I saw an Instagram Reel of a woman about to bungee jump.
What a privilege to see her open face — supplication and fear as her fingers gripped the ledge for the last taste of safety.
Next, her glance to camera. She had nothing to give but the truth of her terror. Then her face flickered with awe. In the absolute unknown, she was certain and resolute.
Hands opened.
She descended into complete free fall. A cord she trusted, but could not yet feel, tumbling, catching the air in suspension as it fell with her, dreamily, toward the open valley below.
She knew she was the holiest thing I’d see all week.
And it being a reel, repeating as long as you watch it, and longer, too, even after you leave….
The video started again.
Her fingers gripping.
Her face in surrender.
And again she fell.
I watched so many times.
GRIP
ACCEPT
LET GO
FREE FALL
GRIP
ACCEPT
LET GO
FREE FALL
How does she do it?
There is no correct life, but a young woman in the moment before she bungee jumps is close, at the very least, to free.
And I liked it. I decided. Liked it beyond the usual mesmerizing addiction of a video on your phone. I got to watch her rehearse the dance steps of her freedom.
GRIP
ACCEPT
LET GO
FREE FALL
And again, from the top….
Over and over, leaping into the void and asking me,
I can let go. Can you?
More power to anyone who seeks this kind of release. I honestly feel as exhilarated once I learn a passage to the point where I can let go, forget, and listen to what's around me. Playing in tune is the thrill I imagine jumping out of a plane or bunjee jumping to be. It's really really fun. XO
Even though I jumped out a plane, I don’t think I’d want to try that. Seems as if the jerk at the end might be awfully strong. But it’s lovely picture you paint.