om body
om bodyS
kiing and yoga may not seem obvious companions. But, as
I have progressed in my yoga journey, I believe the lessons
of yoga have had substantial benefit to me on the slopes.
I’ve never been a brave person but since taking the leap
of faith to embark on a yoga teacher training in my 40’s, I’ve
found courage in other aspects of my life. During my last ski holiday,
my new-found bravery helped me relax and enjoy more challenging
runs. Even when I took a tumble I found the inner strength to do it all
again and not let the fear take over as it has in the past.
It’s amazing how fear can hold us back in our yoga practice
and in our lives in general. While skiing, if fear takes hold, it’s very
difficult to retain the balance and skill required to safely get down
the slope. That analogy can also be relevant for other aspects of
our life and yoga practice.
Now, when I find myself overcoming my extreme ‘self-
preservation’ tendencies and doing something out of my comfort
zone, I can honestly say I’m proud of myself as I know what I have
had to do to overcome the fear. Yoga has enabled me to see that
and to feel it’s okay to be just a little proud.MY YOGA PRACTICE HAS HELPED MY SKIING IN
OTHER WAYS TOO:- Yoga has improved my sense of balance. When hurtling down the
slope on one ski feeling a bit out of control remembering the time I
held tree pose for 10 slow breaths becomes rather comforting! - When facing steeper slopes and feeling fear starting to take
root, engaging Uddyana and Mula bandha was surprisingly
effective in maintaining a good posture and helping with that all-
important balancing. - Finally, and perhaps most importantly, my practice has really
Yoga lessons from the ski slopes by Theresa Samworth
helped me enjoy my ski week by giving me the gift of staying
present. At the end of the day, being able to sit perfectly content
with a cup of tea spending time just looking at and admiring the
details of the mountains in front of me was a joy. Not thinking
about the runs I’d done that day, what’s coming next or worrying
about home or work, but just being happy to be able to enjoy the
present moment and the peace of the mountains.
The practice of yoga has enriched my life in many ways and has
even helped me love my skiing more .... what a gift!Theresa Samworth is a 200hr Yoga Alliance cerftified yoga teaher
(betterlifeyoga.co.uk)Snow Fear
MY DAILY EARLY MORNING YOGA
ROUTINE BEFORE HITTING THE SLOPES:
b Supine hamstring stretches with
towel/strap (if you can’t get the foot)
b Downward dog
b Sun salutations
b Chair pose
b Warrior one
b Tree
b Pigeon
b Ardha Matsyendrasana