Picture this. It is late in the afternoon of the first ski day of the season. The skiing conditions were perfect and you worked hard on the trails for many hours. Feeling tired but content, you decided to take the lift up just one more time before calling it a day. Reaching the spot to load the lift, you are scooped up. As the chair begins its upward journey, you close your eyes and the sensation is no longer that of the hill. You feel like you are floating on an ocean current, rocked by the rhythms of the waves, as you hear in your mind's ear the hypnotic reverberations of the cresting whitecaps. This is followed by a profound sound of silence.
The ride to the top transports you to another world, that of total peace through the sudden awareness of the beauty of the cocoon of calm quietness suddenly surrounding you.

   We are told that water is the main substance of life. ( How much of the human body is composed of water? We are surrounded by an 'ocean' before birth. Listening to the soothing surf provides complete relaxation and renewal.) So, if snow is water and water is the main component of life, skiing on snow provides a magical entranceway to the world of peace.

   This is the season for PEACE and "PEACE ON EARTH"
This is also the season for "GOOD WILL TO MEN." At this time of year, we are supposed to be full of love for all humanity. But are we in reality? And why only at this time of year? Do we really allow people to be themselves and accept them lovingly as their own individual beings regardless of quirks and foibles? Do we admit to ourselves that we are not perfect beings?

   For a skier who has found this sense of tranquility, the answers should be easy. This gift of skiing we have been given has the ability to create the inner peace in ourselves allowing us to be better human beings for ourselves and others. Use this gift wisely to not only live up to the intentions of the holiday season but carry it to the rest of your life.