Small Steps And Golden Stones

It was a long walk but someone had to do it. And today it was upto Tori to carry the water from the river, through the fieldsand across the valley, back to the camp.

He set out early before sunrise so that he could do his workbefore the heat of the day became too much. Very soon he wasstanding by the side of the river. He knelt down and cupped theflowing water into his hands.

It felt great. So refreshing, cool and alive as it flowed throughhis outstretched hands. He drank some of the revitalizing watersbefore filling the two large urns with this clear, fresh water.

Holding one urn to his chest with each hand, Tori started thelong walk back to the distant camp. Even though the sun was nowrising he could still not even make out the outline of the tents.They were there somewhere on the other side of these fields, andacross the wooded valley.

He walked on, taking care to stay clear of the high grass thattried to brush against him as he made his way along the paththrough the field. He also took care to keep his balance as hewalked along the dirt track otherwise he would spill water allalong his route.

Tori walked quickly and before long, even before he noticed, hewas on the outskirts of the camp. The sun was a golden orange ashe stopped to rest. He put the urns down on the ground and atthat moment Kuma, the old wiseman of the village, walked out togreet him.

Kuma had a smile on his old face as he looked down at the dewdrenched trousers worn by Tori. He giggled as he waved hiswalking stick in the air and explained to the confused Tori whyhe was laughing so hard.

Here is what he said: **When you focus on what you want to avoidthose little monsters grow even bigger, and faster than youexpect. Instead put your attention only on what you want andwhere you want to go.

Today as you walked through the field you wanted to avoid gettingwet and hot. Nor did you want to lose any water from those twofull urns. But you got soaked by the wet grass and you slippedfrom time to time on the damp track and lost a little water eachtime. And all the worry made you sweat.

If instead you had paid attention to what you wanted - to be cooland dry as you carried the urns you might have noticed the otherpathway through the field. The one in the shadow of the forest.

You can walk along that trail of perfectly level golden stones atanytime of the day without being bothered by the heat of the sun.One step and one golden stone at a time would have brought youhome very dry indeed with two urns full to the brim.**

And so it is for us all. Know what you want and you just mightget it otherwise you are doomed to get what you worry about -that which you do not want.

The best communicators and the most persuasive presenters knowexactly what they want to say and how they want to impact theiraudience.

If they want you to laugh they tell a good joke, if they want youto listen up they might speak more softly or even pause and usesilence to capture your attention. And if they want to feelrelaxed and confident for a big event they prepare diligently inadvance of the big day.

Peter Murphy *Would you like a free weekly ezine full of practical tips for communicating at your best under pressure* All new subscribers receive a free e-book with powerful strategies for being at your best.http://www.topica.com/lists/AbolishShynessToday/
Peter1510@hotmail.com