How I Conquered Acrophobia in Rishikesh

Feeling scared at the gorgeous mountains of Rishikesh was the worst feeling ever in my life! Conflicting emotions were going on in my mind. On the one hand, I was enjoying the feeling of being there on the breathtaking mountains and taking delight in the soft wind streaming past me. On the other hand, I knew that I had to go for Bungee Jump in a few hours, and just the thought of jumping from a height of hundreds of meters was taking my breath away. My friends were talking about the rush of adrenalin in their bloodstream, and I could feel my throat getting choked.

I have seen people jumping at the thought of going for skydiving, bungee jumping, and whatnot. But acrophobia is something that never lets me think about any such activity. I had never agreed to enroll for the bungee jump in Rishikesh, but my buddies had signed up for me as well along with them. During the entire journey in our Car Rental that we had taken from Delhi, I was googling about the ways to overcome acrophobia. Everything I read went into my mind, but it was hard for my heart to accept that I would have to take a huge, actually more than just huge leap! 

Nevertheless, I had already paid for the bungee jump, and I had to do it this time. I had already skipped many such activities in the past just because I did not want to be at an altitude in my life. Let me share how I finally overcame this fear of heights before and after coming to Rishikesh. 

· Seldom would I go to the hills before I had agreed for coming to Rishikesh. In Delhi itself, I had started increasing the height of places where I would hang out with my friends. Inch by inch, and then meter by meter, I was finally standing on a small hill at Purana Quila in the city. The monument is a historical delight, and while scaling a few meters each time, I noticed myself standing at a significant height. I saw the view of Delhi from there, and spend half an hour there just alone. Being alone and safe gave me the courage to go for more heights in future.

· After being on the heights, I tried to test myself in the water and sea. While being on a beach once in Chennai, I let myself be when I had to be in the water for a long time. I attempted my level best to stay determined to face the waves even when I did not like them much. 

· After a few such attempts on the hills and waters, I noticed that my condition was improving. I decided to go to the higher elevations, and I chose Rishikesh as my destination. However, my besties knew about my irrational fears, and my attempts to conquer it. They booked the bungee jump for me, and all I could say was a weak No.

While we were waiting for our turn for the jump, I meditated as best as I could. Finally when my turn to jump from a terrifying height came up, the trainer at the spot told me not to look down at any cost since I was sweating badly. They said to me in advance that they would not push me at any expense. If I had to prove myself, I had to leap on my own. I knew that I could not let myself down, and finally, after being there at the jumping spot for more than five minutes, I did the bungee jump. Finally! I was liberated from my fears of heights when I landed safely, and the staff took off the ropes and body harness.

We took our two Self-Drive Cars from the parking, and throughout my journey to home, I felt my heart feeling freed from all the inhibitions I used to have. The “I’ve Got Guts” badge that I got from the jumping site still flaunts on my desk in office!