On September 4, 2011 I clearly realized that I was in the middle of an irrational fear response. Body shaking and brain scrambled, all evidence said I was safe, yet my body was telling me otherwise. Visibly shaking and tethered to a cable, I huddled against a tree trunk with 7 other nervous people as we were instructed on the process of zipping from one tree to the next. As I looked down to the ground below and realized we were probably at least 100 feet above the forest floor, it hit me that I have a real fear of heights. What had made me want to do this? Would I feel this way for the entire 3 hour canopy tour?
You all know that I lived to write this and have posted a photo on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/betsy.muller) as evidence that I not only zipped, but eventually zipped gracefully with a big smile on my face. I will admit that the experience was a compelling lesson about the kind of irrational fear I often help others overcome during coaching sessions. The 5 main things I learned and share from this zip line experience include:
1. There is no denying a physical fear response
It’s incredible how the body forces you to be present to your fear. In my case, I felt my heart racing and my body visibly trembling. Deep breathing was only marginally helpful. I couldn’t quite tap my EFT points in the midst of holding on to my line. When I almost lost my shoe as I launched on my first zip, my fear rose to an even higher level. Irrational fear kept me from using my camera for the first hour. Eventually there was no other option but to admit I was really scared and to accept my trembling as fact. You can’t change what you don’t accept as real. While it was far from relaxing at this point, I knew I was on track to getting past this irrational feeling.
2. Having experienced guides with a sense of humor is priceless
The journey is much smoother when there is an experienced person along who can share tips, tricks, jokes and good information. The Hocking Hills Canopy Tour has some of the best guides on the planet. Our guides Jake and Andy were quick, casual, funny and yet very serious about safety. They gave great suggestions to help us relax and enjoy the ride. Coaches like me try to do the same thing as we guide our clients. As I realized this, my body was able to relax and be present to the natural beauty I’d really come to experience.
3. Incredible relief can be found through a good loud scream.
Screaming is fun and it lets those feel-good endorphins loose in the blood stream. I am a good screamer! What a great way to warn those people at the next tree that you are heading their direction too. It reminds us all that we need not keep everything bottled up inside. Expression in words or screams is part of the healing process.
4. It’s all about the scenery and sensations
This very real experience of gliding through the forest from a whole new perspective is one of awesome beauty. Every sense is heightened. There are scents, sounds, breezes, rock formations, flowing water, a rainbow of color and sparkles of light through the trees. As you see tiny people canoeing on the river below, you marvel at how rare it is for a human to have this tree-top perspective. Now, two days later, my aching body reminds me that this experienced called upon my upper arms as well as my abdominal muscles in new ways too. So many amazing memories are part of this initially fearful experience. How fun it was to share this new experience with my fearless husband George.
5. Overcoming a fear is exhilarating
Feeling fear and moving beyond it is an incredible thing. It is empowering and humbling at the same time. Taking that first step in spite of the fear is what moves you through. I would recommend this experience to anyone in need of a triumphant feeling and a new perspective.
I look forward to my next zip line experience and expect it might just be the Hocking Hills “SuperZip” – a head first superman flight available only to those with prior zip experience. Just one more reason I’m glad I zipped on Sunday.
Check out the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour at http://www.hockinghillscanopytours.com/home.html
Make it a romantic adventure: Stay at the lovely Glenlaurel Inn and make sure to reserve one of the lovely candlelight dinners. http://www.glenlaurel.com/
