Embracing the Edge – My 220-Meter Bungee Jump from Verzasca Dam
Last year I decided to step outside my comfort zone. I was standing on the edge of the Verzasca Dam, one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. It is a monumental structure towering 220 meters (about 721 feet) above the ground, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by lush forests, steep mountains and a deep, crystal-clear Lake Vogorno.
I’m strapped into a secure harness, the bungee cord firmly attached to my ankles, as I step out onto the narrow ledge. Below me is the canyon. The distance from where I stand to the ground feels almost surreal, terrifying.
As I prepared to take the leap into the unknown, I was confronting fear and embracing uncertainty. The dam became a metaphor for life’s challenges. We all have our own “dams” – obstacles that seem insurmountable, situations in which we hesitate to move forward, or decisions we second-guess.
In that moment I stopped the noise in my head and gathered all the courage in my heart – I looked ahead, took a deep breath, yelled from the bottom of my lungs while shifting my body weight forward, throwing my hands forward, and let gravity do the work. I jumped. I flew. I soared.
Feeling the sensation of free falling, my body slicing through the air at an incredible speed. The wind roars in my ears, and the ground rushes toward me, but amidst the chaos, I feel an unexpected calm. Time seemed to stretch – all the noise in my mind, the doubts, anxiety, hesitations, faded. I am experiencing a sensation that words cannot describe – intense, liberating and deeply peaceful. I am fully present.
As I descend with speed, the bungee cord begins to stretch, gradually slowing my fall until I feel as it reaches its maximum extension. I bounce back up, the world flipping upside down and right-side up in a dizzying blur. The feeling of weightlessness is exhilarating, like flying, before gravity pulls me back down for another bounce. Finally, I dangle in mid-air, suspended above the ground, my body pulsing with adrenaline and my mind overflowing with a mix of triumph, awe, and pure exhilaration.
When I’m finally lifted back up the top of the dam, my legs feel a bit shaky, but my spirit is soaring. The experience leaves me with a profound sense of accomplishment, a memory of defying gravity, and a newfound appreciation for the sheer thrill of life on the edge.
Many of my friends have questioned my motivation to jump from the Verzasca Dam: “Why would you even consider to bungee jump? That is crazy and dangerous”, they say.
For me, this adrenaline-charged adventure was a unique blend of thrill, personal growth, and mental practice. It did three things for me:
1. Conquering Fear and Building Confidence:
Bungee jumping pushes me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to confront and overcome fear. The moment I leap into the unknown, I face an instinctual fear of heights and falling, which builds immense confidence once overcome. This experience proves that courage can be summoned in the face of extreme challenges, empowering us to tackle other areas of life with newfound boldness.
2. Boosting Mental Resilience:
The intensity of the jump helps sharpen mental strength. Taking the plunge required focus, discipline, and the ability to manage my own stress and anxiety. By successfully completing the jump, I not only feel a rush of accomplishment but also train my mind to handle high-pressure situations with calmness and equanimity. It’s a metaphor for handling life’s difficulties.
3. Euphoric Sense of Freedom:
The actual freefall and the suspension in the air create a rare sensation of weightlessness and liberation. It’s a powerful reminder of living fully in the present moment. The adrenaline rush and endorphin release leave feeling ecstatic, energized, and more connected to life. This sense of freedom continues to inspire a greater openness to adventure and new possibilities in my everyday routine.
My jump from the Verzasca Dam was a profound journey of personal growth. It has reminded me and reinforced the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zones. The more we practice experiencing discomfort, the easier it gets to overcome our fears, addressing difficult conversations, solving complicated problems, and living more with ease, joy, exhilaration, and a sense of presence.
