Going beyond: How adventures change you

“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We’re comfortable back here,” they said.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We’re too busy,” they said.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“It’s too high,” they said.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We're afraid,” they said.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We’ll fall,” they said.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
And they did.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.

This poem by Christopher Logue is about the call of adventure to the Man and how he resists it for he’s scared, doubtful and in his own comfort zone. But at the end when he takes the call of adventure he’s set free. Beyond the edge is where freedom lies. So true.

Few months ago, while in Russia, we took appointment for tandem skydiving at Aerograd Kolomna (about kms from Moscow) which is Europe’s largest (also the safest and cheapest) and the best known ‘Dropzone’. You need to reach the place early in the morning. After early formalities you are directed to the training room where you are given instructions on what you are supposed to do. And then you wear your diving suits and prepare to board the  twin-engine L-410 airplane. The aircraft takes off and the heartbeat starts racing the moment you are up in the sky — with the plane going higher and higher.

The open door adds to the nervousness. The initial thoughts? “Why the hell did I ever agree to do this?” But there’s no escape now and you are there at the door staring at blue vastness. Dead scared, you look around only to be met by much cheer.

‘Come on lady, just jump’ is what I heard from behind before I was given a slight push. I first felt breathless but as soon as I took a deep breath and looked around — it was pure bliss. Yes, this is when you experience what it feels like to be a free bird, which has stretched its wings to just glide. It’s been months since the jump, but I still can’t forget those breathtaking minutes. The next plan is to go back and learn solo skydiving. That would totally be another level of thrill and adventure.

Because adventures, of any kind, need more mental strength than the physical. It’s made possible, by faith and belief in one’s self. Adventure is not just about that climb or some crazy, wild sport, it can be anything which requires you to step out of your comfort zone, anything that scares you to your core but you still manage to do it. It can be speaking in front of  a crowd, it can be a ‘will you marry me’ directed at your dream girl or boy or it can even be choosing to sit on the scariest of  Disneyland rides. We all need to choose our adventures — the ones that will set us free.