Ibex

Nature of the ibex

The ibex is the heraldic animal of the Alps. It lives high up, among rock, snow and sky. Once almost extinct, it has returned to the mountains – a sign of toughness and new beginnings. Its horns grow a little every year and show how many winters it has already survived. It knows every foothold and trusts its way upwards.

Inner attitude

The ibex does not hurry. It puts one foot in front of the other until it stands at the top. It stays steady, even when the wind blows hard.

The essential qualities

• steadfast
• sure-footed
• enduring
• tough
• sublime

It reaches the summit because it does not give up.

Meaning

The ibex appears when a goal seems too high and the path too steep. It invites you to walk in small, sure steps and to trust your own pace. And it reminds you that every trial makes you stronger.

Voice of the being

«Step by step – and you stand on the summit. The rock carries you if you trust it.»

Encounter & working together

You meet the ibex in the mountains, on ridges and rocks above the tree line. Walk a path uphill and pay conscious attention with every step to where you place your foot.

Pay attention to

• where you want too much too quickly
• where you are already further than you think
• where steadfastness achieves more than force

The ibex works when you are ready to walk your path persistently.

Essence

I climb steadily, step by step, towards my summit.