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.