Gazelle: Awareness

Gazelles travel at high speed, but aren't as fast as their principal predator, the cheetah. They overcome this disadvantage with the ability to zigzag.

Gazelles, as the intended dinner of the big cats, particularly cheetahs, are vulnerable, and maintain a high alertness to what goes on in their surroundings. Because cheetahs can run faster than these members of the antelope family, gazelles have evolved the ability to nimbly zig-zag their way to safety. The cheetah, who prefers to sneak up on its prey, then dash in a straight line to make the kill, is often outwitted by this maneuver.

These animals are most likely to be caught when they stop to see if the cheetah is still following them. In a similar way, those who try to escape fear, depression, or other emotional habits of the past by resorting to food, alcohol, or other forms of addictive behavior, often find themselves stopped in their tracks, with the negative emotions they try to avoid at their throats.

This animal teaches us that the ability to explore new paths and change directions when necessary is the best way to free ourselves and to prevent ourselves from being consumed by the hungryh beasts of the past. This ability also relates to the gazelle's vulnerability. When we set of on unknown paths we feel vulnerable. Gazelle teaches us that with awareness and skill we can be comfortable exploring the unknown.

Gazelle is one of the Wild Earth Animal Essences