I have spent the entirety of my life with snow. I cannot even envisage a life where there is no snow, for a significant portion of the year.
When I go into the mountains in the winter to recreate, work, or to recharge there is an integral first step that needs to be taken. This first step is to see, feel, think and accept the environment for the way it is, and not the way that I want it to be. I need to know what has been, what will be, and what that means for myself being in the mountains.
This means is that I must be aware of what state Nature is at that moment in its uniqueness and reality. I sometimes see the winter environment for what I want it to be. Great lines, recreation, a landscape for my pleasure and enjoyment.
The truth is that my perspective and my bias when I go into the mountains can be influenced or skewed by my human agenda. I tell the story to myself of what I want the situation and the context to be, as opposed to listening to the true story that is being told to me by the mountains and the snow. And this is vitally important. How good of listener and observer am I? Am I tuned into the frequency of the language of the mountains, or do I need more time to immerse myself into this rythm once more.
The story and the truth is always being told to me by the environment, and the weather is the main orator. The supporting cast are the mountains and their relationship to the snow, that has been created by songs of the the supporting members - wind, sun, temperature and precipitation.
Think of the mountains and the snow as having a relationship together. Then ask yourself the question “what is this relationship”? Am I welcome or am I an intruder at this time in this dynamic?
As I write these words right now I feel a sense of almost, I will use the word “honour” within me. The reason being is that I have chosen as my life’s work to be a part of the snow and the mountains as an expression of who I am to myself, and also to others.
It is deeply humbling and also a privilege to work with others in an environment that is sacred and ephemeral, while also deadly. To be a conduit and a voice for the winter environment, to speak the language of the snow in a way that creates an integrity of balance between humans and the snow.
Snow is unique as we are. Each crystal a product of its environment and the forces that acted upon that crystal. As we are. We are shaped by our choices, our environments and by the people that surround us, some chosen and others not.
The chi of snow is too dance and to be aware of a resonance or a disconnect between our intentions and the alchemy of the snow. Is it dancing with us today, or is it better to wait for another day when the dance is synchronous and melodic?