Free Falling for Real

Yesterday I experienced moving at 120mph, from 10,000 feet at 26 degree’s Fahrenheit. There was little sound, an intense pressure of wind on my face and body. Then the chute popped and everything rewired. How beautiful the surrounding country, clear blue sky, and the clouds below. (I didn’t take jump movies this year so the pic is from two years ago! You get the idea!)

I think it’s a very personal and enriching experience and a parachute jump can teach us a lot about who we are and how we operate in life. There is great humility in finding yourself entirely dependent on another human being at 10,000 feet when you leave the plane. It is amazing to feel that sense that I have as much control of the universe as I had on the jump. Basically none, and the day proved there is no need to have a choke hold on life.

It was a perfect day with a cast of fascinating experiences:

Bear the dog: Who was part Rottweiler and had started life life as a “training dog” for dogfights, rescued, and is now a loving and lovable animal. He is one big friendly boy.

Sarah, who working running the office but is studying to be a financial lawyer. A very engaging and socially fluent woman who knew her stuff.

Paulo, my jump guide who has jumped over 18,000 times, including a H.A.L.O jump. He’s from Portugal I believe, and extremely talented. He has that confidence I admire. A great person to rely on in a jump.

Eda, a three, going on four next month, year old who is also going on 22. This woman is smart. Speaks two languages, Portuguese and English. A sharp dresser who is socially comfortable.

If I could have designed a great day it would have looked like yesterday. But there was no need. I realized that it wasn’t just the excitement of the jump or the actual event. It was woven through with people, the staff, other jumpers sharing, Bear, and the chatty Eda. Amazing. It was all amazing. I have so much gratitude for those days that weave together in a most seamless way.

Anyone want to go next year?

Take care of you,

Bryan