Beginner Boots
“Don’t let your assumption interfere with your capacity.” ~ Mynx Inatsugu
Recently I tried skiing for the first time in 20+ years. Inspired by a friend’s recent trip, the thrill of the sport, time in nature and snow, I researched equipment on the Sports Basement website and within moments had the gear rented.
We skied Diamond Peak Resort, a smaller, community-owned resort in Incline Village nestled among the Sierra’s and set above the beauty of the deep blue, Lake Tahoe. A great place if you are a novice or a more seasoned skier or snowboarder.
Diamond Peak Resort does not allow one to reserve lessons online and recommends booking a day prior or arriving early the day of. I attempted the day previous; between Ski Week and kids out of school, and an epic amount of snow, I was out of luck, lessons were booked.
I felt a slight unease and hesitation, but something profound was alive with confidence and excitement. I had the equipment; pre-purchased lift ticket and determination. I watched videos on tips for beginners and woke in the morning ready to go.
The mountain reminded me of both support my practice revers and progress made, a swell as the opportunity for continued growth and perseverance. I felt the complete range of emotion; humbled and grounded, fearful and fierce, tense and relaxed, full of nerves, giggles, and smiles, escorted by the occasional curse word.
It is essential in life to try new things and get comfortable being uncomfortable. When we put the practice to test and into a real-time experience, hold a steady and gentle presence, hug compassion in moments of paralyzed fear (on mountain or chairlift), and allow oneself to fall with grace and stand up with courage we are celebrating life and realizing our full potential.
The only way to get stronger physically and mentally is to put yourself in new situations and get out of your comfort zone. A key ingredient to continued growth and attitude to thrive.
Whether it's skiing or snowboarding, if you are navigating a steep, snowy mountain for the first or hundredth time, you must be present. My mind was undistracted and focused. There was no time for multitasking, little room for daydreaming and the only time I pulled my phone out was to take a photo of the view and secure proof of my adventure.
The moment I froze, got trapped in my head, I allowed fear and doubt to creep in. A body and mindset tense, tight and hunched. The closer to the mountain, the safer I felt. After my first two attempts down the slope, a body and mind stiff, I knew I wouldn’t be able to maintain the mental and physical strength and energy to last the day.
I made a choice, I wouldn’t allow the idea that I was fresh to the sport, without a proper lesson and study of skill and technique to assume I didn’t have the capacity to navigate my way intuitively down the mountain with lightness and ease. On my third attempt, more aware of my surroundings and ability, I put the tools of my yoga practice to the test.
When I allowed space in my stance and mind, released resistance and intensity, I soared down the slope with cheer and grace. I felt alive in the crisp air and thrill of the unknown.
After a full morning and afternoon of skiing the beginner slope, a warm meal and rest, my bravery endured. I attempted an intermediate slope. Daunting? Yes. Out of my comfort zone? Absolutely. But I knew that to sharpen my skill set and self-confidence, I would need to test my courage and discomfort. Slowly and methodically, I made my way down the slope. My racing heart, stable, strong legs and attention were my trusted companions. I often paused to gain poise and certainty and found comfort in the children and adults who passed and bordering beauty of the snow-capped trees and steady mountain terrain. The practice of guiding my way down a stunning and majestic slope, among the solitude and peace of nature was pure joy and satisfaction.
“Challenging oneself in the grandeur and magnificence of nature is one of the best, most healing and nourishing activities of human existence. It’s why so many prolific writers and spiritual traditions emphasize both silence and time in nature. Ayurveda says it actually builds your vitality and immunity reserves (called ojas in Sanskrit). Time spent in this way requires and creates a total presence of mind and nourishes the spirit.” ~ Nikki Estrada
Time in nature, whether it be hiking, surfing, paddle boarding, skiing or simple stillness, the appreciation and wonder of Mother Nature is coming home. Time slows, I am embraced by the beauty and assumed by her presence. Attune to all sensation; my body, mind, and spirit are replenished, restored and nourished. I discover the treasure of serenity, sip in the sweet surrender of my existence and captured by awe, inspiration, and gratitude.
When I get out of my own way, free a mind intensely patterned and colored by past condition, assumption, and judgment, and allow myself to open to the experience unfolding before my eyes, I witness my capability. I am amazed at what is revealed and witness room for welcomed trial and error, success and failure. Not to mention what I had misplaced by my preconceived limitations.
Don’t trick yourself into believing you don’t have the capacity to change, grow, or learn a new skill or sharpen your innate wisdom. Notice the subtle ways you put yourself in a box and limit your life experience. It takes courage and vulnerability and a whole lot of trust to understand that you are so much more than your assumptions. There is a whole life waiting to be revealed, all you need to do is step out of the box and into beginner boots.