 Lessons from the master – even if you don’t ski – life is meant to thrill!
The ski-master did not seem to be very impressive in the hotel. He was never seen to hurry. He did not seem anxious to get going. He was not a young man and it looked as if he found walking a little painful. Yet once he was on the slopes he was amazing, bounding with energy and with superb control. His words have stayed with me and have been a source of guidance:
'‘If you are unwilling to make the uphill journey and to struggle against the elements, you will never enjoy the thrill and freedom of the downhill return. ‘The great art is to relax. So many things are not possible if you cannot approach them in a relaxed manner. You will not be able to ski if your body is tense. To be too rigid will result in a fall. There is a great art in learning to let yourself go. Learn to wind down so that your energies can be used where they are needed. Then you can focus on where you are going. ‘If you are afraid of a few falls, you may as well hang up your skis. No one has achieved much without making mistakes. Those who extend themselves and stretch their horizons will have a few tumbles and setbacks. You can learn from your falls – and you can rise from them. ‘If you are worried about people laughing at you, you will get nowhere. Such worry has stopped many a person beginning. Most achievers were once awkward on the slopes. Those who know what it is to learn and to try will not laugh at you, although they may laugh with you. ‘Get out there and extend yourself. You cannot imagine the freedom you will have or get it from books. No one can describe to you the thrill that is yours when you use your life to the full. To know life, you have to live it and know that life is meant to thrill.’ Taken from A Celebration of Winter by David Adam published by SPCK and used with permission.
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