Читать книгу Shaped by Snow. Defending the Future of Winter онлайн

48 страница из 81

After one particular run, when life and location came together perfectly, he connected, however momentarily, with this place. He called it a “perfect run,” but he didn’t mean that his skiing technique was perfect or the snow was the best he’s ever experienced. He couldn’t describe what happened that day, but it seemed to me as though his body had merged with the snow and the basin for a few moments before retreating back into itself. It was a deep, profound, and perhaps slightly frightening moment for him, one that twisted into his body and mind.

My grandpa couldn’t find a word to describe how he felt. I’d wager that most humans during their lifetimes will have experiences like his, when we connect with another human, animal, or place. Over the years, some have attempted to assign words to these fleeting encounters.

While looking into the eyes of a bighorn sheep, author Ellen Meloy says, “There is in that animal eye something both alien and familiar. There is in me, as in all human beings, a glimpse of the interior, from which everything about our minds has come. The crossing holds all the power and purity of first wonder, before habit and reason dilute it. The glimpse is fleeting. Quickly, I am left in darkness again, with no idea whatsoever how to go back.”