12/02/2026
Finding Resilience and Unity In The Winter Olympics
Perhaps some of you are as excited about the winter Olympics as I am. A young mountain girl me lived in the Rockies for a decade where World Cup Alpine skiing was hosted. No sport bestowed reverence in me like hearing and briefly seeing elite athletes exceed 80 MPH (130 km/h) as they carve through steep gates with nothing but skis, poles and a stretchy suit between them and their dream. In addition to the extraordinary discipline, physical strength and coordination, world class Alpine skiers have incredible mental fortitude and resilience.
Lately, I feel like I am crashing in an individual sport; and want to abandon "team USA".
I need help to continue to be a compassionate part of the universal race. I don't want to feel as if I have to hide my identity or explain my principles as an American living overseas.
These two weeks provide me hope and pride in my country. The Olympics are the premier athletic representation of the universal (ok - maybe just international) connection of our human nature. The lighting of the torch goes all the way back to ancient Greece. The Olympic flame blazes constantly; the primal, elemental symbol of light. In many spiritual traditions, light is the metaphor of life-giving wisdom, and the presence of Divine consciousness. All four venues are sacred spaces where wars are left behind and athletes compete in peace. There are no suspicions of "what side are you on" between athletes and fans.
In yoga philosophy, 108 is the most auspicious number. The number 108 has many symbolic meanings. The one that sticks with me currently is that it is considered the connection between human nature and the Divine - the body of matter and consciousness. It is our ability to reflect on Self in relation to the universe; and connect the uncertainty of individual ego with something greater. We tune into cheering from our higher power; especially when we fall.
The number 108 represents the place where we go back into the starting gate again and again; and still believe in ourselves. When the human road is a scary, bumpy downhill, we unite to find the mental and emotional strength to get through adversity.
What’s the connection between the Olympics and 108? The greatest skier of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin, is coming into the Olympics with 108 career World Cup wins. 108 is the perfect number; and perfect for Shiffrin. Yes, I want her to get the gold medal she deserves. But with or without more Olympic medals, what impresses me is her ability to embody a journey of inner strength despite physical injuries that led to PTSD and the tragic loss of her father.
Big congratulations to Breezy Johnson on putting her demons to rest from a previous ACL rupturing injury in Cortina; an aggressive gold medal run!
And in spite of her devastating crash, Lindsey Vonn is my goddess of the downhill. I hold her healing and her words in my heart, “as long as there is a chance, I will try”.
Please continue to work this difficult terrain with me. And cheer for your heroes who inspire resilience.
In Light, Megan
PS As I finish posting this with a cuppa tea, the tea bag has the last word: " Don't be afraid to fall. Be afraid not to try."