As the benefits of mindfulness become more widely known, its application in sports is booming, from the NBA New York Knicks or the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks to top world tennis players like Novac Djokovic. When athletes are performing, they absolutely need to increase focus, maximize physical capacity, let go of unhelpful emotions and keep a clear head in the moment, starting over and over again.
“It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. ”
The latest application of mindfulness is winter sports, but you don’t have to be a professional skier or snowboarder to bring a bit of mindfulness to the slopes. You may be doing it already without knowing it: it’s hard not to end up rolling downhill if you’re not feeling your weight and your mind is somewhere else. But if you bring a bit more conscious awareness to your surroundings, your body and your thoughts, you will soften and ease more into a flow, reconnect to the world through your senses, and improve your technique.
You can try it next time you’re in the mountains with the guidance below, or you can join the monks and nuns of Plum Village for a week of meditation in motion in Andorra (March 6 to 11, 2018), or sign up for a mindful ski break by Hip Chalets in Chamonix, France (several dates available).
As you sit on the chairlift, feel the weight of you body supported by the chair, and the support of your feet on the bar. Breathe mindfully noticing how your body feels, letting go of any tension in your muscles. This could be a great opportunity to notice the tone of your thoughts.
When you’re at the end of the lift, pause. Stop and become aware of the weather and your surroundings. Take in the beauty and serenity of the mountains for a moment or two, being conscious of the colors, shapes and sounds around you. Remind yourself of the intention to descend mindfully.
When you’re ready, let the weight of your body set you in motion. Feeling your breathing and your body, try to coordinate your turns with your breathing. You could also explore counting to three after every turn, keeping the focus on your body.
When unhelpful thoughts come in, acknowledge that they have showed up and let them go as you return to your flow of breathing and turning.
No matter your cadence or speed, see if it’s possible to reach a point where you are simply in the zone, flowing down the mountain and experiencing each turn.
