diff --git a/src/keybind/builtin/helix.json b/src/keybind/builtin/helix.json
index a784717..3e5bbd8 100644
--- a/src/keybind/builtin/helix.json
+++ b/src/keybind/builtin/helix.json
@@ -282,7 +282,7 @@
         "line_numbers": "relative",
         "cursor": "block",
         "selection": "inclusive",
-        "init_command": ["enable_selection"],
+        "init_command": ["init_helix_select_mode"],
         "press": [
 
             ["ctrl+b", "select_page_up"],
diff --git a/src/tui/mode/helix.zig b/src/tui/mode/helix.zig
index 20ca66f..8580ac1 100644
--- a/src/tui/mode/helix.zig
+++ b/src/tui/mode/helix.zig
@@ -240,6 +240,12 @@ const cmds_ = struct {
     }
     pub const extend_line_below_meta: Meta = .{ .arguments = &.{.integer}, .description = "Select current line, if already selected, extend to next line" };
 
+    pub fn init_helix_select_mode(_: *void, _: Ctx) Result {
+        _, const ed = get_context() orelse return;
+        try ed.enable_selection(.{});
+    }
+    pub const init_helix_select_mode_meta: Meta = .{};
+
     pub fn move_next_word_start(_: *void, ctx: Ctx) Result {
         try move_to_word(ctx, Editor.move_cursor_word_right_vim, .forwards);
     }