Walking to the Edge

“When you have come to the edge of all the light you have

And step into the darkness of the unknown

Believe that one of the two will happen to you

Either you’ll find something solid to stand on

Or you’ll be taught how to fly!”

~Richard Bach

I woke up this morning wondering about “edges.”  Not sure why.  And the question really was around what they are — as in, what are the edges from which I’m holding myself back?  And what would happen if I pushed myself towards them, just a bit more?  This curiousity prompted me to do a google search about “edges” — which led to me finding the above quote by Bach.

I’ll confess:  I’ve never read Jonathan Livingston Seagull — and I understand that Bach is the author of said book.  I believe it’s a classic, and yet, I don’t really feel a call to read it — at least not yet.  I do feel a call in this moment to explore the edges of my world a bit.  To figure out what the edges are, and to get really close to them — if only to find out what’s out beyond them.

Now, I don’t think I’m completely unaware of the edges.  I don’t feel like I’m playing it altogether safe in my world.  And, I do have a sense that perhaps I’m playing it safer than I need to be.  I may well be closer to the edge than some, and I could go closer still — this is what I’m feeling in my core.

My sense is that moving to the edges of your life, whatever those edges might be, challenges you to be ever-so-slightly uncomfortable in your own skin.  And this sort of discomfort, I believe, is what will allow you to grow into all you’re meant to be, do all you’re meant to do.  So how do I move closer to the edge?  Believe it or not, I’ve actually got a physical experience of this — a couple of years ago I did a high-ropes course that required me to walk right to the edge of a very narrow plank — and jump off!  The plank was about 30 feet up in the air.  And while I was totally secured with ropes and harness, as I was walking, there was a very deliberate act of will that was required on my part.  There was one member of my group who was able to walk as naturally as if the plank was on the ground.  For me, I had to take one deliberate step at a time, reminding myself that I was held and safe, and then when I got to the edge, I chose to leap towards a trapeze (as opposed to into “nothing”).  So if I apply this learning to my current question of “how do I walk to the edge”, here’s what I extrapolate:

1. walk deliberately
2. one step at a time
3. remember that you’re actually safe
4. know that even when you can’t see what’s there, you’re jumping towards something
5. keep your focus — whether on the edge, or your feet, or what’s next — keep your focus

The edge is not a bad place to explore, when you know you’re held and supported.  Going to the edge is what will allow you to experience all of your life.  Going to the edge doesn’t have to be dangerous — and it will stretch you.  Find your way to the edge.  My sense is that it might even be fun.