Some naturalists consider wild animal tracks to be a doorway into the spirit. Let’s open that doorway and take a look. And let’s look specifically at how you move toward something that matters to you, like finding a new job, getting a promotion, enrolling more clients or keeping your job.
Making Tracks: The Body-Mind Connection
Tracking animals is about noticing patterns, particularly footprints and paths. So that’s where you’re going to “look” and let your body show you how to get on track.
Get ready to have fun! Get in a space where you can walk safely without bumping into objects. Take off your shoes (if you feel like it), close your eyes and walk around a room a few times. After your feet have warmed up think about something you’ve been working toward, your goal. It could be a specific goal or a project you want to complete. Pick something important to you.
Open your eyes, stand on one side of the room (or field) and take a good long look across at your goal. Notice what it’s like to face your goal.
Now it’s time to start making your unique tracks. Dip into your imagination and move toward the goal playing with different types of steps and paths.
For example…
Walking. Running. Tip toeing. Stomping.
Stopping. Starting. Meandering. Retreating. Walking in Circles. Repeating the same steps. Standing still.
Kicking and screaming. Dragging your feet.
Going for coffee. Calling a friend. Finding a group.
Once you find a stepping pattern and pace that feels like your “true” pattern repeat it for three-to-five minutes keeping an eye on your goal.
Then, make notes, including your stepping pattern, how much/little energy you used, whether you were able to keep an eye on your goal and how you’re feeling. Is your pattern working for you? If so, what does it say about you and what helps you make tracks!
If your pattern isn’t working for you, consider moving in a manner that’s the opposite of what you’ve been doing. So, if you’ve been walking try running or skipping. If you’ve been dragging your feet, try lifting your legs up. If you have been moving quickly slow it down. Play! And then make a few notes about what you learned and what you can do differently the next time you’re working on a project.
You know I’m going to say this too: each step you take could be one step closer to your goal. So, what is one step that you could take now toward your goal? Take it, move forward, and look again at your goal.
It’s that easy. One step at a time, or one hop at a time.
Then, walk away delighting in every step that is uniquely yours.