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The Sensor: 37°01S 147°16E · Elevation 1500m · 21:15 · Intense Mist and Fog & 1°C · Gear: Nikon Zfc & Nikkor 26mm, K2 Mindbender Skis, Rottefella NTN Freedom Bindings, Crispi Evo Rando NTN Ski Boots.
Alpine Observation
I closed my eyes, shut out the gnarled limbs of the snow gums, the beige sodden grass, and the Fuji White paint of the Land Rover Discovery. And I could hear nothing.
Pure stillness. The muffled winter wilds. Overhead the moon strained to illuminate behind the mistiness. But it was no match. Light nor sound were travelling anywhere across the mountain this night.
It was remarkable. For the deathly silence. Notable, amongst a world constantly peppered with non-natural sounds. No pings here, chimes, nor rumble of tyres. Clatter of train tracks. Hum, whine, and roar of engines.
Cloaked in the most beautiful of aural sensations. The absolute of muted alpine winter outdoors. The wetness aloft in the air, it curtailed any ambition to transport sound. The air remained as completely still as my feet oozing into the grounded texture of Victoria’s High Country.
The coolness of the 1c temperature, encouraged me to not move, to not make even my own sound. Not even the soft nasal inhalation dare stir this moment of unique silent bliss. Not even the depths of the ocean could rival this absolute clarity of quiet and peace.
I sunk into the moment, every morsel of this calm, of this guidance by Nature into nothingness. My soul slowly surrendered my life to this necessity. Called to reduce to insignificance, just another tiny moisture droplet contained in the silent stillness.
My body fell into its own trance, falling backwards into the arms of the grander Nature. The pulsing of life reduced to the signal of one star amongst galaxies of billions. The delight of spiritual nakedness. Led only by nightfall.
Inside, I celebrated my decisiveness. On a whim, chasing the last days of the melting snow, to let myself wander the mountains on telemark skis, riding the curves and contours of the Mount Hotham country, freely and spontaneously, driving the hours to arrive in the dark of night.
My spirit softened, the gentle flicker of stars tickled the foggy frost, and I descended deeply into the most comfortable restful slumber of mind and body.
Evening Reset
Tonight, be decisive. Plant your footstep outside the door. Leave the glowing screens face down on the table.
Draw in a conscious longer inhale through your nose, and as you exhale softly letting the air fall out even more slowly, wriggle your feet into the ground. Allow your eyelids to close, sensing the night air caressing your cheeks. The coolness enlivening your nostrils and sinuses.
Breathe in easily, breathe out slowly. Allow yourself this moment to step from one world into another.
Open your eyes and let them drift up into the night sky, reminding yourself that here now, in this world, it is the real world. The digital world must wait. It is but a choice, an option.
Become free in the air, the sounds, the fullness of the outside world, and enjoy those minutes of selflessness. Tomorrow you can awake and move at your own pace.
— Living breath by breath in fluid movement outdoors.
Enhance Your Breathing
To enhance your breathing functionality and capacity, here are a few suggestions for ways to develop more easily right away:
1: Oxygen Advantage Online Breathing Course – (Link to Official Course Page)
2. Follow guided exercises for improved sleep, managing stress and anxiety via the OA App. (Link to Official App)
3. Join a 1-on-1 coaching session with me to savour the immersion into deeper presence. (Link to 1:1 Coaching Session)