Wanaskewin: February 2012

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Taking it all in!

On a recent ski vacation to BC I had an amazing opportunity to set the regular pace of life aside and really enjoy listening to my body and to the powerful forces that surround us every day. The powerful forces that I speak of came in many forms. At times human behaviour and relationships came into play, in other moments it was manifested in a more obvious form in the power of nature. The following is some of what I observed and coveted.

Spending time in a Mountain environment is always an experience of awe. I am amazed at weather patterns and at feeling small and insignificant. It’s so cool to be at a ski base temperature of zero degrees and fall to minus 10 at the top of the lift. To be in a valley cloud at the bottom of a mountain and rise above it into the sun as you climb the mountain.

To be sensitive to how snow types vary at different altitudes and how to try and time it so you get the very best of the mountain on any given day. To slide down the side of the mountain on the first tracks of the day as the sun sparkles the snow below you.

To make fresh tracks on virgin powder in an area that has remained untouched since last ski season, except perhaps by the passing through of bear or wolves.

Knowing that the beauty of the Mountain isn’t only found in racing down its slopes with an adrelaline charged vendetta. Its in stopping to marvel at its beauty. To feel the sun strong against your face.

I had mentioned listening to my body earlier, hence taking some time off of skiis to snowshoe, observing animal tracks in the snow and the eerie silence of the woods in winter. Being unaccustomed to higher altitudes and how your body craves oxygen differently.

The excitement of each morning and what the day will bring and what will unfold before you. The opportunity to teach newcomers about the mountain and the secrets that it has revealed to you. Looking forward to social time in the hot tub, watching as the days fading light disappears and looking forward to the culinary journey that is sure to follow.

Variety within the variety that vacation brings is coveted as well. To take a road trip to a new Mountain town that holds its own special nuances with friends who are eager to share their local knowledge and natures secrets with you. Content to celebrate long standing friendships and changes in life.

We took a side trip on an off day to seek out natural hot springs. It was such a simple grass roots day but so very different from what we are used to. It cost us relatively nothing. No lift ticket, no admission fees, no rules. We hiked in up a mountain path, beauty surrounding us every step of the way. Working hard with every step as we were the engines powering ourselves into this remote gem. Stopping every once in a while to observe tracks, being thankful for strength in numbers and considering whether the giant paw marks were the product of a Mountain Lion or Wolf.

To the final entry requirement, a tricky hike down a steep treed slope to an absolute piece of paradise. Alas, natural hot springs! A three tiered tub that is hottest at its source coming out of the rock, dropping slowly in temperature as the water falls away from its heat source into the cold winter air.

A picnic lunch was planned in advance. A feeling of relaxation and connection to nature that is seldom realized is alive within every cell in my body. Utter exhaustion and relaxation. Amazing! So much to be thankful for.

The Essence of a New Day!

Blog Beginning-

Wanaskewin- is at peace. Cree

The Essence of a New Day.

There are many figures of speech that we hear with great frequency reminding us of how to better live out the time that we spend in our dance here on Earth. Many echoes of encouragement to “live each day to the fullest” and “seize the day”.

I am thankful that in my life, these phrases are not passing thoughts. They are Mantra’s that I take seriously. I pride myself in being an elite athlete that regularly pushes limits both personally and in nature. I genuinely see each and every day as a powerful gift to be used carefully and with purpose.

When a long standing sponsor Teva (The official pioneer of sport sandals) adopted the slogan “Live Better Stories”, I thought it a creative parallel to the old cliche's. I thought it clever, In that each of us can comfortably adopt this slogan to suit our lives in meaningful ways. Why not live better stories? Each day is an opportunity to get out and create those stories.

I often jest with a big grin on my face and words that begin with “When I am on my death bed”……the words to follow generally sound something like “I won’t wish that I had of watched more TV”. Living better stories is an immediate invitation to step outside of your daily routines and comfort zones in big ways and small. To challenge all of the factors that compete for how you spend your time. To send your time more meaningfully.

I believe that most of us have a creative and adventurous spirit. At times with the hectic pace of life, it is sometimes difficult to take the time to set this spirit free. In other cases, we withhold, not always sure about how to do so. I believe that as humans we have an innate connection to nature and the further that busy lifestyles pull us away from her, the more we need her.

I feel a desire in those around me to connect their adventurous spirit to nature. So often this yen shows through in colleagues wishing to share vicariously with me my evening, my weekend or my latest vacation. My answer to these inquiries is an encouragement to get out and get active. Make it happen! Get a solid pair of hikers and hit the trails. Take the time to take in the subtle, simple beauties that surround us each day. Live as often as possible with your eyes wide open, taking it all in. Try always to minimize regret.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and living with a greater degree of meaning can be manifested in simple ways, it doesn’t need to come in the shape of dropping a 30 foot waterfall. Go about it by running in the rain. Make snow angels, be playful. Have others accuse you of acting like a big kid. Do it day by day. Each new day can reward you with moments you never considered before or thought possible!