Written by: Lydia Petrigova on THURSDAY, DEC 21, 2023
What I am about to share encompasses a mix of experiences that know no boundaries. I write not as a dancer or skier but as an explorer of movement and mindset.
As I cascade down moguls from the summit of a black diamond mountain in Colorado, my awareness centers on a few pivotal focus points: “Keep your core tight, maintain the lower body soft and flexible, feel the smoothness of the edges.” The conversation in my head persists; no distractions enter the ongoing focus: “Feel the weight of the body throughout the turn.” A profound sensation arises as I’m absorbed into the rhythm, applying a simple formula to each turn, irrespective of the size or unpredictability of the next mogul: “Release – Turn – Increase.”
Suddenly, a subtle fear, accompanied by a touch of panic, grips the body, creating immediate tension, and I sense the mogul bump being hard. In reality, what I label a bump isn’t truly a bump; it’s a snow sculpture, in some places likely the height of my waist if I were to stand amidst them without skis. It’s not the bump that feels hard; it’s my mind experiencing panic or a fleeting moment of fear. Recognizing this, I readjust the focus: “Keep the center of body mass in the direction of travel, lower and upper body separation is essential, stay soft in your knees and ankles, tighten the core, edge smoothly, or release the edge…” and ahhhhh…. the bumps are smooth again. The experience is simply breathtaking. I hold the highest respect for the mountain. It instructs me, presents opportunities, embraces me in its power and strength. I am in awe.
We pause to regroup on a flatter part of the slope, glancing back at the steep wall with moguls. Did I just do that? The mind struggles to comprehend the possibility of such success, yet the body pulses with exhilarated energy, adrenaline from an accomplishment beyond real-life, and a passion for movement while mastering nature’s forces. It feels like I just concluded an extraordinary dance performance, the sensation lingering throughout my entire body. I love mountains, dancing, movement, exploration, expression, and excellence. It thrills me.
The principles of movement, freedom, and mindset are universal. I can’t discern the slightest difference in what I would do on the dance floor versus what I just did on the mountain, and what I would do differently in skiing than dancing. One experience enriches my body with a new skill, transforming my performance instantly. Applying the skill from dancing gives me extra lightness and control on the slope.
Keep moving! Keep exploring new avenues! Keep expressing yourself! Keep excelling! It’s never-ending, the source of life, and a direct channel to health and happiness. Is there anything else you need? If yes, then I agree, KEEP WORKING ON YOUR MIND!
Dancing on the slopes, feeling the bumps on the dance floor, is the game of our mind, mixed with miles of experience and hours of practice. Accepting there will be lots of ugly turns, not-so-smooth or super rough runs—all expected and welcomed parts of this magnificent journey.
Dear reader, as you venture forth, keep working on your mind, revel in the exhilarating bumps, and dance through the imperfect turns of life, for it is within these moments that the true magic of the journey unfolds. Let the rhythm of life guide you, and may your dance be a celebration of the beautiful, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring adventure that it is. Keep moving, keep dancing, keep exploring, and keep thriving on the slopes of life.
