Skiing Zen; a new book

In years past, I've led a number of work shops that have focused on describing the essence of skiing.  More so, describing the essence of mastery in teaching skiing.   What is it about this amazing sport? Forget it, for those hooked, what is it about this amazing life style, that is skiing?   

After spending what has been literally hours getting to the core of it... what has been shared with me, was that this sport, when in the zone, is the equivilent of being in the presence of, actually at the side of God.  Flow, oneness, being present, no mind, and list goes on.  No doubt, some time, some how we'll explore the last two sentences in more depth.  For now, just let it sit.

For those that don't know, Rick Phipps has just released a new book that is as much about life and a life practice as it is in essence about the richness of the skiing experience.  Learning, minute by minute.

The book is called: Skiing Zen.  to order vist: www.skiingzen.com

Why bring this up on this blog?  And why now?

Well, Phipps has captured in many ways the essence, the very spirit of skiing, in his book.  And it's been a 20 year journey.  I've actually known the guy for most of that time, and I can attest to how hard he's worked at defining all in his heart/gut and being.   (Hmmm, and I get frustrated that I could barely get the best instructors and competitive skiers I know in one room, challenged to define the spirit of skiing in one day...maybe I understand the challenge a bit more now...)

Phipps, captures the heart of our sport in an honest way.  His novel is an adventure offered in a way that is quite captivating.  Very early in his book, he shares with us his quest to find the soul, the spirit of skiing.  The takes him to Japan, on a seekers journey to 70's Olympic venue, Sapporo. 

Here he meets a sensei/monk, with whom he gets the opportunity to ask one (1) question and one question only.  Phipps choses to ask something about sports in general, skiing in specific.  Rick asks through a translator: 

About sports:""There are moments when time seems to slow down,when everything is clear and effortless.  I know what is about to  happen and just what to do.  Sometimes it doesn't even seem like it's me playing.  I feel detached, empty - like I'm watching myself play." 

Nobu translated slowly then turned back to me.

"But it's more than just sports.  In these moments I feel something bigger, as if I am connected to everything at once somehow.  I feel transcendent, religious, spiritual - whatever you might call it."

The old man nodded slowly.

"But these moments are elusive." I said. "If I stop to think about them, they slip away.  The harder I try to grasp or analyze them, the faster they leave."

As Nobu translated my words, the Master tilted his head the other way.  Apparently, it was time to ask my question.  I took a long breath. 

"If sports require concentration and faith and years of discipline, and one comes through them to such moments of clarity, are not sports a type of... spiritual path?"

The translation seemed to take forever.  Nobu paused twice in mid-sentence, searching for the correct words.  The old man listened solemnly, his head bowed slightly forward.  As Nobu finished, the Master opened his eyes and fused his gaze on me.  A deep calm filled me as he spoke, slowly and clearly in perfect English, "Of course." 

I expected something more, shares Phipps, an explanation perhaps,   but the Master sat silently."   - page 12, "Skiing Zen"

Phipps takes "Skiing Zen" further.  This is a novel/truth that inspires one to rip it, caress it.  What is "it?"  If you ski,  you know what it is.  "It" is the foundation of our sport, the snow itself... and pointing downhill in it, carving, floating... using gravity, the elements, the terrain, the conditions themselves that surround us, rather than fighting the gravity, fighting the "it."

There is always much to learn in this sport.  As in martial arts, most folks assume a black belt is excellence personified.  However to the practicioner, the black belt is actually the signal that shares with other insiders, "I am serious enough about my craft to actually begin the real learning"  Now that I have my belt, rather than be called expert... it is now that I begin my real learning.

As the snow falls, and the northern hemisphere winter approaches, this rabid passion unfolds in many, and is laughed at by others.  So be it. 

In the world in which I play as author, as coach and guide, I wonder what it is you are so passionate about in your work, in your life?  How does your effort unfold?

How is it that your being unfolds to look deeper at using metaphoric "gravity" instead of fighting it?  What ever the "it" may be in your life, supporting better decisions, better relationships, more passion, more smiles... way more success and balance.   How are you fighting instead of flowing?

By the way, check out: www.durgainstitute.com

If you go to leadership programs, you'll we've added a one day program for life and leadership!  As well as kicking your skiing to a WHOLE OTHER level, your life can/will too!  Join us! 

And if not, have fun doing whatever it is you do!  Aspire, Achieve!

One last thing... love to hear your comments... just below, click on "comment" and type away.

Rock on!- rm

 

Comments

[Rick Phipss]

Thanks Rudy. I am touched and honored. Rick

[Joel]

Very positive blog! I'm really impressed )
http://www.pdfqueen.com

[Oxy]

You have inspired me to track this book down
thank you for the reccomendation :)

[rudy miick]

Thanks for the compliments... and inspiration is a GREAT thing! The ISBN for Skiing Zen is: 1-58736-450-6;
Iceni Books; Rick Phipps author

Cool mornings are back, skiing in N.Hem is only some 70 days away... "BE" one.

[Rudy Miick]

Great to see and read the posted responses!

Thanks for the feedback and go get Rick's book! It rocks!