My Body Suspension Experience

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This topic has always received the most startled responses and questions and for fair reason, how often do you come across someone who has willingly put hooks into their body to be suspended by them?

I stumbled across body suspension for the first time during a late night Tumblr binge a few years ago. I couldn’t quiet comprehend why someone would want to do something so dramatic to their body and wondered what sort of benefits came from something that seemed to prompt so much pain. I definitely had a strong level of curiosity but it was nothing I actively pursued. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with a friend who shared his own experience that the opportunity presented itself to me.

A few months after I had chatted with Jol, he randomly called me up and said his good friend Jake, the founder of Waylay Suspension Force was touring down the coastline and would be available the following day in my town if I was interested in doing a suspension. Like I said I never went searching for this experience but when it crossed into my path I couldn’t deny the opportunity.

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Suspension dates back thousands of years in which it was ritually used to explore the connection between body and spirit. Most of the personal experiences I had read emphasised the spiritual benefits that were attained by suspending. I honestly had no idea what to expect.

Since beginning my yoga journey I have always been intrigued by how much control we give our minds and how often we allow it to warp our perceptions. Yoga has shown me that the body is far more intelligent then the chaos of the mind and knowing this I went into the situation with a desire to test my mental and physical capabilities.

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We chose a location that had an amazing view of the coastline. I spent the first hour mentally preparing myself and meditating down by the beach. Jol and Jake set up the rig inside an old army bunker that overlooked the water.

Honestly my biggest fear was getting the piercings and inserting the hooks more so than the suspension itself but I was surprised by how effective conscious breathing got me through the levels of intensity.

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Once the hooks were in it was time to connect to the rig. During the whole process Jake guided me with kind and comforting words. Now the initial setup was complete it was up to me to hang. There was no pressure and I could lift my feet up in my own time and pace.

I can't begin to articulate the things that go through your mind when you're pushed to your mental limits. I had this huge pressure against my shoulder blades and my whole body was tense. I had one foot off the ground but couldn't bring myself to lift the other. It's that feeling of standing on the edge of a cliff contemplating the jump. I knew in my being I wanted to lift my other foot but I fought against myself for so long.

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Eventually something inside of me whispered "just let go", I took a breath and my other foot rose. I let out a long deep exhale and my whole body relaxed. The moment following this was quite intense and the closest thing I can relate it to is having a psychedelic out of body experience. Before I knew it I had blacked out but I was observing the scene from above. I could see myself hanging and everyone around me gathering to bring me down. I felt complete peace and unity to myself and the world around me. It sounds bizarre but words really can't describe it.

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On coming down I was given some electrolytes and asked if I was okay. Sometimes your body goes into complete shock and you do black out. I was feeling okay and asked if I could go again. I felt like I had tapped into something I had never experienced before and it was almost addictive. The second time I flew it was caught on film and you can view the footage below. I had a better understanding of what to expect and I didn't allow my mind to limit me from melting into the experience. I hung for 45 minutes, swinging and kicking off the walls. I felt so incredibly euphoric. The experience honestly transcends way beyond the physical and there ceases to be pain.

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After finally coming down the hooks were taken out and the holes bandaged. I have very minuscule scars after 5 years and only experienced slight discomfort that evening due to the air that catches under the skin. When I put pressure against my back and neck there was a sort of crackling noise which subsided after 24 hours once the air released. Aside from that I felt on top of the world and like I could accomplish anything. I know the whole experience sounds crazy - that perspective has been expressed to me multiple times but I feel there is so much value in pushing boundaries and proving to ourselves that we are far more capable of accomplishment then we are often lead to believe. For me there was a rush, a thrill and a deep union. Something I would've never known unless I took the step.

"Human suspension is not gross or gory. It’s not barbaric. It isn’t an extreme extravagance with no value other than the initial adrenaline rush that may inevitably come with it. Suspension is suspenseful, spiritual, and beautiful to the people courageous enough to try it and blessed to feel so enriched by the process that they return to it time and again. Human suspension isn’t for everyone, but if you can set aside your idea of what’s normal for a moment, open your mind, and try something new with your body, you may find out firsthand how enlightening such extreme body modifications can be and how worthy they truly are of your time and consideration." - Source

Unfortunately I haven't had any luck with uploading videos to Dtube so until I can get it sorted I need to use Youtube. If anyone has any tips for me in relation to using Dtube I'd love to hear them!

Captured Photos + Videos: Gabrielle Eve
Video Edit: Sarah Frances
Music: Shlohmo - Rained the Whole Time (Nicolas Jaar Remix)

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Big love to you!
Sarah. 🌻