Are you always doing something? In our culture we feel as though we have to go and do things constantly or we are time wasting, unproductive, lazy, unambitious slobs. Have you ever felt the guilt set in when you took a day to do nothing but lounge around? When you go to the barn, do you arrive with a list of tasks that need to be completed? How about full of new ideas to try to “fix” whatever issue you are having in training? This is how we live our lives – rushing from one task to another with very little time to just be.
I’m challenging you to do nothing. Go to the barn and hang out quietly with your horse. That doesn’t mean giving him a bath or pulling his main. That doesn’t even mean knocking the dirt off quickly with a brush. Resist the temptation to do something with him. Why? Because horses are social herd animals who live with one another 24/7. You cannot expect to fully understand your horse, much less become his leader, if you do not spend quality time together. Horses are not constantly doing something with one another – they are in a state of being together.
If the only time you ever spend with your horse is to do something to him, accomplish a task, or go for a ride, you are going to have a shallow relationship. Your horse will come to expect that the sight of you means that something is about to happen – it’s time to eat, get blanketed, go for a ride, etc. However, if you can spend time with your horse doing nothing, you can build a richness of understanding, respect, and trust. You will also benefit from time to ground and center yourself. Carving out a moment to reflect and listen to yourself is one of the most beautiful gifts that you can give yourself.
While you practice the art of doing nothing, remember to stay present and attentive. Be in the moment with your horse and stay connected to the inner tide of thoughts and emotions. Spend time noticing all of the intricacies of each moment and the exquisite feeling of being alive in relationship with such a powerful animal.
Where could you go with your horse to just be in each other’s presence?
Are you resistant to this idea? Why or why not?
What could you learn from time spent being rather than doing?
How would your horse react to interactions that are not based around training?
How would your relationship and level of confidence change without an expectation to perform?
Are you willing to give this a try? Why or why not?
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
This post is part of a year-long series of heart reflections based on the book Soulful Horsemanship, A Path to Emotional Freedom for the Horse and Human. Soulful Horsemanship is a spiritual approach to working with horses with the goal of developing empowerment, authenticity, and inner peace for the horse and human alike. The entire collection of heart opening essays is available as a book – check it out.
