The Tao of skiing

According to the Tao Te Ching, the Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. Understandably so, as words can only convey a limited meaning and only share or convey ideas which have already been experienced. What about the Tao that can be skied?

There are essentially 2 parts of the ski that connect with the mountain being skied on. There's the bottom of the ski, which slides in a very graceful fashion along the snow bed (ideally), and the edge of the skis, which - depending on the amount of force applied - can either result in a turn or a stop (ideally).

It seems to me that the slick underside of the ski is a 'Yes'. It's the part of the ski that says yes to the snow, yes to the mountain, yes to speed and movement. When the bottom of the ski connects with the snow, there is an instant recognition between the two. The snow is slick, the ski is slick, and recognizing each other, a natural flow and movement results. And lacking any opposition they'll continue to flow together like water, ever down the mountain.

What is just important in skiing is the 'No'. The 'No' is the edge of the ski which says no to the mountain, no to the snow, no to speed and movement. If the edge of the ski was all there was, movement wouldn't occur, or it would be severely restricted. The 'No', or the edge of the ski is what allows one to find some control or choice in things. Rather than slide increasingly faster and faster in a singular path down the hill, the edge of the ski allows you to choose a direction, or even stop for a period of time. The 'No' is what allows us to fly headlong into the unknown while still feeling safe and secure that at any time we can back off a little, slow down, or change course.

In the end though, skiing is neither about the Yes or the No. It's entirely a mixture of both. It's the precise balance between the two which allows for the beautiful and exciting adventure that occurs from the top of the hill to the bottom. The 'Yes' will get us there, eventually, whether we like it or not. But the 'No' will allow us to enjoy the sights along the way, and take as meandering a route as we like in the meantime. There is no right way or wrong way to get down the mountain. Some may enjoy flying straight down at breakneck speed, while others may opt for the slow and scenic route through the trees. Perhaps each of us finding the exact balance of yes and no, stop and go, that makes us happy is what in Buddhism is called the 'The Middle Way'.

Overall though, this is what I call the Tao of Skiing.

Additionally, while we may or may not be the God who created the snow or the mountain, humanity could certainly be considered the creator of the sport and the skis. We may not think of ourselves as Gods, and until we get our ego's under control it's probably better that way. It's worth acknowledging, however, the amazing creators that we are.