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So last Sunday I sat watching three back-to-back episodes of Discovery Channel’s “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”. Anybody ever watched this program?
The show features true-story events of individuals or groups caught up in dangerous life threatening scenarios presented through interviews of the individuals and dramatic reenactments.
What really struck me when watching these programs is how the human mind reacts when faced with a life or death situation! You see tough, strong men begging and crying for life, You see mothers going to extreme lengths to protect their children and actions of immense bravery and courage of people that have to cross deserts and mountains just to get help for others.
The question I ask is this: Do we have to be in the brink of death to realize our full potential? Do we have to be dehydrated in the Sahara desert to realize the value of another day of life? Are we really programmed that way? Is that how much we took life for granted? We have to be face to face with death to appreciate life?
One story I saw describes a man who had been swimming against the strong currents for hours in freezing waters. Finally he gets on shore and he describes the feeling he had when he first touched land again: “It is the most beautiful piece of rock in the world” No kidding! He was sure he was going to die but he gave one last push and swam towards the shore.
I am right now sitting comfortably on a cushioned chair staring at computer screen totally safe and relaxed and I think nothing of it! Yet this guy is in love with a sharp, rigid rock! I can only imagine what that must feel like when you were most certain you were going to die!
You should really see and listen to the emotions and gratitude of when these people manage to cheat death and survive! It is like they were born again! It is such a beautiful sight! Almost makes wish you were in their position, fighting those battles with death, to truly understand their emotions and appreciation of life.
But it doesn’t have to be that way does it? We shouldn’t have to face an experience like that to appreciate the little things we have. Why do you have to be stuck on a mountain, ready to die, just to feel our heart explode with joy when we see our family and friends?
Just a quick little article to get you thinking, I really suggest you check out this program. Do a quick search on YouTube and I am sure you will see what I am talking about.
Thanks for reading. I am really looking forward to the answers for the questions asked in this article.
It is truly a great question,and the series are great! it does put in to perspective how we all complain in every day life,and they are really so weak to life itself, It makes food for thought.
It is amazing isn't it? Makes you appreciate your safe state at home and all the luxuries we take for granted.
I've watched 4/5 of this series and each has had a profound effect on me. It just puts into perpective our "bad days" in everyday life. "Jaws of Death" was particularly gruelling and somewhat tear-jerking as well. Thanks for this link; will continue watching Chris and followed by something a bit lighter perhaps! I recommend Robin Williams on Michael Parkinson for example.
What a great question. Hopefully we have the ability to realize our potential without a life or death situation. I think we all have little situations in our life (maybe not life threatening) that we overcome and allow us to move forward with confidence.
Very well said John! Thanks for reading and commenting! :)
Cynthia took the words right out of my mouth. Most of us focus on past or future. Very rare that we focus on NOW. Thanks for the reminder.
I totally agree with Cynthia. Thanks for the comment! :)
Good article Chris! I suspect it's because we often live in the past or focused on the future so we can avoid embracing now.
I guess that all things are relative in life Chris. Similarly, you don't know what you've got til its gone! :-)
Great quote Kim, Thanks for the stopping by and commenting! :))
It's from Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" no problem Chris.
I've bookmarked that Discovery Channel series by the way, thanks.
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