Have you heard of Teton Gravity Research? If you're not big into skiing or snowboarding you might think its a hobby club analyzing the majestic range's geological movement over time just SW of Yellowstone. You'd be mistaken. They're a powerhouse in action sports culture capturing breath-taking video and shots of the most talented skiers, boarders, surfers and mountain bikers.
Back in 2009 I got to attend a premiere for one of their latest productions and meet Cody Townsend one of the best big mountain open terrain skiers in the world. He signed a poster of him launching a massive gainer (that's a forward moving back-flip) to me that read "Chris - Happy Landings". Coincidence or foreshadowing that shortly thereafter I'd be attempting my first back flip into water off a 25 foot cliff overlooking the stunning glacier fed Phelps Lake?
Now if you look up at that picture as I did writing this post you might be asking... how is he in that position doing a back flip? I remember my stomach tensing up, my girlfriend at the time Shelby encouraging me down below, camera up, countdown at the ready.
3...2...1... HUGE BREATH IN... LAUNCH!
I exploded off the edge of the rock face with so much pent up energy, nerves and gusto that I managed not just a back flip, but a twist, an over rotation and a landing no judge would laud. You could surmise I over did it, but how I felt after I exploded from below the water surface? - ALL POWERFUL & UNSTOPPABLE! Do you think it matters how the landing went?
The absolute worst thing you can do is walk back down the mountain exactly the same man you were when you climbed up. Taking the leap is never about a guaranteed outcome. It’s the willingness to act. Nail it or flop, the victory is in the decision to go for it. That is how you learn, that is how you build resilience, and that is how you step into a higher version of yourself. Whatever your personal Phelps Lake is right now—take the jump. What is your personal Phelps Lake right now? Or do you have a similar past experience of daring where the landing was messy, but the feeling was unstoppable?
