Most of us are “adrenalin” junkies----and those that are not are probably either in denial or not aware of how the body works. One can even make an argument that the pursuit of adrenalin is not only human but is what drives us to do much of what we do. I can’t really tell which comes first----so perhaps Regardless----whether it is eating, climbing corporate ladders, sky-diving, rock climbing, gambling, sex, fast cars, relationship arguments or reading books we are all looking for that rush----it makes us feel “alive.” Living one’s life “ON THE EDGE” produces lots of opportunities for adrenalin rushes. Most of us, over the course of our lives, have created ways to maintain these rushes at appropriate levels. In the end they usually destroy us. As Neal Young said, “It is better to burn out---than to fade away.” I think the “ideal” is when we can get our highs in ways that don’t show how oblivious or ignorant we are to the consequences of what we choose. I am sure that everyone knows the consequences of choosing our adrenalin rushes from something like cocaine or key parties----as opposed to choosing them from something like playing soccer or long hikes in the mountains. Some of our choices sustain us----while others tear us apart. Being “oblivious” is like the tree on the edge of the cliff----everyone else can clearly see what is coming----can see our future. Why can’t we? We----theoretically----can move away from the cliff when necessary-----the tree is oblivious and cannot. Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
it is a “chicken or egg” thing.
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Charles, Isn't it better to take a chance and really experience life than to sit on the side - safe?
When it comes to the doable or ideal, I choose the doable every time. Hopefully, the tree will not be singing "Slip Sliding Away"...
Susan, I totally agree---just don't be oblivious doing it :)
Michael---the cool thing about the tree is that it won't know that it is any different than it is supposed to be. Humans have this strange notion of "choice." :)
This is what we are always telling our older children. They think we are too old to understand them, and we can see the dangerous chances they are taking.
Charles - what I find interesting is how your choices in 'the edge' change over time. I love that I can get my 'rush' from a great hike instead of the less stellar choices of my youth. Live (well) and learn!
Charles, I should have known you were a Neil Young fan and yes, our lives are enriched or burdened by choices. Hopefully we learn from BOTH! have a great week!
Kind of like the forest through the tree except the other side is a cliff.
Once and a while even a horse will drown if led to that water
Enjoy the day
Since we don't have any REAL hills down here in Florida (or real rocks for that matter) this is a scene that I would not come across unless I was travelling. Living on the edge down here could be swimming at dusk (sharks feed at that time of day).
So which is stronger in a very high wind - a tall, strong, mighty oak, or a blade of grass?
Allen, there are many things kids do have to learn the hard way
Danielle, awesome----and so true. We should always be willing to choose new ways to get high----discarding ways that no longer support us fully
Neil is a god in my opinion :)
Don---good idea to be vigilant
Barbara-Jo----THAT sounds like a real good "edge" to avoid :)
Jay, "context" is everything isn't it?
Mr Charles,
I am on an Alaska high, riding this wild stallion night and day.
Nutsy
Charles - I probably was one of the more advanced stage adrenaline junkies for years. But back in the early 1990s, I went through an illness that pretty much took me out of the game for a few years. It was during that time I learned the wonder of tranquility and solitude. It was a good thing too, because I had no energy to do anything different. Now that I'm back to my feisty self, my life is more balanced. I think adrenaline was created to give the body flight when it comes under threat. . .It's a primal thing:-)
Like the tree we do need roots to keep us from slipping off the edge.
This reminds me of a person here on AR that commented one time that even though change might be a good thing, there are some that don't have the luxury of changing things. I didn't realize how lucky I was to be able to do this.
Nutcase---you are just afraid to get off now that you are stuck where you are
Myrl, if we don't make balance, nature has a way of balancing us
Diane, we fortunately have "some" control over where we place our roots
Lizette, I think we all have "structural" limitations but have a lot of freedom in how we "hold" those limitations.
Mr Charles,
I am riding bare back. Do you get it? Quite hillarious joke but very subtle.
Nutsy