This is an actual photograph I took today (and then added a filter to make it prettier). When I posted the image on Instagram, I included this caption:
Skier Skips Lift Line, Flies to Top of Mountain
That was a bit of an exaggeration. In reality, I caught one of the competitors preparing for next week’s 2022 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup at Deer Valley.
The aerial ski jumpers hit a jump that to my eyes goes straight up and propels them 40 or 50 feet straight up; they use their flight time to spin, twist, and somersault in an incredible, gravity-defying manner.
Once the competition begins, you get a bit used to this magic. Dozens of competitors demonstrate their acrobatic skills. But today, during an informal practice that took place as the ski area was open, we had no clue that anything special would be happening. It was as simple as skiing down a trail, looking to my left, and seeing someone falling to the ground a bit like Batman does.
That penetrated my consciousness. Accidental Awe! A brief glance to the side, and the laws of physics disappeared. Or that’s how it felt.
This year, I have a game plan for seeking awe. But it’s hard to top good old blind luck. Sometimes awe comes and finds you.
But, there’s a but.
This morning, I increased my odds exponentially by leaving my house and going to the mountain. The more you get out, open your eyes, and pay attention, the greater your chances of stumbling across a bit of awe.
One last point: over the past week, almost half the people I know have been sick. If you are one of these people, I wish you a safe and speedy recovery.
Cheers,
Bruce