Yesterday I was pleased to see Philippe Petit perform for the crowds at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.

He is wonderfully personable and fun just to watch. His Man on a Wire chronicles his feat of walking between the World Trade Towers. At 59, he may not walk between really tall buildings again but he can still teach us to risk and push beyond our comfort zone.

For his high wire act at the Cathedral he walked along a rope several feet and barely a man high off the ground. But one end of the rope was held by tall men from the crowd and two very tiny boys who held up the end.  It was meant to entertain not to inspire great awe. And that was fine.

It was good to see someone who has taken chances with his life and exceeded boundaries. I am all for a bit of inspiration to break me out of any restraints I create for myself.