Footprints to Soulprints

Have you seen that familiar picture of footprints on an otherwise untouched beach? It seems so serene. It doesn’t matter who made them. It is an acknowledgment that someone walked there once, perhaps a moment ago or a thousand years ago. The message for me is that someone’s personal path has been witnessed. Yet we know that in a short time nature will summon the ocean tide. Gradually and gracefully the evidence of a unique being will blend imperceptibly with all experiences throughout time. The canvas will be cleared once again for the next artist.

If only all human markings could be dissolved into nothing overnight by Nature’s etch-a-sketch. Given enough time, nature can and will erase all indications of our collective presence. Considering practical human time scale however, let’s say 1 to 7 generations, we make our choices, the outcomes of which become our daily experiences – and those of our children, grandchildren, etc. – for a long time.

In today’s world of materialism and STUFF, our courageous Eco-Heroes measure our individual and collective impacts in various ways. Footprints are calculated in terms of energy use, greenhouse gas emission, unsequestered carbon, obliterated natural resources, undrinkable water, toxic chemicals, and vast amounts of waste. Even attitudes and the behaviors expressing them leave increasing residue, such as poverty, antisocial experiences, and emotional distress. Rather than the transparent footprints in the sand, we are making black, brown, blue, and luminescent puce footprints all over the planet and throughout our biosphere. These don’t dissolve overnight. In fact the effects of some elements (e.g., uranium) are measured in half-life, since we can hardly grasp the duration of their harmful off-ing.

My parents taught me to clean up after myself and I suspect yours did too. The end of my typical day – ideally – includes a few minutes of organizing in preparation for the next day’s activities and yes, responsibilities. While I admit that TV character, Adrian Monk, is a hero of mine, linking today with tomorrow creates a pleasing sense of continuity for me. I project my influence and impact going forward as well as I can as I persevere to contribute to beneficial outcomes and reduce unintended consequences.

Some people become frozen or paralyzed by the harsh realities of footprint calculations and the threats to life and living, let alone living in ways to which we have become accustomed. Others are energized to make a beneficial difference. One way of increasing the ranks of the energized is to actively revisit, remember, and retell the stories of natural wonders we have experienced. Examples may include witnessing a birth, interacting with animals, taking a family vacation, retreating to a personal spa, or taking a time-out in a real or imagined happy place. I challenge you to ask friends, family, and colleagues about their personal happy place experiences. Don’t be surprised when most mention nature.

Some of you might be thinking, Hey, I don’t have time to sit around daydreaming about my happy place. Most people would agree. My suggestion is to employ a technique that emphasizes being fully present in enjoyable experiences in real time. I describe this technique as Multi-sensory Experience-building. Yes, it IS all about ME.

When you become aware that you are about to experience a special moment, close your eyes and take a deep, cleansing, inspirational breath and exhale. Remember that the first time you experience something is usually much different than repetitions. Open all of your senses to being present in this unique moment. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, as well as anything you feel with your skin. Bring forward your internal experiences as well. Do you have butterflies in your stomach? What are your emotions? As you develop this holistic experience for a minute or more, know that you are creating a rich memory that you may choose to re-experience again in other venues at other times. These few minutes create moments of comfort, peace, joy, awe, and so much more. I characterize these moments as Soulprints.

Notice that soulprints are typically infused with nature: the blue sky, smell of flowers, sound of the waves, awe of mountains, etc. In my experience, soulprints are the subtle motivators and milestones that influence us as we navigate our journeys.

The more we pay attention to creating and sharing soulprints, the more we will recognize the detrimental effects of footprints. And the more we will become enthusiastic about making beneficial changes in our lifestyles. The leagues of the energized will become self-empowered and expand. As a result we will increase our capacity to renew the nature of health as we restore the health of nature.

Footprints are the depressions we make on nature.

Soulprints are the impressions nature makes on us.