Under The Snow
Ken Wylie
Listen to Ken's podcast by clicking on any of these platforms
In 2003, Ken was working as an apprentice ski guide when the group he was leading with his mentor was caught in an avalanche. Of the thirteen people buried in the snow, only six survived. After years of struggling to come to terms with this tragedy, Ken sat down and started to write about it. Three years and three drafts later, Ken realized that in order to learn the lessons that the mountain had to teach him – about courage, vulnerability, and connection – he first had to learn how to listen to himself.
To learn more about Ken’s organization, Mountains For Growth visit https://www.mountainsforgrowth.com
Participant Reflections
Under The Snow
Ken Wylie
Each workshop produces a creative participant reflection – a personal take away from the story they just heard – that is voluntarily shared with the wider community.
We believe that personal narratives have the power to connect individuals across socioeconomic boundaries, and that the rich creative ability of our community is the most effective tool we can wield against the stigma that prevents necessary social change.
Featured Artist
Under The Snow
Ken Wylie
The Mentor – Karen Morrison
"Sometimes our lives feel very ‘big.’ Big ideas, big problems and even bigger emotions. What we often fail to realize from our insular existence is that we are a tiny piece of a much bigger puzzle. You’re reminded of this when you think about the vastness of the universe. When you lay vulnerable under a dark sky illuminated by the Milky Way, or when you stand atop a mountain overlooking a never-ending terrain. The collective of nature is a force so much greater than mankind. There is a wisdom there—unspoken and unyielding. When we allow ourselves to sink in and be a part of our natural world we begin to unlock our own greatest potential and access courage we would previously have thought unimaginable."
Featured Student
Under The Snow
Ken Wylie
Dakota Hagan
3rd year, Social Anthropology, University of Victoria
“In reflecting on Ken’s workshop, I have found that many of his teachings have weaved themselves into my everyday existence. I connected his words back to my own journey of soul work in studying and offering yoga and meditation. Ken is a man that knows how to hold space and softness for himself as well as others. This feeling carried throughout the entire workshop. When spending time in our small discussion groups, it became apparent that many universal truths were brought to light through the story. Truths such as guilt, connection and the ability to surrender rather than to force. To be honest, the details of Kens story have left me but the feeling has stayed. A question I often come to is, how we surrender ourselves when all parts of us want to close, how we choose to be soft when all we want to do is to put a guard up? Ken answered this through his embodied of what he has been through. It has not been an easy road and he has experienced many travesties but he lives and breathes the knowing that life will always teach us the lessons we need to know. Whether this is through a forceful act or a gentle love tap depends on how willing we are to put our armour down and listen. This takes being internally courageous over externally courageous, Ken stated. It is being able to speak your truth from a process of reflection that has become the most courageous thing he can do.
It is no accident he has gotten to where and who he is and is now sharing this knowledge. I know from what I have studied, we are all given gifts and experiences in life that shape us, so we can guide others on their journey. We are here to connect and support, this is what life and ken has taught me. Ken’s offerings have helped me in what I teach and offer. I can come at things from a deeper place of compassion and humanity, knowing being authentic resonates most. Ken speaks to your heart rather than your head. To end with a quote, I remember and still use as a mantra in my writing courses today “The blank page taught me how to listen.” We never know what is going to happen, to come out of today or tomorrow, all we can do is be show up with presence and listen closely to the gentle guidance of the bigger forces at work.”
Community Ally
Under The Snow
Ken Wylie
Heather Mosher
Filmmaker
Listen to Heather's response on youtube: