the snake, for it knows where the water seeps out of the rocks.
There you will be able to drink.”
The man returned to the bush, and the next day the falcon
came back. “How are you?” the falcon asked.
“I have drunk but I need food to survive—water alone is not
enough.”
“Stay quiet and wait until the antelope passes by. When it
does, follow it—it can show you where the cactus plants are
whose flesh you can eat.”
Sure enough, when the man followed the antelope he found
food and was able to eat. Feeling fitter, he returned to the bush
and once again the falcon arrived. “Can I do anything for you?”
it asked.
“Yes,” replied the man. “Although I have drunk and eaten I
still need salt to survive. How can I get the salt I need to live?”
“Have no fear,” replied the falcon. “The fox also needs salt.
If you follow the fox you will see where it finds the rocks to lick
that will give you the salt you need.”
The man did as the falcon said and the next day returned to
find that the bush under which he had sheltered was burned
and charred. “What will I do now?” asked the man. “I have no
shelter, I will burn to death.”
Then the man realized he had been out in the desert each
day following the animals. He had learned how to find food,
water, and salt. He knew how to survive. He noticed the rich
colors of the sky as the sun dipped low on the horizon, the blues,
the purples, and the gold of the sun itself. He heard the exquisite
songs of the birds in the distance and he felt an inner peace and
joy.
“Shall I show you the way home?” asked the falcon.
The man thought for a moment and then said, “I think I’ll
stay a little longer.”172 NLP AT WORK