The Teachings of Yoda

[LivingProof]

Recently, I came across a series of quotes, from the Star Wars movies, dealing with the teachings of Yoda, the Jedi Master who trained Luke Skywalker. There is scene, titled "dark side cave" where Yoda instructs Luke to enter a black cave filled with the evil dark side.

Luke: What's in there?
Yoda: Only what you take with you.

Before going in, Luke straps on a belt with a light saber for a weapon and enters to face fears that exist only in his head.

I've thought a lot about how much the phrase "only what you bring in with you" reminds me of a really challenging ski run. At Vail a few weeks ago, on a day with very hard frozen snow, our group entered a tight wooded entrance to black run after hearing that the snow was good below. I followed blindly. No-way out once you enter, possibly 1500 vertical?.feet of crap or great skiing. I remember a few more similar situations that week, some I jumped-in, some I passed over.

For Luke, putting on his weapon acknowledged his training was incomplete. He was living doubts, as all humans do. In skiing, we all want and use excellent equipment, but, at the end of the day, it's what's between our ears that matters. Stop and pass, or, trust your skills and training. Following my shoulder injury 2 years ago, I committed to making good decisions on the slopes. Confidence versus doubt is a hugh influence. Blind confidence is foolhardy. I have some regrets over some runs I passed on, but, I?ll be playing golf all summer and not in rehab. No second guessing allowed.

Having "only what you bring with you" is, for me, one of the great aspects of our sport. Perhaps, I'm never more alive than at the moments I deal with terrain that provides a test similar to Luke?s. Letting go can be a great learning experience.
 
I was reminiscing with a ski buddy today about how nothing replaces the rush of being on skis. Damn spring season!

[meput]

Let go Luke, use the force.

Trust the technique that you have worked so hard to develop. Let go of those bail out maneuvers that come so easily.

Tell me, do you get the adrenalin rush from "being on skis" or from surviving a run that was just a whisker away from a major train wreck?

[jim-ratliff]

Let go Luke, use the force.

Trust the technique that you have worked so hard to develop. Let go of those bail out maneuvers that come so easily.

Tell me, do you get the adrenalin rush from "being on skis" or from surviving a run that was just a whisker away from a major train wreck?

For me it's mostly being in the midst of the beauty of nature, second is the joy of sliding and gliding so easily through the midst of it. But there is also an aspect of sometimes wanting to get outside my comfort zone.  Lynn, on the other hand, is clearly an adrenaline junkie.   

[midwif]

Not an adrenaline junkie.
But I do like to explore!! Both ski territory and the edge of my skill abilities!

As the great Yoda said (paraphrasing)
"There is no TRY, there is only do or do not."

 

[Gary]

For me it's owning the run I just skied...the feel of the arc, the float....that feeling of gliding, edging.....I could say my skis are my light saber's! 

It's a huge rush.....gotta get some,....cause golfing and biking are not the same...

how many days till snow.....

[meput]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate that the posters here (except for Lynn who likes to explore the edge of her ability) get their "rush" by skiing within their abilities. Too often I encounter boarders and straight line skiers (usually twin tippers) who get their "rush" by "letting go" and using "fate", not "the force" to keep them and me safe. I hate feeling I was just a whisker away from being included in their train wreck.

As for Lynn, I have skied with Lynn. I have no problem with Lynn exploring the edges of her ability. She skis at about half the speed that I ski. She probably lumps me with the straight liners and knuckle draggers. She must have thought that she was about a whisker away from being in a train wreck with me  .

[jim-ratliff]

Well, you should know that Lynn skis at least twice as fast as a couple of years ago.

And the edges she explores aren't speed related - they are terrain related.
I was barely able to convince her on an icy day at Stowe one year that, just based on reputation, she should not try to ski Goat.  and she would have probably been fine -- I was worried about me getting hurt.

I confess -- wuss I am.

[meput]

Jim, survival instinct is not a bad thing  . With that said, sometimes I wonder how I got up the courage to go down that icy, steep slope called marriage  .

[jim-ratliff]

Jim, survival instinct is not a bad thing  . With that said, sometimes I wonder how I got up the courage to go down that icy, steep slope called marriage  .

Jim.  Obviously you felt comfortable that your "bullet proof short turns" would get you through the really icy sections. 

[meput]

Jim, I think you are correct. I do have more faith in my "bullet proof short turn" than I do in my "pivot slips" to help negotiate that special slope - full of rough spots, drop offs, bumps etc. It's weird though, when I am not off skiing and at home, the slope is smooth and well groomed  .

[jim-ratliff]

Well groomed??    Jim ducking as taught by Living Proof.

Did I miss the segue from ski terrain to bikini waxing??

[meput]

Gee Jim, you will need to fill me in re: LP (or suggest some other threads to learn about his "home skills"  ).

I understand the benefits of wax on a pair of skis. How does one wax a bikini and what are its benefits?

[ToddW]

I understand the benefits of wax on a pair of skis. How does one wax a bikini and what are its benefits?

The principle is much the same -- a successful outcome depends on the removal of most of the wax.  In either case, it's too hot if the wax starts smoking 

[midwif]

I understand the benefits of wax on a pair of skis. How does one wax a bikini and what are its benefits?

The principle is much the same -- a successful outcome depends on the removal of most of the wax.  In either case, it's too hot if the wax starts smoking 

ROTFLMAO

Priceless!

PS, I have a kit here if anyone wants to experience this first hand. C'mon guys! Man up!
I know you all want to be neatened up for those speedo's you all wear in the summer!

[ToddW]

Lynn,

A generous offer as always.  Your willingness to help your fellow "man" does you credit.

I'll decline on the dual grounds that 1) I shouldn't accept your charity when there are others who are needier than I am, and 2) I've switched my summer recreational attire to cycling shorts.