Walking On The Edge

This past weekend, I was invited by some friends to go for a hike at Table Rock Trail and The Chimneys of Linville Gorge in the Pisgah National Forest. I love this group of ladies, so of course, I jumped at the chance.

We had hiked about a mile on the trail when suddenly the tree cover ended and we were standing completely exposed on the side of the mountain, 4000 feet above sea level. The views were breathtaking but then I glanced down into the canyon and the sensation of being out of balance overcame me. I froze. I could go no further. Pushing myself to continue along the narrow, exposed trail to the summit would have resulted in fear, panic, even terror.  I had reached the edge. 

My edge. 

The experience when you encounter something uncomfortable or challenging---physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Sometimes it comes up out of the blue, in response to a certain situation. Sometimes you’re well aware of it in advance because you’ve met it hundreds of times before.  

I sat down on a rock and waited while the rest of the ladies continued along the narrow trail to the summit. While they were gone, I got acclimated to my surroundings and some of the fear went away. I was able to baby step out a few feet more without the falling sensation and enjoy the view.  

Where in your life have you bumped up against an edge?

Where has fear, worry, judgment, a perception or belief brought you to a standstill?

Now, what baby steps can you take to soften it?

Back at home, I enjoyed the Facebook shares of my trail companions’ photos taken from the mountaintop while part of me kicked myself for not being brave enough to have had their same experience. Not exactly the best way to soften the edge.

The better way is to accept it and then work with it. We are always going to have edges. Edges are not bad, even though, trust me, they feel like they are. The key to softening it is you can’t be pushed over the edge. More like, you need to partner with it and coax yourself over it. This is when the most powerful learning and transformation can happen. 

I didn’t get beyond my edge on Saturday, as I could barely even walk on the actual edge. But I know in time I will. When I do, I know the reward will be great. I know because I’ve seen the Facebook photos. :)

What reward is waiting for you just past your edge?

Forest Love,

Julie