Just back from three days of skiing in the French Alps and I feel as if I have been in a dream. After one and a half days of skiing and being in total bliss I started wondering what is it exactly that makes me feel this way? In this article I am sharing what I have come up with. I will go from outer to inner layer, with this particular trip in mind. Of course this is all about living in the present moment!
The opportunity for my skiing adventure happened then and there, with no effort. I got invited to be part of the trip two weeks prior to leaving. I saw it as an opportunity of a lifetime, I had to say yes! It has been thirteen years since I was last time on an alpine skiing holiday. It took me a few days to commit though. I had just been in Oslo for Christmas and on other shorter trips to be with my family in the last couple of months. This meant I needed to ask for help, again, for my dog to be looked after. Luckily, again, the same people said yes (made me tear up as I feel they are already helping me so much it is unbelievable).
Okay, so now on to how I experienced this holiday – you may perhaps recognise the vibe from your own skiing adventures?
Layer One: Facts
- You are on holiday.
- You are in the mountains, it is a welcoming change of environment.
- The sun is shining: The sky is blue, the snow is white and the conditions could not be better.
- The nature around you is just gorgeous.
- You have the gear to be warm and you are feeling in good shape to be skiing – all is good.
- You are with friends and you are all here to have a good time.
Layer Two: Awareness of body and mind
- As you are skiing you can feel your body. This makes you feel alive! You can sense fatigue in your body as you are in movement all day. It is the best type of fatigue.
- When you stop somewhere to eat you are hungry for real. You want the food to nurture you so you have enough energy to fully enjoy your skiing.
- As you are skiing on various slopes with different snow conditions your mind is staying clear and alert.
- You notice progress in your skiing. It makes you feel happy!
- Your responsibilities back where you live suddenly seem non-existent.
- You are totally surrounded by nature = wellbeing for you.
- You realise your day is on your terms. No one can reach you unless you open your phone.
Layer Three: Deepened Awareness & Presence.
- You cannot help but feel mesmerised by what you are experiencing.
- There is less density of stressed-out minds around you – you are surrounded by good energy (beautiful nature and people enjoying themselves just like you are).
- You realise you have everything you need and that you are out playing. You feel free and you are having fun!
- Gratitude kicks in. You are aware of the majestic mountains around you, the sunshine, the cold touching your face, and your breathing every time you stop for a moment to catch your breath.
- You realise how small you are with the big mountains around you. Like a black dot if you are dressed in black like I was. Your problems… what problems? If you get reminded of them they seem smaller and less serious than you normally make them. This moment is so big and so full already you place your attention on what is here.
- Yes, you are here, now!
- You feel joyful.
- YOU ARE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT: And here comes the reality of it all: Instead of floating on the surface of life on automatic pilot you realise you find yourself IN LIFE, in the moment, having an amazing time.
This was my experience. Thanks for reading, thank you I’ve had winter and thanks 2025 for starting this way! Wishing you well – Annette Xx
