Faith Dickey, a record-breaking highliner and advocate for women in extreme sports, discusses her journey of overcoming fear and trusting oneself. They explore the world of highlining, its origins, and the importance of positive self-talk. The podcast also touches on topics like trauma, trust, and the fear of death. Additionally, Dickey shares techniques for managing fear, the role of commitment and self-talk, and their personal contribution to abortion access in Utah. A captivating conversation that offers valuable lessons in courage and resilience.
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Quick takeaways
Managing fear is essential in highlining, and strategies like breathwork and self-talk can help navigate challenging moments.
Solo highlining involves calculated risk, extensive training, and the ability to distinguish between fear and intuition.
Shifting focus from achievements to valuing the process and being present on the highline leads to a deeper connection with oneself.
Deep breathing and body awareness are crucial for maintaining a calm mindset and making informed decisions on the highline.
Deep dives
Exploring the Mental Landscape of Highlining
Highlining is a sport that demands extreme focus and courage. Faith Dickey, a pioneer in highlining, shares her journey and the importance of managing fear. She highlights the delicate balance between fear and intuition, and how she applies strategies like breathwork and self-talk to navigate challenging moments. Through her experiences, she has learned that one doesn't need to be fearless, but rather, not let fear control their actions.
Transitioning to Solo Highlining
Faith's desire to push her boundaries led her to explore solo highlining. She started with small solo lines and gradually increased the difficulty. While many perceive solo highlining as reckless, Faith emphasizes the calculated risk involved. She spent years training to catch highlines if she fell, making the practice much safer. She also highlights the importance of listening to intuition and distinguishing between fear and a deeper knowing when deciding whether to solo a highline or not.
Shifting Identity from Performance to Process
Faith's transition from being solely defined by her achievements to valuing the process of highlining has been transformative. She learned to let go of expectations and approach each moment on the line with curiosity. Instead of solely focusing on success and accomplishments, she now finds joy in being present and fully experiencing every moment on the highline. This shift allowed her to find a deeper connection with herself and a more sustainable approach to the sport.
Breathing, Body Awareness, and Finding Calm
Breathing and body awareness play crucial roles in Faith's highlining practice. Deep, conscious breaths help her relax and establish a present state of mind. By focusing on bodily sensations, such as feeling the slackline under her feet or the breeze on her skin, she gets in touch with the present moment. This mindfulness and grounding in the body allow her to navigate fear, discern intuition, and ultimately make informed decisions for her safety and well-being.
The Process of Soloing on a Highline
Soloing on a highline involves carefully navigating fear and maintaining a calm mindset. The speaker describes the process of scooting out onto the line, standing up, and maintaining stability while soloing. They emphasize the importance of deep breathing and focusing on the physical techniques to stay calm and committed during the highline walk. Music is also used as a tool to put them in the right state of mind. The experience at the end of the solo is described as a mixture of relief and euphoria, with a heightened sense of awareness and a calm feeling upon finishing the walk.
Dealing with Fear and Self-Talk
The speaker discusses their strategies for dealing with fear and managing self-talk during the solo highline walk. They emphasize the importance of deep breathing, staying calm, and committing to the physical steps of the walk. They engage in positive self-talk, encouraging themselves and reminding themselves that they are capable and in control. The speaker also mentions the role of music in setting the right state of mind and not taking the experience too seriously.
Reflections on Success, Risk, and Body Autonomy
The speaker shares their thoughts on success, risk-taking, and body autonomy. They define success as being at peace with oneself and highlight the importance of self-acceptance and self-kindness. They consider themselves a risk manager rather than a risk taker, taking manageable risks within their ability range. They express concerns about the lack of body autonomy and gender inequality, particularly regarding reproductive rights, and discuss their involvement in organizations and initiatives that aim to address these issues.
Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, facing an inch-wide line of webbing that stretches across a vast expanse. It’s tensioned between two secure anchor points but it’s a dynamic surface that will bounce, sway, and stretch when you step out on it. This line isn't just a piece of equipment; it's a gateway to mastering fear and discovering your true potential.
This is the world of highlining, and Faith Dickey stands at its forefront – embodying resilience and mental fortitude.
Since 2008, Faith has been redefining what's possible in highlining, a sport that demands extreme focus and courage. She's not only one of the few women excelling in this field but also a record-setter and a barrier-breaker. From free soloing a highline 3,000 feet off the ground to crossing a 100-meter highline and walking a highline in high heels, Faith's achievements are a testament to her extraordinary capabilities.
But Faith's impact extends beyond her highlining feats. She's an advocate for women in extreme sports and has created the first US business offering highline experiences, making this exhilarating sport accessible to more people.
Whether you're facing your own metaphorical highline or seeking to manage fear more effectively, Faith's journey offers invaluable lessons in courage, commitment, and the power of the human spirit.