Horses live in the present.   If you were to ask a horse what time it is, they would answer, “Now.  It’s now, of course.”

We humans, on the other hand have difficulty being completely conscious in the present moment.  We are distracted nearly every moment with notifications on our phones, social media and news media that can hijack our thoughts and attention.  The result is we can fall prey to stress, overwhelm, frustration even depression and we are taken off course and not living life as we are designed to, with happiness and abundance!

Compound our tendency to be distracted by rings and dings with such uncertainty as a pandemic or increased racial tension in our country and we have the perfect recipe for Sleepless nights, frustrating days and a never-ending feeling of tiredness.

If you identify with any of these, there is hope. We can learn to adapt to change and uncertainty with grace. Here are a few things we can learn from the herd:

  • Live in the moment. It is the projections of the future, usually based on our past experience that rob us of peace in the present moment.  I once heard that “Worry is a state of rehearsing what you don’t want to happen.”  If we believe our thoughts are creative and powerful enough to shape our world, then let’s take a cue from horses.  Most of the time they are calm and relaxed when in their herd, going about their day.  They are aware of present moment, and not living, “In Story.”  The story that might begin with, “what if…”   Appreciate the now. The right now.
  • Practice acceptance of yourself and others. A commitment to self-improvement is a good thing, but acceptance is the foundation to empowerment.  Work on what you can but be where you are and good with it.  Understand others are going through a journey as well.
  • Practice mindfulness in your daily routine. One of the many centering moments of being with a horse is the grooming ritual.  Taking care of something and being attentive to the feeling and rhythm of the process is something we can translate to our morning or evening routine.  Bathing, brushing hair, washing our faces.  With music, or silence, it can be transformational if you allow it.
  • Take care of your body. We sometimes have a desire to indulge in “comfort food” or sweets when we are stressed, but eating well will help our bodies and minds deal with the day’s events with clarity of thought, and our bodies will feel stronger, and we sleep better! Better choices let to better choices 🙂
  • Release your stress. When horses process a situation, and deem it “safe” or acceptable, they sigh.  It’s a deep, full breath out with a nostril flare and a soft, “ffflluff  Ffluff”sound.   As an owner or trainer, we know that is a physical sign that our horse has relaxed and relieved his stress.  We can do the same with our breathe as we take in a few deep ones, then exhale releasing the “stale energy” and then inhaling the “good energy” or “love” again.  Practice anywhere, anytime.

Life is ever changing and shifting.  Look back at moments where you thought the situation was permanent, and realize you got through it!  You’ve already proved your resilience and your winning countenance will prevail.   Go with the flow and remember what you focus on will grow.

Now, go rack up your blessings today!