My Vital Signs...

 

White Water Rafting’ – an extreme and dangerous sport is a pulse-throbbing, wild and exciting adventure, which produces incredible enjoyment and thrill for those who relish challenges and taking risks. Not only did this adventure push my physical and mental limits – but also helped me look at life with a wider lens and discover my ‘Vital Signs’ 


An explorer & adventurer by nature, I took a trip to Bhote Koshi, Nepal during the past year to take part in one of the best white water rafting experiences available in our part of the world. The journey took us through the valleys of the breathtaking Himalayan range, past a vista of traditional and colorful local life and as close as three hours away from Tibet. But to be totally honest, once you’re on the river, there’s no time to admire even the rarest of beauties… everyone’s too busy negotiating the most precipitous attacks and evading some of the fastest rapids. 

My purpose for this expedition was very clear; ‘Accomplish something challenging that is new, adventurous and risky’. Even while going through the pre-rafting mandatory training, I remained focused yet nervous and shaky. Raju, our expedition leader/coach sensed my fear and asked if I were afraid. I responded in a quirky, unsure voice, “No! I’m not scared”. Raju saw right through my act and knew how terrified I really was. Undeterred, he went over the safety instructions as we put on our life jackets. 

Raju walked up to me and said, “Just remember, if you fall off the raft ‘Stop, Be Aware and Resume Control”. Little did I know these simple yet powerful words would become my ‘Vital Signs’ for life. 

We collected the necessary gear and boarded the raft with Raju. As a mandatory rule, one kayak and one safety raft also tagged along. 

Our voyage involved going through whitewater rapids with irregular waves and flows, steep slopes and corners. It was hard work throughout as we rowed against fast and turbulent uneven currents. As a team, each one of us was attentive to listen and follow instructions from the team leader. One wrong move could flip the raft and that is exactly what happened. 

On one rough corner, strong currents were toying with our raft & pushing it in all directions. We were trying to row ourselves out of this corner, but the current was too strong. A series of turbulent whitewater torrents flipped our raft at least 10 feet in the air. I still remember, like it happened today. Water was everywhere, I could not breathe, my eyes were shut and I was giving up.

 
It was like jumping from a 30 feet spring board in an Olympic size pool. Except, I’m not an expert swimmer, neither did I ever jump from a spring board. 
I lost all control and focus. I started hearing the familiar nagging voice of fear that tortured me “What are you doing here alone?!” the voice taunted me. “You’re going to fail. You’re going to die”! 

I forgot all instructions from the training and started struggling. In extreme panic, I was forcing myself against the water and began to drown, failing to come up and grab hold of something…anything. I was getting further away from the safety raft. Feeling helpless, I started seeing the end of my life. 

Then, like a lightening bolt it hit me. I remembered Raju’s words ‘Stop, Be Aware and Resume Control’. Immediately, I stopped struggling. I relaxed body and nerves. My life jacket helped me stay above water and the currents started pushing me forward into the safe zone, where I could see the safety raft. In a matter of 10 to 15 seconds I was able to join rest of my team. Amazingly, barring a few cuts and bruises, none of the members who lost their balance and succumbed to the giant undercurrent wave, including myself, got any serious injuries. 

We were able to recapture our raft and continue the journey. As individuals and as a team we were able to ride through the wild river with renewed confidence while enjoying every moment of it. 

At the end of our journey, I yelled in triumph. I realized that I had overcome all traces of fear. I accomplished what I came here for. At the same time, I overcame the nearly overpowering sense of struggle that almost prevented me from achieving my purpose. I felt adrenaline pumping through my body, I was reenergized and invigorated. It was an incredible feeling. 

I learned a life changing lesson that day. I discovered that struggle doesn’t make success happen. In fact, struggle gets in the way of success while prolonging the process. 

Since then using my Vital Signs – “Stop, Be Aware and Resume Control” have become the basis of an energizing philosophy I have adapted for life. I have learned that if you seek struggle, you will find struggle. If you seek ease, you will find ease. 

Isn’t it time you start using your vital signs?

Things to do in Nepal