This practice was inspired by an unforgettable encounter with the fox you see here, spotted just outside Ushuaia, at the southernmost tip of Argentina. The timing was perfect—I had just returned from Antarctica, a frozen world of white and blue. And then, there it was, in the middle of a vibrant, daisy-filled meadow. The environment suddenly took on new meaning. Who knew I’d miss trees and grass so much?
The fox moved with ease and purpose, taking a few steps, pausing to scan its surroundings—absorbing every shift in the air, every sound, every flicker of movement. It was fully immersed, a seamless blend of sharp awareness and playful presence.
This moment stayed with me because it felt so pure. The fox was, as we say, “in the zone.” And that’s what inspired me to dive into shapeshift meditation—exploring new perspectives and how our senses shape our reality. This practice invites you to see through the eyes of a fox, reconnecting with nature and your own stillness. You can try this with any animal, though—it’s a fun, eye-opening way to expand your perception.
START YOUR JOURNEY
Settle In and Breathe
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine this: you are a fox. Your body feels light and agile, every step deliberate yet effortless. The air around you hums with life, each scent and sound carrying a story. You’re about to embark on a guided meditation to experience the world as a fox does—alert, curious, and fully present in the moment.
Practice: Take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale the crisp air of the forest, feeling it energize your body. With each exhale, release tension and distractions. Feel your body lighten, becoming more attuned to your surroundings. Visualize your movements flowing like a fox through the forest—graceful, calm, and fully present.
Awaken Your Vision
Begin by imagining yourself standing at the edge of a forest, overlooking a beautiful meadow. Your sharp eyes are scanning the surroundings. Focus on the tiny details—shadows shifting, leaves quivering in the breeze, the faintest glimmer of movement in the underbrush. The white petals of daisies. Let your gaze soften but remain alert, as if you’re seeing the world not just with your eyes, but with an instinctual awareness.
Practice: Open your eyes and let your focus shift between near and far objects. Notice how even subtle movements draw your attention. Allow yourself to linger on the intricate textures of bark, the play of light, or the gentle sway of grasses.
Scent the Air
Take a deep, slow breath, and imagine the world coming alive through scent. The earthy aroma of moss, the crisp sharpness of pine, the faint sweetness of wildflowers—each inhale tells you where you are and what’s around you. Imagine detecting the presence of water nearby or the trace of a fellow creature that passed hours ago.
Practice: Stand still and inhale deeply. Pay attention to the layers of scent around you—the dampness of soil, the freshness of the breeze, or even faint hints of flowers or smoke. Let your nose guide your awareness outward.
Listen Like a Fox
Close your eyes again and tune in to the soundscape around you. Imagine the fox’s ability to hear the rustle of a mouse in the grass or the faint crackle of a twig in the distance. Let each sound emerge without labeling it—just hear it fully and let it pass.
Practice: Sit or stand quietly. Focus on the quietest sounds—the rustle of leaves, a bird’s distant call, the murmur of a breeze. Notice how your mind sharpens as you quiet your inner chatter and let the world come to you.
Move with Purpose
Now, imagine walking through the forest. Each step is deliberate, your body balanced and fluid. You move silently, aware of the feel of the ground beneath your feet. Every movement is intentional yet relaxed, a dance between grace and power.
Practice: Begin walking slowly and mindfully. Notice how your foot touches the ground, how your weight shifts, and the sensations in your body. Imagine stepping as lightly as possible, feeling the connection between yourself and the earth with each step. If it feels right, take off your shoes!
CONCLUDE YOUR PRACTICE
As you return to yourself, reflect on the experience of being the fox. What did you see, smell, hear, feel or taste that you might have missed before? How has tuning into the fox’s senses shifted your awareness?
Carry this heightened presence into your day, allowing the fox’s wisdom to remind you of the beauty in the subtle, the quiet, and the often unseen.
