Take The Next Step

By Alison Forster

Do you ever feel as if life has lost its sparkle? As if the clear sounds of yesterday and the feeling of excitement have disappeared? Then maybe its time for you to take a new step! But what does that next step look like?

I have always enjoyed big blockbuster movies like 'Gone With The Wind,' James Bond and of course Indiana Jones. One of my favorite scenes in the film 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' is when Indian Jones is standing at the edge of deep, deep valley that seems to plunge down forever. On the other side of this valley is The Holy Grail - just what Indiana has spent his life searching for. But there appears no way across the valley. What can he do? Luckily for Mr Jones he has a parchment he can consult. On the parchment it shows an old faded drawing of a man seemingly walking on air. "This must be a leap of faith," says Indiana. So he steps out into what seems like fresh air and finds a bridge waiting for him, and within a couple of steps the Holy Grail is in reach.

I often quote this scene in our training sessions. And yes I know it's only a story but it does serve to illustrate a universal truth: when you step forward, life moves on and opportunities open up. If Indiana had stood around waiting he would have just grown older and still not reached his dream. He had to make a move.

Taking a step of faith is sometimes easy and sometimes not. To go to the edge of your perceptions and step blindly off the edge means leaving behind old fears, moving from the past to the future, from lack to abundance. To claim what is your destiny. Big words and big claims, I know, but that is what happens when you step forward.

Life is full of such Indiana Jones moments. Moving to Spain was a leap of faith for John and I. Asking someone out on a date is an Indiana Step; changing careers, moving house, getting married, etc., etc. But one step is all it takes to find your bridge. One act, one thought, one moment of insanity, one act of forgiveness, one apology, one phone call, one letter.

Imagine that in front of you is a perfect space. This perfect space is surrounded by and filled with a soft golden light, it feels warm and soft and in the background you can hear soft music playing. You can either step into this perfect space of have it move to you, sitting comfortably, breathing. As you breathe in, open up to the possibilities of your life, and as you breathe out let go of all that is of no further use to you. Continue breathing slowly and evenly until you feel centered, deep within. Then quietly ask yourself, "What shall I open up to?" and "What shall I let go of?" Listen to the answers and be guided.