We dance with life, two steps ahead, one step backward. We strive to be better, mostly.

Through my healing journey (aka life), I was introduced to the transformative power of gratefulness by my medicine lady. She assigned me the gratefulness practice as a 10-day integration homework to rewire my brain. Gratefulness, you see, is a high-vibration state, alongside joy, peace, passion, and love. When you’re in a high-vibration state, you’re in sync with the universe, accepting synchronicities, and manifesting your desires. It’s an elevated place, and I made a choice to live in an elevated place from then on.

One simple way to reach this high-vibration state is through practicing gratefulness. I journal or announce three things that I’m grateful for every single day. Here is an extensive example. Three things I’m grateful for today:

1. I’m grateful that I’m healthy: I got to ski today! My limbs are working, my bones are strong, and my heart is pumping elegantly.
2. I’m grateful that I’m wealthy: I have friends that I love and go on adventures with. I have time to go on adventures with my friends. I have warm boots to walk on snow. I have skis. I have gloves. I’m not in a war-torn area.
3. I’m grateful that my brain is working just fine: I can build relationships, I can articulate my message, I can communicate. I can learn new sports and new skills.

Most days, my gratefulness practice is as simple as:

• I’m grateful to have a dog to hug every morning.

• I’m grateful that my heart is pumping without my effort.

• I’m grateful that I get to eat a chocolate cookie for my breakfast.

How is gratefulness relevant to your skiing?

Gratefulness is a high-frequency state where you manifest fast and easily. Did you order a ski instructor? The universe might just deliver! It’s a joke:-) I’d like you to live mostly in a high-frequency state to raise our collective consciousness. Mountains are a magical place. I would not want you to miss the magical mountains because of low-frequency feelings. You have courage, you’re open-minded, and you’re curious instead of judgmental when you’re elevated. I’d love you to make your decisions in that state, instead of dancing with low-frequency emotions.

Facing Fears on the Slopes

Low-frequency emotions like fear, anger, guilt, and jealousy are also part of the human experience. When I’m at my low, I acknowledge them, sit with the discomfort, and work to raise my frequency. My recipe is dancing, hugging my dog, and doing any kind of physical exercise like skiing.

As far as starting to ski, let’s consider fear. You might be afraid of falling off a cliff or breaking a leg. How much courage would you have if you’re sitting in fear? You always have options:

Option 1: Skip the mountain vacation entirely (and miss creating memories with your friends and family)

Option 2: Stay in the lodge sipping hot cocoa (and miss the mountains’ magic)

Option 3: Hire an instructor and start on the bunny hill (and risk the embarrassment of making mistakes even though you know that everyone starts as a beginner)

Option 4: Join a group lesson with other beginners (where falling is part of the learning process, just like for pro skiers; where falling and getting up is a part of the sport, just like life)

Whatever you choose, there’s always a risk and a potential missed opportunity. Remember, whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. I invite you to take baby steps towards your fears. Sometimes I take small steps; other times, I dive headfirst into what scares me. It can be teary, bloody, and gut-wrenching.

Meeting You Where You Are

In my ski teaching, I meet you where you’re at while gently encouraging you to explore your edges. If you say no, I respect your boundaries. I’ll suggest another small step. Once you’re comfortable, we move to the next challenge if you’re ready. We might do many laps on the beginner conveyor belt before tackling the steeper one. You set the pace, and I’m there with you every step of the way. This approach applies to life beyond the slopes too. Whether you’re facing fears on the mountain or in your daily life, remember that growth comes from gently pushing your boundaries, practicing gratitude, and embracing the journey.

Ready to start your snow adventure? Enroll in our Snow 101 online course and begin your journey to conquering the slopes with confidence and joy!