Elbert Hubbard said it best, “Do not take life too seriously; you will never get out of it alive.” This quote is the center piece in our world of extreme adventure athletes. We can never explain to the common person who has a corporate job, wife, house with 2.5 kids, a car they can’t afford and lives in a peril of fear, because they will never understand whilst looking at you like you have a death wish. But for those in our small community of awe-inspiring souls, we can speak the language and understand the detailed beauty of life. In a life long quest of continuous training, research and preparation we continue down this path of harnessing life in the perpetual presence of the moment. That is to include each jump for its entirety; The people around us, each meal we have, and the unforgettable experiences we share along the way. Along with this gift of blissful happiness comes the price of losing some of the most amazing individuals around us. Heavy price to pay for the untrained eye, but a known aspect and part of life we all endure with the inspirational lives we lead. Its through countless experiences of death that we get to experience the lives and rebirth of the greatest souls that have ever walked the planet. Celebration of each life is what we choose, no matter how long or short, influential or influenced, inspirational or inspired, its the moments in this glimpse of time we share on this planet that remind us of how beautiful life truly is.
Sitting on this tropical island in paradise, tucked away in the deep south pacific, news has arrived of another loss of two great souls. One of which I knew personally very well and shared my first big wall experience with in Brento, Italy. A man with over 2500 BASE jumps and around 2000 skydives, he was very well versed in the sport and has been through a lot with BASE over his years. Working with him last year in preparation for a Europe trip to do some big wall shenanigans, we made skydives, ballon jumps and then finally a handful of big wall jumps in Brento to cap it all off. His glacier solid demeanor coupled with silent wisdom is what made him such a unique individual. As an observer personality he would jump with anyone who wanted to throw on a track suit, follow them with a camera then give feed back as needed. Developing his own company producing track suits, Raven BASE, he was working towards a goal of becoming renowned for his amazing product that worked extremely well. Owning one personally, there is video proving how good these suits worked. Taken from all his years in the sport flying every type of suit on the market, as well as helping develop products for other companies, he decided it was time to try something on his own. Grateful for what he has done, the product was not only material suits, but rather influencing by coaching a great progression into the ever so popular sought after goal of mountain flying. Traveling during the winters to drop zones providing test suits and coaching, he made a huge impact in many peoples lives including my own. His benevolent personality didn't stop in the sky or at exit. He was a man who would drive out of his way to pick anyone up, even a complete stranger, from where they were to bring them back to the DZ or jump sight just because thats who he was. Truly a man of his word, honor was ingrained into his DNA. Rami Kajala, a legend in life and the sport of BASE jumping was taken from his physical body while saving another life from drowning on the coast of California. May they both live a blissful life in the astral cosmos.
People always ask if we have a death wish. My response is always, I have a burning desire to live and be alive, will not let fear hinder my experiences on this earth in the time I am here. As an extreme adventure athlete, one can attest to this ideology. We don't look at the things we do as cheating death. Even though we step to each exit with the thought in the back of our consciousness that we and those around us have a chance of experiencing death on this jump and any subsequent jump there after. Hence what makes each moment so precious. It is profound preparation, mentally and physically, that provides us with the skills to perform successfully at each site we conquer. The burning desire to continue to expand ourselves while exploring the world is something that was instilled in our genetic makeup from day one.
The common aphorism, “If your friend said to jump off a bridge, would you?” Our response, well yes with a magic backpack and a three, two, one see ya! Probably with a two way and a gainer or two given amble altitude. Building life long friendships along the way in conjunction with memories that will never escape our limbic systems. Even though copious amounts of extra curricular activities try to blur our recollection of events. Its an annual saga of ups and downs including celebration of lives that we can continue down this path with resilience as well as a contagious smile knowing that the times we shared were priceless. Time is relative, numbers of years are not a measure of experiences and wisdom. We have the unique ability to condense our time into a saturated bliss of concentrated memories that common people marvel over. The wisdom us hippy going, tent living, broke adventurers carry is an invaluable source of information to the masses, yet we still choose to only share it with the few who appreciate it in our small circles. Mainly because those are the only ones who will understand and appreciate it. Those of which will attest that our tight nit community is comprised of the most amazing people in this world today.
Pondering over the last years events, both good and bad, it is safe to say that life is a beautiful thing. Innumerable beautifully ludicrous individuals have come and gone into my life that I am forever thankful for. Those that have moved on in this continuum have not only touched my life, but that of the thousands they came in contact with through their journeys. The universe works in mysterious ways that we will never be able to comprehend at the time, but there is a divine plan for each soul, and when it’s our time to be called to the cosmos we are ready for what else is in store. Life is but an adventure, live your dream, create memories and love everyone around you. You never know when your number is up, live with compassion and follow your heart.
In closing, my dear friends who are affected by recent events including years past, remember the good memories we all shared. Carry each soul in your hearts as to spread their work and love to those still around you. They will forever fly with us on every jump to ensure we are upholding our calling to this earth. Stay true to yourself and your dreams, never deviate from the path you are on when it feels right. Greet everyday with loving compassion accepting the challenges as points of growth working towards the end goal, completion of our life’s mission. Hug long and hard when you can, shed a tear when you have to, and most of all smile so that everyone around you can smile as well. Safe jumps to everyone. See you at exit.
Author: Brad Patterson
January 26, 2016
