Climbing Gros Piton: Lessons in Resilience, Endurance andSurrender
By: Jamaea Martin, PTA, LMT
During a recent trip to St Lucia for my fiancé’s birthday, I took on one of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges of my life: climbing Gros Piton. This challenge taught me about my mind, body, and Spirit. Rising 2,619 feet above sea level, Gros Piton is one of the islands;s most iconic landmarks. From the beach, it looks majestic - almost inviting. On the trail, it quickly becomes humbling. If I’m being honest, ignorance was bliss. Had I fully understood how intense the climb would be, I’m not entirely sure I would have agreed to it. We were underprepared - sharing a gallon of water and equipped with one hiking pole between us. Thankfully, one of the guides encouraged us rent a backpack to carry the little supplies we had.
Within five minutes of starting, my heart was already in Zone 5- beating at 161 beats per minute. The mountain wasted no time testing us. After about a quarter mile in, we paused at an overlook. Around the same time, our guide mentioned that the hike would soon become significantly steeper. He was right. The incline intensified. The terrain became rocky and uneven. The humidity was relentless. And my
internal dialogue grew louder:
“ We’re not even halfway up. What if I fall? I’m not prepared for this. I can’t do this.”
I now recognize that in the moment, I had to regulate my breathing. In through the nose, out through the mouthslowly. Steady. This was to regulate my nervous system and reiterate to my brain that even though this is tough, so am I. Outwardly, I kept moving. At one point, my fiancé asked, “What’s motivating you right now?” Without hesitation, I answered: “I went through 12 hours of labor. If I can endure that, I can do this.” That’s what my mind and body correlated this moment to. One of the most vulnerable events in my life was giving birth to my daughter. A time I had to completely surrender my body to bearing another being into this world. I had to remember the practices I used to prepare for that divine time in my life. Deep breathing. In through the nose, out through the mouth, slow, steady, and remind myself this is temporary. There is a greater good at the end of this.
That moment shifted something for me. It reminded me that resilience isn’t about feeling confident- it’s about remembering what you’ve already survived. Professionally and personally, we all encounter “mountains that feel bigger than we expected. Projects that stretch us. Roles that challenge our identity. Responsibilities that test our stamina. Doubt will always show up. The real question is whether we keep climbing anyway. When we reached the halfway marker, I felt a surge of accomplishment- quickly followed by the realization that the hardest section was still ahead.
My legs were burning, my heart pounding, doubt resurfacing. Instead of resistance, I allowed them to exist without labeling them as failure. Making myself aware of somatic healing, those sensations are information- not threats and definitely not failure. The trail became steeper and less forgiving. Even though the negative thoughts resurfaced, so did something deeper. A surrender. I began quietly repeating to myself, “God, I trust you. God, I love you.” Tears became to fall down my cheeks. I was experiencing a full spiritual surrender. I began to let go of the illusion of control while continuing to participate fully. With the softened resistance, my body began to move more efficiently as if I had gained a second wind.
Additionally, about a week prior, I had lost a beloved matriarch in my family. I recognize that in that moment, I was feeling grief and gratitude at the same time. I also had a realization that the mountain was not separate from me. It mirrored me. Every obstacle requires us to move through discomfort. To acknowledge fear without letting it lead. To feel fully and still take the next step. Resilience isn’t a force. It’s regulated endurance. It’s surrendering to the process instead of fighting it.
After more than two hours, we reached the top. I was overwhelmed by triumph, fatigue, beauty, and reflection all at once. The view stretched endlessly across the Caribbean. It felt earned.
But even at the top, there was a reminder: we were only halfway done. Climbing down was a different kind of challenge. Less mental, more physical. Our muscles were fatigued. My ankles felt unsure. I leaned heavily on that one hiking pole and moved cautiously, humbled by gravity. The four-mile round trip took us 5.5 hours! It took longer to come down than it did to go up, and there’s a lesson in that, too. Success is only part of the journey. Sustaining it- navigating the descent- requires just as much attention, discipline, and humility. Would I do it again? Boldly, yes, absolutely. But next time we’ll be sure to come better prepared. Better shoes, electrolytes, snacks, and TWO hiking poles. Preparation matters, so does mindset.
Climbing Gros Piton reminded me that:
-Endurance is built step by step, not all at once.
-Doubt can coexist with determination; allow yourself to feel it all.
-Growth often feels overwhelming before it feels empowering.
-Resilience is not about overpowering the mountain- it’s about respecting it.
Whether on a trail in St. Lucia or in the middle of a demanding season at work, the principle is the same: Keep climbing. Regulate your breath. Thrust what you’ve already survived. And take that next step. Because often, the mountain isn’t there to defeat us. It’s there to develop us. If this experience resonated with you and you are interested in somatic awareness, nervous system regulation, and being more present in your body, Sacred Transcendence offers weekly yoga classes and monthly workshops that help you connect mind and body. We hope to see you.
