Not a fall but a leap

The moment that defined 2 years of my life is viewed by my friends and family as senseless and foolish. On not so good days, I would say that I too agree. But not this morning, Today I want to talk about the exhilaration, the beauty and the fear that came with my plunge from a cliff into the Ganges.

It was a company sponsored tour that took me to Shivpuri. A quaint place with sounds of the streaming Ganga and scents of the woods that filter into your tent and fill your senses. A sunny day found me struggling with the waves that rage the river. Here I was fighting my way ahead on a rubber raft..”Paddle to the right! Paddle to the left!!”. I was having the time of my life. Sweet, icy water splashed on the raft; welcoming me to the river; threatening me with its ferocity. And we conquered one rapid after another; forging ahead “ Hu Ha Hu Ha!”. And there we were – at the base of that fateful cliff. Looking at it one thought- “that’s all you got?!” and we ambled our way to the top. “Just stand straight and jump in” was what the instructed said. Simple. Maybe not. At the edge I found my fears resurfacing again. Ahead I saw the lush mountains; below the innocent river. Can it be that hard- I thought to myself. It looks so harmless.
And in a moment both frightening and beautiful; I put my foot ahead.

Hurling towards a river from a height can be a strange experience. You feel like it goes on forever and then in a rude shock the cold water wakes you up- breaking your day dreaming and bringing you back to life. Under the water life looks dreamy again; hues of blue and green, sunlight streaming in and you reach up ..

Air ; blinding light.. Yells and oars shoved your way to help you out. People wrapping you in blankets. Your thought to yourself “ why the hell are my legs shaking!”

After this incident I nursed an injury for a year. But lets leave that for another day.

Today I want you to float with me.

The mountain is my mother
My father is the sea
This river is the fountain
Of all that life can be
Swift river from the mountain
Deep river to the sea
Take all my words and leave them
Where the trade winds set them free
Oh, piper on the lonely hill,
Play no sad songs for me

the day has gone, the night comes on.. Its darkness helps me see.