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| from: deanspotter.com |
Humans are always pushing limits. Maybe you don't feel that's true of yourself in particular, but someone, somewhere in this great wide world, is reaching higher, going faster, becoming greater than life's obstacles and roadblocks. Dean Potter is one of those humans. He's testing limits as a climber, free soloer, base jumper and yes, even slackliner, for the entire human race. What he accomplishes sets the standard for the next climber (sometimes himself) to overcome.
Meanwhile, I sit here cozy and content to gasp at these superhumans' calculated daredevilry (see 1:40). Well, maybe not content... while I watch I feel a tugging to push my own limits, not only in the sports I love but also in all areas of life. What rocky face can I climb that pushes the abilities I exhibited on The Most Epic Trip? What chutes can I destroy virgin powder in with my skis? How can I develop my talents in a way that makes me self-reliant and satisfied with my own progress in life? These are the questions that pull me toward a greater purpose as a human.
Those I watch on film are not simply crazy stuntmen who, after watching for two minutes, I shut off and forget. The images are burned in my mind, filed amongst all extraordinary feats I have witnessed, creating a collective that drives me to defy my personal best. These athletic extremists invoke desire for squeezing life out of every day. The passion they induce by exhibiting control over their fears becomes the catalyst that pushes me to want more, live higher, go faster, and be greater than my own perceived obstacles. I can overcome because they overcame so much greater.
Enjoy:
He's incredible, but my hands get clammy just watching him, lol. This is the one time I'm mad that I don't have cable, I'd love to watch that Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHaving people who influence us that have pushed past those insane limits are crucial for our own personal growth. It's exciting to watch them do it and is exciting to know that the standard has been changed for the average athlete. It's probably why I love Dean Potter, Alex Honnold, Steph Davis, Conrad Anker, Fred Beckey, etc etc etc. They changed the standard of something. Hell Fred Beckey is 89 (I think he just celebrated a birthday) and is still climbing! Life is much more exciting with challenges...
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I agree, Haley. I would have loved to have seen that. No tv here, either.
ReplyDeleteAnd Steve, yes... I think even in the non-climbing/outdoor world, it can inspire people to do their personal best and push limits. I know when I hear of someone who changed the course of a company because they thought outside the box, or a teenager starting a successful company, that is inspiring to me and makes me want to push myself in being better in general. It doesn't have to be sport-specific; these athletes are just physical testaments to what humans can do if they put their mind to it.
Thanks for the comment, glad you liked the post.