The word “tracking” is defined as evidence, as a mark or series of marks, that something has passed. Wilderness trackers are experts at reading the story of the land. Novice trackers first learn the basics of interpreting single elements, like paw prints or scat or rubs. Over time an experienced tracker will learn how to incorporate specific signs with the overall landscape that merges small and big picture components to create a meaningful interpretation of the environment and change their course accordingly. We can do the same with our wellness journey.

I recently read a story of an experienced African tracker trying to teach the basics to a guest at a game reserve. After some remedial instruction, the guest was able to examine a lion’s track and see a slight smudge on one side of the indentation. When superimposing her own hand over the track to mimic the move, she realized that the lion must have heard something over its left shoulder and rotated its head, thereby putting more pressure on one side of its paw when it turned. She also surmised that the track was recently made due to the sharpness of the patterned trail.

What can we learn about ourselves as we look back at our wellness patterns?

I’ve developed a framework that helps me categorize the broad spectrum of wellness into three categories: Vitality (movement and nutrition), Flow (simplicity, intention, creativity) and Connection (contemplation, relationships). As I look back on my wellness journey over a period of time, I can see the blueprint I’ve created that led me to the place I’m in today. Let’s look at the example of Vitality - movement.

My workouts last year revolved around endurance training for two long distance running events. When I reflected on my wellness journey at the beginning of this year, I noted that while all the time I spent on the trails trained me to finish my races, it took a toll on my body. My legs were tired and I lost upper body strength, as the focus on cardio workouts didn’t leave time for functional weight training. In addition, on the days of my longest runs, my sleep was disrupted.

As a result, I designed a new training plan that I began in January that focused on shorter, more intense cardio workouts, two bootcamp sessions and three weightlifting routines a week. I’m a month into the new plan, and I feel stronger. I’m also sleeping more soundly.

How about you? Is there an area of your wellness spectrum that needs a reboot? Scan the tracks you’ve made recently and see how the direction you’re traveling aligns with your desired outcome. If you feel directionless or lost, think back to the last time you left a discernable trail and start there.

Wellness is a fluid process. Tracking the journey can keep you moving forward in a way that’s meaningful to you.

Journal Reflections: What tracks are you leaving? What clues do they provide? How can you adjust your habits and routines as a result?

The Tracks We Leave