Ice is slippery. Nearly everyone forced to cross an icy patch unconsciously pulls their shoulders up and stomach in, tentatively stepping forward, often holding their breath.
This is precisely the wrong thing to do. First, you’re lifting your center of gravity, making you more likely to topple. Second, you’re starting to limit the contact of your soles with the ice – which is all that matters.
You’re much more stable on icy surfaces if you think and act “down” rather than “up.” Imagine there is a heavy weight attached to your hips, pulling you downward. Relax your shoulders. Let your stomach settle. Breathe in and out slowly. The common advice “walk like a penguin” gets people to imitate this “thinking down” approach.
Martial artists and some yogis take this even further, consciously “sending” their energy down through the ice. They focus on the solid ground beneath the ice, not on the surface layer. This gives them strong rootedness and stability even in uncertain situations.
“Thinking down” applies to leadership, as well. Act counter to your instincts when it helps you move more safely. Press into difficulties rather than pulling up and away from them. Choose your focus beyond the hazardous slickness. Pause a moment and strengthen your rootedness before you go into that difficult conversation.
“Thinking down” requires some practice, because it feels quite unnatural at first. Try it. Feel the experience of the greater connectedness and confidence. You’ll find many situations to apply this strategy.
