Edgework Model

Every summer growing up, my family would take trips to Lake Powell. While we were there, all of the cousins would go out cliff jumping. However, I had always had a crippling fear of heights.

Old Edge Patterns

Feelings:Scared, anxious, abandoned

Physiology:Rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, shaking uncontrollably

Pattern/Defense: Make excuses, lash out

Belief: "Everyone is braver than me." "I'm such a loser."

Conversation: "If I jump I will die." "There's no way this is only 15 feet."

Support: Cousins

Metaphor: I pictured myself alone on the cliff or dead in the water

Edge Resources

Feelings: Inclusion, Excitement

Physiology: Racing heart rate but with mental calm

Pattern/Defense: Think less

Belief: "This is awesome." "I am awesome."

Conversation: "Don't think about it." "If you do a trick, everyone will cheer."

Support: Cousins, self

Metaphor: Fearless, like a bird taking off in flight