Almost drowned here one day last summer. A huge storm came through and the river was the highest I've ever seen. Thought I could cross it and got swept away and pushed almost 15 feet down to the bottom. Helplessly, I scraped along the bed at the rivers command. I kicked and pulled as hard as I could, but the river was much stronger than I. I was immersed in a cold, pitch black void. It was hopeless. I let go and accepted my fate. I've never felt such peace in my life. It was beautiful. But within a single moment everything changed and I could feel the river's grip loosening. It was as if the river no longer wanted my offering. Without even thinking, I immediately began to kick and pull with more force than I ever thought I was capable of. I only had one goal: survive. I could see the color of the water becoming lighter and lighter. I knew I was near the top, but I wasn't sure I was going to make it. The current was still pulling me down; testing my very will to live, and by this point I had almost no oxygen to push through my body. At what seemed like the last possible second, I broke through the surface. My friend's were all standing around the edge of the river screaming. They could not see me below the dark water and were not sure what to do. I've had quite a few close calls with death. But this one was extra special. I don't regret a second of that experience. Within a single, brief moment I felt the deepest peace I've ever known and also had the opportunity of literally fighting for my life. My mind was not occupied by bills, regrets, ex girlfriends, or work. It was as if my entire focus actually belonged to ME for the first time. I could not imagine a more enlightening moment.
All USA
Almost drowned here one day last summer. A huge storm came through and the river was the highest I've ever seen. Thought I could cross it and got swept away and pushed almost 15 feet down to the bottom. Helplessly, I scraped along the bed at the rivers command. I kicked and pulled as hard as I could, but the river was much stronger than I. I was immersed in a cold, pitch black void. It was hopeless. I let go and accepted my fate. I've never felt such peace in my life. It was beautiful. But within a single moment everything changed and I could feel the river's grip loosening. It was as if the river no longer wanted my offering. Without even thinking, I immediately began to kick and pull with more force than I ever thought I was capable of. I only had one goal: survive. I could see the color of the water becoming lighter and lighter. I knew I was near the top, but I wasn't sure I was going to make it. The current was still pulling me down; testing my very will to live, and by this point I had almost no oxygen to push through my body. At what seemed like the last possible second, I broke through the surface. My friend's were all standing around the edge of the river screaming. They could not see me below the dark water and were not sure what to do. I've had quite a few close calls with death. But this one was extra special. I don't regret a second of that experience. Within a single, brief moment I felt the deepest peace I've ever known and also had the opportunity of literally fighting for my life. My mind was not occupied by bills, regrets, ex girlfriends, or work. It was as if my entire focus actually belonged to ME for the first time. I could not imagine a more enlightening moment.