It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap.
(Steven Schwartz, Wicked)
Leap, and the net will appear.
(Julia Cameron)
Last night I offered my first tele-course on Feminism and Faith. I cannot speak for those who were on the call, only for myself. From my experience? Looking at it from my perspective? It was FABULOUS!
The fabulous-ness is not about the content (mine) or the presenter (me) or the facilitation of the call (mine, too). It’s all about my experience of me, of actually doing what I love, talking about the things I have a TON of passion about, watching myself, almost in an out-of-body way, be right smack in the presence of my truest heart.
It took a leap of faith to get me here…and zillions of tiny pushes and a few hard-ass shoves to get me over the edge. But the free-fall? Fantastic. Exhilarating. Beyond belief. And yes, a net beneath…somewhere, I’m sure of it.
The question I’m asking myself today is not what you might expect. It’s not “what took me so long?” It’s not “why were you so afraid to do this in the first place?” It’s not, “what’s wrong with you that you haven’t done this sooner?” No. Today my question is nothing more – and certainly nothing less than this: “What’s next?” and “When can I leap again?”
I’m guessing this is how sky-divers feel (something I have no aspiration toward – just to be clear). They love the rush, the danger, the experience of taking a risk and of having faith that they can depend on at least the parachute if not the eventual, firm ground.
Faith is not a theoretical, imagined construct. It’s a real thing…an open space into which we can fall while simultaneously trusting in eventual sure footing and solid ground. Faith is made alive and emboldened by action.
I acted. I leapt. And I’m still in the thrill of the free-fall. But what’s more, I’m deeply grateful – for the pushes, the shoves, and those who’ve had faith on my behalf. I’m leaping – again and again.
When you have come to the edge
Of all light that you know
And are about to drop off into the darkness
Of the unknown,
Faith is knowing
One of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on or
You will be taught to fly.(Patrick Overton)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
OK. Now I have to sing. “It’s time to try defying gravity…”
Just can’t help it.
I’m not only happy for you, I’m proud of you.
Can’t wait to see what’s next!
All the best!
deb
Deb Owen´s last blog ..why you should care about carrots & sticks (your talent is getting restless)
Thank you, my friend. I can hardly wait to see myself. Indeed: “Defying Gravity!”
Leap/ing is a word that’s been cropping up in my mind lately, i think i will be leaping soon, but first i need to get to the edge, and because i’m mad i’m taking a run up to it as well.
free fall is pretty amazing (i used to dive) and i’ll doubtless sky dive in the future!
Paddy´s last blog ..space and time bending madness
I like the imagery of you running toward the edge. Feels powerful, free, and full of abandon! Go for it!
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