Throughout my travels here, I have been doing things, and then realizing that I have done them. I am going on excursions with all sorts of crazy cool experiences without realizing what I have gotten myself into, and then being okay with it. Since being in Israel, I haven't thought about being anxious once, other than that I have realized the presence of anxiety hasn’t been here. Maybe it missed the flight… or maybe it got unpacked with half of my other belongings that wouldn’t fit in the suitcase? But I am completely aware that instead of second guessing because I am scared or unsure, I am diving headfirst into things that would normally send me straight into a full blown panic attack.
Ill give you a couple examples so you can relive these amazing experiences with me.
I crawled through one of the narrow tunnels in Hirbet Midras. It is a 2,000 year old tunnel that was used during the Bar Kockba revolt. Sidenote: Bar Kockba Revolt was when the Jews of the area rebelled against the Roman Empire in 132-136 CE.
Ill give you a couple examples so you can relive these amazing experiences with me.
I crawled through one of the narrow tunnels in Hirbet Midras. It is a 2,000 year old tunnel that was used during the Bar Kockba revolt. Sidenote: Bar Kockba Revolt was when the Jews of the area rebelled against the Roman Empire in 132-136 CE.
We were told NOT to attempt to travel through the tunnel if we were claustrophobic because it took about 20 minutes to get through. It was obviously pitch black and we used flashlights to get through. I got in and then came back out when I realized what I was looking in the face…one of my biggest fears. I kept telling myself that I really wanted to do it and I would regret it if I didn't. This has been a huge determinate of my trip. I have continued to use this as a berometer for whether I should choose to do things or not. If I feel that I am going to regret not doing it, than you can count me in! Finally I went in and couldn't look back (it was WAY too dark for that). It was super hot, and I followed the sounds of the voices in front of me to lead me in the right direction. It was a collection of extremely narrow tunnels (I'm talking army crawl style) that opened up into slightly larger clearings where you could stand or sit with a couple other people. I made it through and was THRILLED that I did it. It was an amazing experience to be in tunnels that people once used in a rebellion, but also to realize that I could do it.
I have hiked and climbed to some of the most amazing heights in Israel. I have stood on the edge of cliffs without blinking twice. Places that would usually have me standing 20 feet from the edge. But I have hiked and climbed before. The major difference is that some of the hiking and climbing here cannot be done without the help of metal bars or rods that have been drilled into the rocks. That is the part that gets me. I have always been fine with natural mountains and cliffs; but when it comes to manmade things I am done. That is usually where I step away. I am okay with nature having control, but that’s it. Nature and me. But when hiking in these circumstances, you have no option but to give in and trust. I wouldn’t have been able to do some of the amazing hikes or "treks" as they call them here, if it weren't for manmade devices used to assist in the trek. The metal bars in the wall are what allows you to have footing to get to the most amazing views you can think of. Other manmade objects that I came across when I never thought I would or could or should…are repelling ropes.
Yes, I walked backwards off of a 300ft cliff. Attached by a little tiny karabiner. To REALLY long ropes. Yeah…WHO AM I? I think this is me sans anxiety. And I love it! The world has been opened up for me, as I have seen more than I ever could have if I were to be held back by my phobias. This is exactly what I wanted from this adventure, and it worked!
I have hiked and climbed to some of the most amazing heights in Israel. I have stood on the edge of cliffs without blinking twice. Places that would usually have me standing 20 feet from the edge. But I have hiked and climbed before. The major difference is that some of the hiking and climbing here cannot be done without the help of metal bars or rods that have been drilled into the rocks. That is the part that gets me. I have always been fine with natural mountains and cliffs; but when it comes to manmade things I am done. That is usually where I step away. I am okay with nature having control, but that’s it. Nature and me. But when hiking in these circumstances, you have no option but to give in and trust. I wouldn’t have been able to do some of the amazing hikes or "treks" as they call them here, if it weren't for manmade devices used to assist in the trek. The metal bars in the wall are what allows you to have footing to get to the most amazing views you can think of. Other manmade objects that I came across when I never thought I would or could or should…are repelling ropes.
Yes, I walked backwards off of a 300ft cliff. Attached by a little tiny karabiner. To REALLY long ropes. Yeah…WHO AM I? I think this is me sans anxiety. And I love it! The world has been opened up for me, as I have seen more than I ever could have if I were to be held back by my phobias. This is exactly what I wanted from this adventure, and it worked!
Just look at these views I would have missed!