Leap of Faith

As I climbed to ten thousand feet in a rickety Cessna, I sat amongst three experienced skydivers and a well seasoned pilot. The energy they projected was that of a deep respect and knowingness for what I was about to experience. The one skydiver who had this look of bliss and serenity had jumped two hundred and sixty times in the past six months. I looked deeply into his gaze that past out the window and embraced the morning blue sky. The Zen that filled his eyes became my breath as I closed my eyes and meditated. There was no fear in the cockpit, only humility and joy for the honor of being able to dance with the heavens. As we reached our height destination, the paper thin side hatch opened. I looked out and witnessed God’s country like never before. As I stepped out onto the wing, everything slowed and the sound of my breath gave way to the power of the wind calling. “Ready, set, go” chanted my tandem instructor and I took a “Leap of faith” that sent me hurling toward the earth at one hundred and twenty miles an hour. The incredible rush of speed magnified the knowingness I had seen in the eyes of those skydivers in that cockpit and now felt deep in my heart. I was humbled and stripped of all complacency I may of ever felt. There is absolutely no ego as you fly through the sky without the benefit of the perfectly good airplane you just jumped out of. I felt God’s love in the knowing that today I was not going to die but live like I have never lived before. I flew amongst the heavens and kissed angels. Then the parachute opened raising me up to another level of consciousness. Silence filled the sky as we floated softly toward the green fields below. I had never seen this great and beautiful world from this vantage point and in this way. How could any of us ever believe we are so much more significant than mother earth? To be so selfish on our own paths that we hurt her again and again for convenience, progress and profit. As she reached for us with arms stretched out, I told my tandem instructor, “There is no ego up here.” I didn’t feel small, I felt at one with every element that encompassed me. I was filled with the deepest sense of gratitude. Each breath I took was timeless. I was truly present with the gift of flying that I had been blessed with. I love my wife for giving me this as my birthday gift. I had always wanted to skydive but had put the notion aside since marrying and becoming a father again. With her encouragement, I was able to take this “Leap of Faith.” I humbly thank all of you for allowing me to share this moment and my life with you. - Professor Beliso