A Conversation with Fear

 A Conversation with Fearby Mermer BlakesleeI am recommending this book again for several reasons. This book is about how to have a conversation about fear – versus letting fear manage you. It is excellent for anyone who wants to learn tested techniques for managing one’s fear, as well as an easy and engaging read, because Mermer Blaskeslee is an award winning fiction writer along with being a very experienced 30+ year ski instructor.Every year I read this book before I attend the "Fear Workshop" that the author runs annually at Windham Mountain and I learn something new each time I do. Given that I grew up as a competitive tennis player, I tend to view everything as a performance – win or lose. That means every time I ski, I tend to get stuck wondering, “Did I do this well or not?” Mermer reminds me of the importance of viewing skiing as an experience versus a performance and to develop an inner guide who is kind and compassionate, and can guide us in whatever conditions. I am learning to ignore the performance nag that sits on my left shoulder and yells at me when my skiing goes awry. My new guide that sits happily on my right shoulder has a wider, more nuanced range and is more compassionate If I get stuck on a narrow icy slope instead of pristine conditions.One of my favorite concepts she presents is this idea of sensation hunts – which involves taking a run in which you attempt to feel the ice, the soft snow, or the crunchy snow and just experience it. My experience of skiing involves learning to listen to my skis on the snow, looking at the beauty around me, and feeling the sensations, and as a result, this book has helped me both improve and better enjoy my skiing experience. See you on the slopes!