Reflections from the French Alps while skiing downhill

Today I want to share a brief note with you. Yesterday, while skiing downhill on these beautiful mountains on the French Alps, I kept thinking about how skiing is a great example of what living in the "present moment" means. Your full attention must be focused on what your body is doing. It is difficult to think about the past or the future when you are steadily going down and you want to stay safe.

I also thought that skiing downhill for people like me, who are still building confidence in this sport, that feels fascinating yet terrifying at times, is a great metaphor for our daily lives. It is important to continue to move forward at your own pace, at your own rhythm. 

Skiing is a place where the nervous system is highly stimulated. Each day on the slopes can feel like drinking a complex cocktail of emotions and sensations. There is the excitement, the fear, the courage to try again, the deep connection to nature, the freedom of being outdoors in this landscape, the sound of the birds, and the sight of the trees covered with snow.

We do all this with the knowledge that all we can do is to continue to show up and move through the discomfort to get better. It is important to acknowledge the progress and make sure that we capture all the good moments that make the experience worth it.

The way I keep my nervous system at ease while skiing is the same way that I do it during my daily life in the city. I am protective of that time of the day when I press "pause" to the external information and I turn all my attention inwards.

My daily practice at home or while traveling is always the same. I make space to relax my body, to meditate, to make sense of my thoughts, to digest the uncomfortable emotions and very importantly to take a few moments of gratitude to appreciate all the good that every day brings to us.

I also make sure to close each day by looking at the moon, appreciating the day for the lessons learned, for understanding what went well and what can I do better the next morning. I appreciate the uniqueness that it is to be alive today in this complex world.
 
I invite you to make your own reflection: how are you starting and ending each day? What are your "go to" strategies to manage your thoughts and emotions?

Are you aware that you can strengthen your mind to improve the quality of your daily life?