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<\/p>\nMy wife and I moved to Montana in 2004. I had been connected with the area for five years prior to that as a summer staff for a small Bible Camp. Over those first five years, I enjoyed much of what northwest Montana had to offer in the summers. Including bushwhacking for days on end to reach remote sections of the wilderness, fishing, camping, and watersports. All while soaking in the long summer days that are standard in the northern states. However, there was one thing that I had not had the chance to enjoy until we relocated here over 20 years ago. That was downhill skiing!<\/p>\n
This region of Montana, and even up into Canada and west toward Idaho, has its fair share of mountains and receives a respectable amount of snow. Making it an ideal place to ski. Within a short thirty-minute drive of Kalispell, there are two ski mountains, and five to six additional ski mountains are within driving distance if you are willing to make the long day trip. But why bother leaving town when there is excellent skiing here?<\/p>\n
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Credit: https:\/\/www.skiwhitefish.com<\/a> (Backside photo not included)<\/p>\n Twenty years ago, I was newly married, and we were working hard to pay off school loans. However, it did not take long after settling into our new location that the mountain began calling our names. My wife had grown up skiing and had all the equipment, but that was not the case for me. To remedy that situation, I went to Goodwill and bought a mismatched set of worn-out skis, boots that were too small, and a pair of ski poles, of which only one was straight. Because Goodwill was running a special for Tightwad Tuesday, the whole set only cost me around $15!<\/p>\n Even 20 years ago, skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort was not cheap, so we launched our first skiing experience in Montana at night under the orange glow of high-pressure sodium lights reflecting off snow that desperately needed a groomer. On my second run down the hill, I distinctly remember thinking, \u201cI need to check out the halfpipe\u201d. After committing to the halfpipe in the terrain park on my next run, I realized\u2026 I make horrible, adrenaline-fueled decisions. I begrudgingly returned my skis to Goodwill after my second season because the decision-making process never improved (and ski helmets were not a thing yet). It was almost 15 years before I skied again. Now, I ski with a helmet and an 11-year-old chaperone. Who is quick to remind his dad that the black diamond trails \u201care definitely a bad adrenaline decision\u201d.<\/p>\n In Thinking, Fast and Slow,<\/em> Daniel Kahneman draws on the previously explored concept of the two modes of thinking, System 1 and System 2.[1]<\/a> In explaining how our minds make decisions, System 1 is responsible for automatic and quick decisions, and System 2 for complex computations and effortful mental activities.[2]<\/a> \u00a0The author clearly articulates these two systems and how they can work together in a highly efficient manner. [3]<\/a> However, an insightful sentence in the first chapter caught my eye. The author discusses the high-performance levels of the two Systems and the relationship’s highly efficient decision-making process and division of labor.[4]<\/a> Then Kahnerman points out that sometimes System 1 can have biases and therefore can’t fully do its job. Nor does it like to give System 2 the potential glory for an outstanding decision and, subsequently, causes a glitch in the system. Though our brain is stuck for a quick second, a decision still needs to be made, so System 1 reframes the question in an easier form and answers the substitute question instead.[5]<\/a><\/p>\n Impulsiveness and adrenaline are two factors that can cause a glitch in the system. Ironically, these are also two factors associated with skiing. When skiing, it does not matter which green, blue, or black ski runs you take on that map above. Eventually, they will take you back to the chairlift at the bottom of the mountain. Anyone headed down the mountain can pick impulsively; all the runs will eventually get you back to the lodge. However, that is a simple answer to an over-simplified question of \u201cwhich run should I take.\u201d That question should also have consideration from System 2 regarding present enjoyment,\u00a0 future memories, and the risks associated with potential overconfidence.[6]<\/a> [7]<\/a> [8]<\/a> \u00a0This glitch in the decision-making process, or even the formulation of an opinion that lacks informed contemplation, has implications for my NPO regarding the use and perception of sacred space. An unintended glitch can easily occur when church members impulsively decide or form an opinion without allowing or requiring System 2’s participation.<\/p>\n This realization leaves me wondering, \u201cHow do I lead these dear brothers and sisters through a biblical understanding of sacred space when they already have an opinion, if not a firm conviction?\u201d Undoubtedly, integrity and a non-anxious presence play pivotal roles.[9]<\/a> [10]<\/a> Yet, my System 2 brain needs more time to contemplate how to help hundreds of people evaluate whether their opinions or beliefs regarding sacred space could be biased.<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow<\/em>, First Edition (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2013). 20.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Kahneman. 21<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Kahneman. 25<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Kahneman. 25<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Kahneman. 97<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Kahneman. 381<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Kahneman. 178<\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Kahneman. 30<\/p>\n