Gentle Footprint

I read this quotation this morning.

When we walk like (we are running), we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth. We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth... Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.

Thich Nhat Hanh

I think you can extend this to include other ways in which we leave footprints in our lives.

Obviously, there is the physical footprint, of how heavy your real foot lands on the Earth and how it can damage what exists; or how lightly you can tread on the ground.

But could it also mean that your footprint can leave a path behind - to lead the way for others, perhaps? Do you choose to travel (footloose and fancy free?) or do you choose to stand still?

Then, there is a spiritual footprint. What kind of mark do you leave on people when you connect with them? How do you choose to relate to them and communicate with them? What kind of mark do you want to leave in this world? Each one of our choices (from the food we eat; to the clothes we wear; to the things we do with our time) has an impact.

How gentle are you?