One winter, a mountaintop surmised vast amounts of snow. Each approaching storm dumped feet, not simply inches. Recording the highest snowfall total ever, the mountain top swayed. The high-force winds, topping 100 mph at times, shaped the mountaintop into its own magical waves of ice and snow. These cornices grew enormous with each oncoming storm. Soon, a snow cornice hung over the cliff’s edge.

One snap and the entire cliff of snow can break off. 

Out for a delightful fun day of skiing, a backcountry skier carefully watched the terrain avalanche terrain they entered. One bad move has serious consequences. 

In the distance, the backcountry skier heard something surreal. With a vulture flying over -  Whooph! As if his breath was drawn straight out of his body, he knew exactly what that sound meant. A pause. Bringing his finger to his mouth, he silently told his fellow backcountry partner. Quiet. Listen. With a keen observer and heightened sensitivity, he immediately saw the crack forming where the “Whoops” came from—shouting, “Ski left. Ski Left”  now from the depths of his lungs in a streaking voice.

The snowpack sank into a giant sinkhole. With the high-pitched ring, the surface cracked deeper, tumbling down the entire mountainside crushing everything in its path. The trees below were crushed by the sheer weight of the snow moving with the force of a flooded snow river. 

Looking below, luckily, as if a miracle from up High, the backcountry skiers were safe out of its path. Yet, the warning was clear. Another hundred feet further, they would have traveled through the avalanche at a high rate of speed likely hitting the trees below, potentially being seriously injured or even buried. 

Thrust into termination, an abrupt ending to the day was met by Mother Nature. Sometimes without warning, our completion cycle is over. 

Yet, in the spring when snow melts, new trees and flowers will emerge in the open path in front of us. 

Whether it's a day or a season, cycles close allowing us to integrate celebrations and lessons learned, bringing forth space for the new cycle to begin. 

What cycle is closing for you? 

What cycle are you ready to open? 

Wishing you a wonderful, joyful and prosperous day!

© 2024. Lora Lapiz. All Rights Reserved.