content and input in the future. Great video. Be safe. Thanks.

[@Recoates]

On the contrary, I was just killing time until you got here.

[@Recoates]

But seriously, scroll through the list, although I think only the previous 100 vids will be visible if you are viewing via cell phone. Still lots interesting stuff, old growth, explosives, hazard tree falling etc. I'm sure there will be something to your taste

[@merrittorius]

@@Recoates lol, if its trees, climbing, and education I'll watch it. Thanks again man!

[@willsnider6784]

I cant thank you enough for this thoughtfully worded, helpful and inspiring video.

[@JoseRGarcia-JRG]

I want you to know this video has been a great help to me ,, self taught, 62 years old , minimal gear , and no mates to climb with. But I love this stuff ,, and YES I am super careful. So far I have managed just over 30 feet, so this lecture helps . Thank you so much.. By the way I did get the book,, Body Language of Trees,, it was expensive at about 125.00 US but the book is as you described. Very informative, I have learned to better examine a tree and better assess it.. Thank you for the encouragement.. Good luck to you.. Joe

[@treemeisterz7477]

Thanks Reg! I am new to climbing and I got to a point where I was questioning if it was really for me. After watching this video I had a turning point in my climbing. It was a combination of reminding myself of how strong my gear really is and the place I’m tied in. The other thing that changed my climbing is changing my breathing. I noticed that I only felt scared or uncomfortable when I was breathing heavy and tired. So I started taking a lot more short breaks to control my breathing keep my heart rate down. All of a sudden I was moving around and climbing taller trees with less and less fear!

[@StihlChainsaws]

I was gonna watch the entire video, but a swarm of bees showed up, made me get sick, & my phone went dead because I didn't have a charger😂👌 This was brilliant.... STAY SAFE BROTHER

[@kai-rouvenseeger4852]

Interesting thoughts, true words, thanks for sharing 🙏

[@tommyRfrancis]

Another great video with powerful insights. I have been climbing for about 17 years and started with a fear of heights. Progressing slowly and steadily is the key I think. Also having the strength to leave your ego out of it as much as possible, it’s human nature to want to gain people’s respect, but people who are really worthy of respect will respect you for being honest if you are not happy about something. As someone who has suffered from anxiety, depression and a suicide attempt (not while up a tree!), and tried all manner of prescription drugs and therapy, by far the most powerful thing I have found to help is mindlfulness. Simply being in the moment as best as you can, breathing and letting go of any unhelpful thoughts. This too shall pass!! Peace ☺️🌲👊🏼

[@man-on-a-tree]

Reg - Thank you so much for your wise words! After this I believe I would just go anywhere and do anything if you told me to do it and how to do it!

[@br-dj2ti]

I would do anything to work beside you and learn from you I mean that I trust you a 100% just by watching your videos you are an amazing man I wish I had somebody like you to teach me

[@donsmith3314]

Thank you for the insight good sir. As an individual who is passionate about beginning this type of work later in life ( I am 47), and having at least 1 goal of ascending a tree at least once in my life, even if nothin else but to say "I did that". I've been a Paramedic for 25 years, but each time a call goes out for me to respond, its true that all those fears are what keep me doing the correct thing, and not missing important parts. Absolutely a wonderful video you made. Thank you kindly!

[@donsmith3314]

You know, after reading my comment, I found it wasn't quite what I meant to convey. Fear drives me to do well in the fact I go through in my head all of the "what if's", but once in the situation, it is the confidence from experience, and the knowledge I possess that carries me through. Much similar to your situation as you explained good sir. And I know what you are saying about the background becoming a blur too. Your concentration is on the task, and what's important, not so much on the outside bits that don't require as much of your focus. Still a wonderful video though! Thank you!

[@StuartOliver83]

Join the club I’m 40 and love it

[@user-km6uw3pq1c]

I have been fortunate enough in my life to have great mentors. Listening to your video tonight brought me back to a time in my early climbing years. Having support from good mentors is the reason I chose this line of work. Thanks for offering your words of encouragement!

[@treesplease4053]

So inspiring!!, you are such a thoughtful and generous person, love, love the channel.

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

Love your humility and confidence in who and what you are as a human . Your a beautiful being Reg. I thank Christ for having come across your content and message

[@jamescotie7535]

Awesome talk Reg hopefully the people that need the information take the time to sit and listen to a "mentor" because you live the work that you speak of. Thanks Reg!

[@tomstephens3029]

24:35 Brilliant, now I'm scared of driving too! Jokes aside, cheers Reg, your wisdom is always greatly appreciated.🙏

[@LDU2U]

I have only just found your videos a day or two ago, but this video is exceptional. You are a perfect mentor, although I don't do your job, but you get what I mean. You have so much common sense. Thank You for sharing this video .

[@MattGlynn]

Another great video, it's something we all must try to overcome. Having full trust in your kit is essential. Daily checks and a good look at the tree helps a heap. Thank you Reg!!

[@rayclark9643]

Reg I never minded being up high as long as I felt secure...when I was a paratrooper in the Army there was anxiety about jumping out of the door, but once I was out there and the chute was open it was just a fantastic experience...a feeling akin to being a bird. In the beginning the fear was based on the unknown...later on it was based on the known...having seen what could actually go wrong...but still once the chute was open all was fine. So when I started climbing I was surprised to find the old fear I used to feel when I was about to jump out of the door of a plane. But once I began to feel more secure with my equipment it got to be like riding in a parachute harness and was able to sit back & just enjoy the view:) To sum it up what I feel that what most people refer to as a fear of heights is not actually a fear of heights, but rather a fear of falling...for instance a person can look out of an airplane window at 30,000 ft and not have fear...and that is more than high. But stand them on the edge of a tall building & the fear kicks right in. But never mind I'm rambling now...thanks for sharing Reg!

[@gregorkevin1676]

Totally right. Im afraid of falling not heights but if im tied in im good .

[@CBCycles]

You nailed it perfectly Ray Clark! I’m fine in an airplane 5 miles up but my palms start to get sweaty a few hundred feet up climbing a mountain

[@rayclark9643]

@@CBCycles Thanks it's nice to know I'm not alone feeling this way:)

[@NHlocal]

Reg, thank you for sharing your insights and experience about fear at height. Very straight and to the point. I appreciate you taking the time to make and post up this video. I was encouraged listening to what you said. Thanks again and keep yourself safe! Randy

[@diegoamalfitano6831]

It feels strange to thank a person you "met" in a video but I'd like to. I'm starting to work as an arborist in Spain and I've had really good and also bad moments on a tree, the last mainly from this doubts and demons (mainly doubts in my case) you talk about. I've listened to you, top to bottom, and as I said, I really want to thank you because your words touched me, taught me and have helped me already to accept myself a bit more, to trust myself a bit more and encouraged me to learn more about trees, equipment and myself too. As a naturally curious person, I find this path also a way to find out more things about the way my body and mind work and how I can put them to work together in a more peaceful way. All the best!

[@dctrees6861]

Great video Reg, a very real no bullshit video, no arrogance or showing off. Just genuine helpful advice, one of the best tree videos I’ve ever watched.

[@AssafLevyIL]

You're just amazing. Thank you for your service with this video.

[@climbe4422]

You're very good at giving advice ,you've done it a few times, just you speaking to the camera. In one of these you gave me the best advice any climber ever gave me " Never make a fuck it cut " .these types of videos are so valuable and helpful. Thanks Reg .

[@mvblitzyo]

That was amazing I have said the same things to many people over the years. Nice to have a video to reference for someone because sometimes we hear it different when it comes from somebody else glad you’re still putting out exceptional videos.

[@jaminagan7434]

Fear is the sum of Lack of Knowledge and Lack of experience... Thanks for sharing your exerience, reg.

[@steventalmakkies6015]

This is not just good advise for climbing trees but for life in general. Subscribed!

[@bastogne315]

Reg can you do a quick guide to your harness and rigout when your on the ground so we can see how you set urself up. Like where you hold ur spare fuel bottles and how u set up ur flip lines.

[@BigAgitator]

It gets easier!! I was a total nervous wreck- thought I might never beat it. I'm not there yet but a little better each time. Thanks for lots of awesome advice! Love your videos

[@Wiscotreeclimber]

Generally have been super scared of heights my entire life I’ve never really figured out how I got into this career path but you’re exactly right trust in your equipment and being confident in yourself will supersede your fear of the height

[@danielh4995]

Great perspective, and great to see folks like you on here to help coach and educate those who may not have access to a mentor. I have been climbing recreationally/ for personal tree care and I started with a pretty good fear of heights. It has helped my fear a lot, and one of the main things that helped is trusting the gear, trusting the rope, etc.

[@Bluecollar711]

I've been waiting for almost four years to have somebody sit me down and tell me that everything is going to be okay and then especially after I cut myself out of the tree at 15 feet breaking my back and screwing my sternum up pretty damn good regardless of the fact I've always had a fear of the rope breaking??! Even though I am the new mechanical device builder of this industry my Z Runner will never give me the confidence you just instilled back into me!. 🤜🙏🤛

[@petercbrandon]

So thoughtful. Excellent discussion.

[@anthonyr6286]

New and learning, that over the 20-ft comment is absolutely true LOL the rope and the gear are doing the same thing two feet off the ground or 200 ft. I NEED TO REMEMBER haha definitely going to see about that book. Trees that's have what looks like zero issues make me nervous. This video helped so much, thank you

[@rsmccary1]

Thank you. I needed that chat. This is perhaps the best video you've put out. Sincerely

[@petebeamish4730]

If ever you visited the Uk 🇬🇧 could you give me a ring I owe you a beer , I could sit in a pub bouncing conversation with you for hours ! Thanks reg I love the balance of conjuring the darkness to get rid of the complacency ! So so true ! Claus mattheck what an inspiration I have seen him live on a whole seminar of root/structure/diagnosis including mycorrhizae mind blowing he is ! Thanks again for the great information ! 👍

[@Zlinky111]

Best monologue Ever. Thank you Reg. 👍😁 🇬🇧

[@gloooopo]

You've put me at ease with the fear of heights I occasionally get climbing now and then, however, I'm now shit scared of driving !

[@savage22bolt32]

No, it's the bees! 🐝

[@murraystapleton7903]

As mentioned below mate you are an inspiration. Your experience and knowledge really shines bright when we can see how calm you are in certain situations. I have been climbing and working as an arborist here in New Zealand for only a year now and it is hands down the best job in the world. I study Arboriculture and advanced climbing and am now a qualified arborist, but I still sometimes find myself in stressful situations aloft. Experience is the number one teacher, I'm still learning and am happy to admit that, better than having false competence sometimes. Experience, trusting your gear and the rest of your crew, and most importantly trusting yourself is key. I have worked with many experienced people such as yourself and people like you can teach lessons that no tech classroom or climbing session can provide. Thank you for being you mate, this stuff helps more than you think I'm sure. Look after yourself and stay safe up there my friend. Muzz

[@f9qo]

Another aspect of the beauty of Reg's thoughtful lesson is that the entirety of the subject is simply about work, or if you want to break it down, work consciousness.

[@rakjy5628]

I FUCKING LOVE YOU MAN! Two days ago I climbed a spruce here in Sweden and I was mid way up and I got this sudden feel of anxiety, you know the heavy breathing and the ginger ale in my head and I can tell you I was not so cocky at that moment! I was VERY VERY scared and when I got down I cried like a baby. Thank god no one saw me! YOu gave me motivation to do it again! Thank you, Reg! Thank you!

[@tygertyger8597]

Reg, yours is the best arborist channel I have ever seen on YT. This was a great video on the right mental attitude to have in this type of work. Excellent advice. It could even be called Zen in the Art of Arborist Work. Much respect for the work you do. All the best.

[@jeremybuchanan4759]

Thanks for these thoughts. I'll be watching this again when I resume climbing.

[@nathanhamilton6998]

Cheers reg continuing to shed the wise old school wisdom from a dying breed of climbers Always love hearing from you mate glad to know I’m not the only one still channeling fear to push thru sticky situations 6 years strong Keep em coming

[@martymonsta2727]

Thank you, one of the most honest vids about this job i've ever seen, i love this job like i love skateboarding try and try again learn through the pain and celebrate the wins, knock on wood i've gotten lucky being caught by my rope a .5m from the ground after a fall from 20m, had croprice growth break off the stump and get dragged to the ground with it, and i've chickened out of heaps of climbs cause i don't like the feeling of the tree and some days thats what ya need to do, but its the drive to push yourself that keeps me wanting to go on, and things i've found that help is singing or making fun out of your anxiety like telling ya ground crew to stand back in case the shit falls out of ya pants, but having a break in the tree and just thinking of other stuff and resetting where your at....

[@TreeCamper]

The physicality is the hardest thing for me. I got into this later in life.

[@imkrane]

I'm 57 and getting ready for my first climb, still buying equipment and watching a ton of videos, very excited to get going on it though, it's a 60 foot pine with 5 shoots going straight up off it from about 30 feet, there were 6 but one broke and fell before I moved here... I used to rock climb back in the 90s so I do have the trust in the equipment, although that did take a little getting used to back then, plus you are relying on another person and their belay also, the height thing will probably bother me a little but I should get through that...

[@TreeCamper]

@@imkrane If you kept up your fitness as a rock climber, you should be good. It's more hanging in your saddle than rock climbing. The harness is mostly there for falls in rock climbing from what I understand. Tree climbing uses a more static rope that would hurt you if you fell a distance. It's not made to stretch and absorb the fall. Therefore you should not let the rope slack out too much and keep tension.

[@savage22bolt32]

@@imkrane 67 here. Just spiked up my first tree last week. Only about 20 feet, but it was diseased and I listened to my gut.

[@imkrane]

@@savage22bolt32 Oh wow that is awesome, I finally have all my gear but haven't had a chance to climb yet, with spikes anyway, I did go up about 20 feet to try out my zig zag and harness, I hope to get up a tree in my yard this week, one needs trimming to clear out room for the sun to hit my garden better...

[@savage22bolt32]

@@imkrane Play safe!

[@tylerworkman386]

Thank you so much Reg I want you to know that I explain this the exact same way I actually started having my apprentice watch your videos I had a good mentor when I started and I just put faith in everything he told me to do( he climbed several of the very broad maple trees with me) and very rapidly I just started building a wealth of knowledge in my head of what you can do in what species of trees based on how they were growing as far as tie ins limb walks what cuts work well in what situations in what trees and I tell everyone even my fellow foreman to be careful doing certain things while in trees and alternative solutions just so we can all grow together and always keep from being complacent our career is not one that you can ever come to work and just say blah blah blah same thing different tree I always run through the worst possible scenarios before doing a tree and the entire time I’m in a tree I’m focused on how to prevent them from happening

[@SimonHoweGuitar]

I really needed to hear this today, I’m halfway through my tree climb & rescue course and my anxiety is a constant background hum while I’m in the trees. Great words from a tree Jedi. Thank you. I need this 🙌 By the way, there’s actually a name for that urge to jump from height - L’appel du vide … it’s a French phrase that means “The call of the void”, that’s the French expression’s literal translation, but more significantly it’s used to describe the instinctive urge to jump from high places.

[@b00kyman]

You are valuable mentor and inspirer.

[@elijahcavin2408]

This video went so in depth and you talked about things I haven’t heard anyone else say. Thank you for this video. I have always had a fear of heights but love Tree work and want to climb. I’ve set my mind to getting past the fear. I’ve also had the fear of the tree not doing what it should and just going opposite even though I do everything correct.

[@DavetreemonkeyIreland]

Excellent, this is a great conversation starter for many of us, we all have scares and deffo for junior climbers trying to figure it out . Repetition, knowledge and familiarity sums it all up well

[@billwilson3665]

The power of youtube and the internet in general.. I wish it were around when I was young.

[@stephendixon8575]

Wow Reg, that was truly brilliant. Only just stumbled across your channel and this video but I was enthralled. Even though I may never climb a tree again (since I was a ‘fearless’ kid) those were wise words that you could apply to many other things in life. No wonder you come across as someone with Zen like calm! Take care and thanks again 👍

[@boyse69]

Another great worthwhile Video. Hit some notes about mental strength and how to harness and respect fear . I believe there is something primeval left within us that triggers some of these feelings a defence mechanism ! "Phobias-a degree greater than the actual danger posed" Like Reg I have known people create a suitable Phobia almost to fit into a group becoming more common due to Social Media Groups . Herd behaviour Propagandists rely upon this to introduce doubt and of course fear . We know how to overcome Fear and how this creates great Men and Women throughout History . Enjoyed you're shared thoughts here Reg Thank you.

[@marcopickles1019]

As always , precise straight talking , love your vids . Amazing part of the world to be in your profession .

[@robertbrglez1509]

Brilliant. Thank you!

[@spikewillow4552]

Wise words dude the more we do, the more we learn, the better we get. Enjoying watchin your content so had to sub.

[@joegee1699]

Just searched for The Body Language of Trees and the average price is ~$290! I'll keep an eye out for that one at a lower cost 😮 Thanks!

[@radiobibu]

Merci Je vais acheter le livre dont tu as parlé, hâte de découvrir tout ça et de progresser toujours plus...