Live with the Animals

"I think I could turn and live with the animals, they are so placid and self contained;
I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition;
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins;
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God;
Not one is dissatisfied-not one is demented with the mania of owning things;
Not one kneels to another, nor his kind that lived thousands of years ago;
Not one is responsible or industrious over the whole earth." 

             ~ Walt Whitman


With all the tumult within the United States and throughout the World,  from acts of terrorism and threats of war to the more mundane common incivility within society, many look forward to retreating and spending time with their favorite animal.  Whether that be a dog, cat, fish, or horse, the simple act of being with an entity who doesn't judge us and accepts us as we are (more so if we have treats!) is a welcome respite. 

I know just sitting with River and listening to her placidly chew her hay is tremendously relaxing.  And River's simple act of "just being" is a reminder to me to focus on the present.  River doesn't worry about mistakes made in her past or what the other horses think about her, or get frustrated about the world outside of what she can control.  To River, it is what it is.  River knows her "sphere of influence" and works within it.  She does not hold grudges, knows how to say "no" to the other horses, does not suffer material envy if her pasture mate gets a new blingy halter, nor does she suffer from insomnia stressing about events that may never come to pass.

So as you start to ruminate about the past, worry about the future, or stress about events beyond your control, look to your favorite pet as a guide -- Live in the present. Don't stress about the future. Know your sphere of influence.  Don't hold grudges.  Learn how to say no.  And watch your perspective on the world change.

Through the Eyes of a Horse

Horses carry the wisdom of healing in their hearts and offer it to any humans who possess the Humility to listen.   ~Unknown

River is boarded at a facility which also provides therapeutic riding for people with special needs.  I have been privileged to volunteer during some of the riding sessions and personally witness the truly transformative experiences that these therapy horses provide to their riders.  It is truly the stuff of which miracles are made.  

The organization's founder, the instructors, and the volunteers who care for these amazing animals and also support the therapy sessions perform this work with love -- both a deep love for the horses but also a love for each rider and their families.

The facility is an island of love, hope, and miracles in a world which seems to be full of anger, hate, and despair.  At the center of it all, are the horses  -- who through their innate wisdom and untainted view of the world, provide healing of the body and of the soul.

Yesterday, the facility had a Holiday open house, where the public had the opportunity to meet the therapy horses.  Young and old came through the barn.  Watching the joy, awe, and wonder on each person's face as they walked through the barn and greeted each horse reenforced the healing power that these horses innately provide  -- even through just a brief contact.

The Holiday Season is a time for hope, healing and miracles -- something our equine friends provide all through the year -- if you open your heart to it.

River and I send out wishes for all the blessings of the Season to you and yours.

What Would River Do?

I don't use this blog to discuss politics, but have to at least touch on it to address how River and her horse compatriots are teaching me how to cope after this very tumultuous election season here in the United States.  It is Day 2 after Election Day.  Emotions continue to run high on both sides. Regardless of which side one is on, both sides want what is best for the Country -- just differing in what that actually entails.  And there is a lot of healing that needs to be done in order for both sides to start moving in a direction of actually having civil discourse and working together.  It won't happen overnight, but it needs to happen.

Of course, River is blissfully unaware of all this folderol, but being the wise old mare that she is, she has some lessons for us humans up her sleeve.  And here are the best practices (in no particular order) from the equine community that she shared with me to move past the election season and move forward:

1.  Acknowledge Your Emotions

River's Advice:  Squeal and pin your ears with your pasture mates.

Human Application of River's Advice:   Use your support system of friends and family to talk through your feelings.  Feelings are valid and they need to be processed.

2.  Get Physical

River's Advice:  Run and buck and throw your head around.

Human Application of River's Advice:   Get out all that pent up emotion and stress released through exercise -- whatever kind of exercise floats your boat.


3.  Be Good to Yourself

River's Advice:  Roll in the dirt, scratch yourself on the nearest tree, or have that extra bucket of soaked alfalfa cubes.

Human Application of River's Advice:  Practice self-care.  Soak in the tub, get a massage, meditate, do yoga, eat your favorite ice cream...whatever works for you.  (River really extols the virtues of rolling in the dirt though -- it's a massage and pseudo-bath all in one!)


4.  Let it Go

River's Advice:  I pinned my ears and showed my teeth and and now I'm moving on to that nice patch of grass over there.

Human Application of River's Advice:  Decompress, regroup, and move forward.


And who said horses weren't smart?  Try these steps and call River in the morning.  The Doctor is in.

Stability in the Midst of Change

People are looking for stability in a shaky world. They want something they can get hold of that's firm and sure and an anchor in the midst of all of this instability in which they're living.
~ Gordon B. Hinkley

The world is vastly different from the world I grew up in as a child.  While I know this, innately, it was driven home in full force this past week as my son started high school -- an experience much changed since my high school days eons ago.  A big adjustment for both of us -- one that leaves me longing for what was (to me) simpler times.

And in less than two months, I am retiring after many (gulp) years in the aerospace industry.  It seems like just yesterday that I walked into work, a "wet behind the ears" college graduate.  While I am looking forward to this change of life, it is also brings it share of change and attendant stress.

Change is all around, and, along with death and taxes, seems to be one of those immutable laws. We all are looking for something familiar in the midst of all the change, something to anchor us and give us some sense of normalcy.

My retreat into normalcy lies in my horse.  River is boarded at a stable, and while I don't get out to see River as often as I should (and that will be changing with retirement), I relish the times I do get out to see her as well as the other horses and "horse people" at the barn.  Hearing River's nicker, brushing her down -- even cleaning her stall is a welcome respite from the world spinning around me.  River is my therapist, who accept payment in the form of care and attention -- and the occasional treat. 

So, bring on the changes!  When the going gets tough, this lady is going to go smell the hay, shovel (real) horse manure, and plant a big hug on her favorite equine -- and all will be well with the world.

Finding Our Humanity Through Animals

“How it is that animals understand things I do not know, but it is certain that they do understand. Perhaps there is a language which is not made of words and everything in the world understands it. Perhaps there is a soul hidden in everything and it can always speak, without even making a sound, to another soul.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett

As I spent the morning getting River situated as she was just moved to new digs, I became aware of  the evolving and tragic news about the mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub -- the worst mass shooting in United States' history.  Over the ensuing days after this horrific event, I have seen displays of the best of humanity and the worst of humanity.  One of the examples of the best of humanity involves man's best friend -- dogs.  Comfort Dogs, a Lutheran Charity, has deployed dogs to Orlando from multiple locations in the United States.  Dogs, who exhibit unconditional love, provide a wonderful outlet to start the healing process for those impacted by devastating events such as this -- from the victims and their families to first responders.

Animals open the door to physical and mental healing.  Therapy animals, from dogs to miniature horses, provide invaluable support in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.   Horses are used for therapy to those with special needs as well as those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.  River has had the privilege of carrying several very special young people and I have witnessed her demeanor change.  River knew -- she adjusted her stride, her eyes grew softer -- it was truly amazing to watch how River related to the person she carried.  In turn, I saw the change in that person.  It was truly amazing to watch.

I am convinced that some of the greatest examples of humanity can be found in our animal friends.  May we open our eyes and learn from them.

Chasing the Wind

I grew up loving reading a good book.  There was nothing like taking a mini-vacation to another place or another world, the words on the book's page and your imagination carrying you away.  While I don't get to read as much  as I used to, I still enjoy the chance to unwind and live vicariously through the pages of a good book.

I just finished Hannah Hooton's latest book, Chasing the Wind.  Part of the Aspen Valley Series, it is set against the background of British Horseracing.  The book combines drama, suspense, and mystery, with plot twists and turns that keep you turning the page.

For horse lovers, horses and the daily lives of a racing stable and the British Racing culture are vividly rendered, making reading this book double the fun.

A good book not only transports you fully into the world of the characters,  but it also leaves you a little sad at the end.  Such was the case with Chasing the Wind.  As I finished the last page of the book, I felt happily satisfied at the ending (I don't want to give away the plot), but was a little wistful that my time in Aspen Valley had come to an end.

If you'd like to read this book, or others in the Aspen Valley Series, check out these sites:

 http://www.amazon.com/Hannah-Hooton/e/B00734MTZA

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28839416-chasing-the-wind

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-the-wind-hannah-hooton/1123345665

It's All in the Approach...

It's been a while since I have had a chance to post.  Family and work commitments have taken priority.  And the world seems to be getting more hectic.  As the days whiz by, I keep thinking -- tomorrow.  Tomorrow, I will eat better.  Tomorrow, I will exercise more.  Tomorrow, I will get River and I on a new training program.  Tomorrow comes and goes and I haven't started eating better, or exercising more, or starting River and I on that new training program.

I was talking to a co-worker about the need to change their approach to a problem.  Their response was that they had no time to change their approach as they were up to the eyeballs in work.  I responded that if they didn't change their approach, they would always be overwhelmed.

And then it dawned on me -- I need to apply what I said to me and my life.  If I don't change my approach then my life will not change.  Tomorrow will be just like today if I don't change how I am approaching my life  -- so that I can  eat better, exercise more, try a new training program with my horse.

Einstein beat me to the concept.  It's time to change my approach to see those different results.

River and I have gotten to spend more quality time together this week, doing some round penning.  I have been attending a great clinic over several Saturdays to help my confidence around horses.  It's baby steps, but I am on my way to make some of those changes that I promised myself I would do -- tomorrow.

Word of the Day - RESPECT

This world of ours... must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.
-- John Hume

The American ideal is not that we all agree with each other, or even like each other, every minute of the day. It is rather that we will respect each other's rights, especially the right to be different, and that, at the end of the day, we will understand that we are one people, one country, and one community, and that our well-being is inextricably bound up with the well-being of each and every one of our fellow citizens.
-- C. Everett Koop

So what is the common theme in all the quotes above?  The concept of "respect".

Respect is key to any human-animal interaction.  For example, if a horse does not respect me, then the horse will do whatever it wants.  Which isn't a situation you want with a multi-hundred or thousand pound animal.

It is the same in our human-to-human interactions.  Respect is key.  We as humans tend to categorize.  Bad policeman?  All policemen are bad.  Terrorist activity done in the name of a religion?  All people of that religion must be terrorists.  There are bad people -- but that doesn't make everyone bad.

Horse don't categorize.  Each horse is evaluated on its own merits and establishes itself in the herd hierarchy as an individual.  Those differences make the herd stronger.

There is a lot to learn from a horse here.  Evaluate each individual as an individual.  Don't categorize.  Learn about one another.  Respect the differences.  Respect one another.  It is in respecting each other's differences that make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.  It enables positive change. We can't blame our leaders when we can't extend basic respect to one another.  It starts with us.  Respect yourself and extend that respect to others and see what wonderful things happen.

 

"Treat people the way you want to be treated.  Talk to people the way they want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not given."  ~ Unknown

If you read the newspapers, watch the TV news, or are tied into electronic media, the concept of respect almost appears to be a thing of the past.   Common courtesy, patience, civility, and a genuine sense of caring have been supplanted by the need to check all the items of our to do list or to prove that we alone are right about a particular subject.  Those same items that have been supplanted in our society are the same ones that are key to earning the respect of others.

The same quote by "Unknown" above (who was a very wise man or woman, I might add), applies to our relationship with horses.  One doesn't walk up to a large animal like a horse and demand respect.  Developing a respectful relationship with horses involves time and patience.  It requires give and take, consistency, firmness, and kindness.  It requires listening as well as talking -- and believe me, the horse is talking to you though sometimes not through verbal cues!  And that time and effort results in a bond that is truly amazing to behold -- when an animal many times your size places their trust in you. 

If we can establish respect with an animal as noble as the horse, surely we can apply those some precepts -- time, patience, kindness, listening -- to all those humans (face-to-face, on the phone, on the internet) that we encounter in our daily lives.  Our animal friends can often be the best teacher in how to be human.

Wishing you much kindness,

Maynette and River

 

Teachable Moment

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”  ~ James Baldwin 

 

Life provides a multitude of teachable moments, both for ourselves and for those children we parent and/or mentor.  And of these moments, there are many that deal with handling different types of adversity.  Some of the toughest of these are trying to provide perspective to our children about those situations where adults who are supposed to be role models are acting -- well, like children.

 

Such a moment occurred this week when adults, who were organizing a horse show that attracts many children and teenagers,  decided to not allow certain children to attend because of a perceived disagreement with other adults.  The children, understandably disappointed, received a first hand example of how some adults can regress into childish pettiness.  This sad situation, however, turned into a  teachable moment, showing the children that regardless of how others act, those actions cannot take away from oneself and that one can rise above the actions of others. These momentary disappointments pave the way to far greater opportunities.

 

Out of this sad episode, came a shining opportunity to teach the next generation an early lesson in resilience and the grace that comes out of adversity. These wonderful kids, lesson learned, are happily preparing for their next show, where they will truly shine.

 

 

Selflessness

“Non nobis solum nati sumus.
(We are not born for ourselves alone.)”

~ Marcus Tullius Cicero On Duties 

 

One of the biggest things that owning an animal does for a us is to teach us selflessness.  Animals require constant care: feeding, bathing, grooming, exercising.  They get sick and need to be nursed back to health.  Animals require the gift of our time and our ability to observe and respond to their unspoken needs to ensure that they thrive and have a quality life.  In return for caring for our animals, we receive their loyal companionship and their unconditional love.  Horses are no exception and require a considerable investment of time.  For such a beautiful and majestic creature, they are surprisingly fragile.  For me, though, caring for River is a labor of love.

 

Growing up with animals as part of the family teaches children about selflessness.  Feeding and caring for a creature that relies solely on a human for its basic necessities is a powerful lesson in responsibility and of the gift of self that translates to how a child learns to relate to others in our human society.  And one is never too old to experience the powerful life lessons of caring for an animal.

As part of the larger world, as Cicero said so many centuries ago, we are not born to be an island unto ourselves.  We are meant to be active, engaged, and selfless members of a larger society. As we give to others (animals, strangers, co-workers, friends, family members), we also indirectly give right back to ourselves.  In fact, helping others has shown direct benefits to the giver's health!

So, today practice a little selflessness.  In helping others you will be helping yourself and making the world a better place -- one selfless act at a time.

 

Reflections on the Year Gone By....

"Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection." ~ Winston Churchill

 

As we are in the Christmas Season and the end of year and with the new year just around the corner, it is a time of joyful anticipation.  It is also a time, as Winston Churchill noted, of reflection -- reflection over the year that has gone by and reflection on the year that is fast approaching.

 

As I look back over the past year, it has been a maelstrom of events -- some of great sadness and loss but others of great joy.  I have witnessed humanity at its most base and selfish, balanced by the true grace of humanity at its most generous and giving.  I have learned much and grown much.

 

River, too, has had her ups and downs.  Another bout of laminitis and a diagnosis of Cushing's Disease were setbacks, but with the care of a tremendous community of horse professionals, River is thriving and once again we are now riding together.  River continues to teach me in so many ways.  She continually helps me expand my capacity for patience, as she continues to expand my learning on horses and horse care.  Through her, I have met and developed friendships with a wonderful community of people that have reignited my passion and opened my horizons to new things.

 

As we end 2014, I think of how far we've come and how exciting the journey in 2015 will be.

 

Wishing each of you, a very happy and health journey in 2015!

 

Maynette and River

 

 

The Season's Magic....

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~Norman Vincent Peale

Last night was the Christmas Party at the barn where I board River.  Even though it is Florida, the air was crisp and chilly, making the horses very energetic.  Christmas lights were hung everywhere.  There was good food, good friends, and the sounds of Christmas music.  I brought River up from the pasture to her stall.  She enjoyed everyone coming by and making over her.  As I walked back up to the barn in the dark after putting River back out in her pasture, I paused.  Standing on the path, I had a great view of all the Christmas lights.  I could hear the laughter,  the music, and the nearby sounds of the horses.  Looking up, it was a clear night with all the stars visible.  It was truly magical. Standing there, the beauty of the world truly filled me with awe and gratitude.  While the moment passed, the feeling has lingered.  I am going to strive to hold on to that feeling now and into the new year.

To you and yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays from River and me.  Wishing you magical moments!

Simple Gifts

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

                   'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

                  'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,

                    To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,

To turn, turn will be our delight,        

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right

~ "Simple Gifts" by Joseph Brackett

I have always loved the song, "Simple Gifts", an old Shaker hymn.  It is profound in its very simplicity. 

It seems especially appropriate as we enter into the Holiday Season with stores clamoring for our attention with great deals for gifts and the attendant pressure to buy the perfect gift for that special someone to remember that the "simple gifts" are  the best ones of all.

So, what are some great simple gifts?  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

- Volunteer at an animal shelter.  Shelter animals need love and attention -- and many times a person to help them regain their trust in humans.

- Teach others a special talent or skill you have (e.g. woodworking, crafts, amateur radio).  Sharing your time and passion inspires passion in others.

- Tutor a student.  You can change their academic future.

- Clean out your closet. Take those unworn clothes and unused toys and give them to your favorite charity's thrift shop or to a local women's shelter. It will make a world of different to those in need.

- Take meals to those that cannot leave their homes.  It will make a bright spot in your day and in theirs.

 Let's start the "Simple Gifts" movement. Add to the list and pass it on!

 

River -- one of the many special things I am thankful for.

                                        

Walk in my Shoe...

They say that to understand a person you need to walk a mile in their shoes.  For the past week, I have had just a taste of how those with physical limitations live their lives.  I have cracked a bone spur in my foot and am walking around in a "boot", facing the distinct possibility of foot surgery.  (And no, River, my equine coach, had no part in my foot issue!) While I am pretty mobile in this "boot", I have to give considerations into walking distance and weather (can't get the darn thing wet), not to mention the general navigating around with it. 

What has been a real eye opener is how people act in large stores when you have physical limitations.  In several trips to a local store, I have been almost run over as people rush around me or past me.  There is no consideration that they might hit by bum foot or knock me over.  I am a physical barrier to get past -- and mind you, I can walk pretty fast in this contraption!

This makes me think about others that have greater physical limitations than I -- and mine is just temporary.  They are surely facing many of the same issues in public places, and on a larger scale. If you are able bodied, you don't give a second thought about maneuvering in a parking lot or in a store around people and things.  To someone that has physical limitations, one has to be strategic with every outing taking into account so many things others take for granted:  Can I walk on my crutches from here to there?  Do I have enough room to translate from my car to my wheelchair?  Can my walker fit in that tight space?  Can I lift that jug of detergent while trying to stand with a cane?

On top of that, there are some whose physical limitations may not be apparent to the general bystander.  My Dad, for example, had kidney failure.  Due to that, he was limited in how far he could walk and had a handicapped sticker for his car.  Physical limitations don't necessarily mean that someone is walking with crutches or a cane.

I am not lamenting my condition, nor am I viewing those with physical limitations with pity.  I am, however, looking at how to be more considerate of others who brave and conquer the able-bodied world everyday.  Take a second to imagine all of those things you take for granted as an able-bodied person.  Now, look at others with new eyes.  Don't treat someone as an impediment to get around.  Enjoy the journey and those travelling with you -- even those of us who may be travelling in the slower lane. 

Body, Mind, and Soul

"Health is a complete harmony of the mind, body, and spirit.  When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open." ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

As River has some chronic health issues, keeping her healthy through proactive means is critical to keep the recurrence of her health issues at bay.  This involves ensuring she eats the proper diet, drinks enough water, has regular farrier and vet appointments, and gets exercise. It also requires a lot of observation on my part, since River can't tell me if she doesn't feel well.

Proactively managing one's own health is crucial not only to operating at peak performance physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.  A lot of what I do for River, I need to be doing for me as well:  making healthier food choices, drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep and exercising.  River helps with the latter.  The care of a horse involves a lot of physical activity, but I have to be responsible for the former items -- easier said than done!

When the body is not feeling good, it is hard to be on your game mentally, much less in touch with the spiritual.  It is when the body is healthy and the mind is engaged that the larger universe and all the wonder it entails becomes truly visible to us, as B.K.S. Iyengar reminds us.

With the hectic pace of our lives, it is often hard to focus on our own health; but tending to our own physical, mental, and spiritual health makes us more available to do more things -- for ourselves and for others.  Tending to our health enhances the quality of our lives in multiple dimensions.

Today, I am committing to making healthier choices to benefit me, my family, my friends -- and my trusted equine coach, River.   How about you?

Light the Shadows

"Every act of evil unleashes a million acts of kindness. That is why shadows will never win while there is still light to shine." ~ Aaron Paquette

Sometimes it feels like the world is against us.  People conspire to take away our self-confidence and self-esteem.  We try to treat others as we would like to be treated only to be rebuffed or trod upon.  At the end of the day, we feel demoralized.  Is it worth the effort to live by the Golden Rule? Should we become one of those same people who have, at the end of the day, sapped our sense of self?

It is at those times when reaching out with an act of kindness fuels us to stay the course.  One small act -- a smile to a stranger -- makes us feel good and has a domino effect all around us.  It is the small acts of kindness that beget even larger acts of kindness -- like the waves spreading  in a pond when a pebble is thrown into the water.

The next time you feel that the world is against you -- practice kindness.  Practices kindness to people and to animals.  Practice kindness to light the shadows.  You will be the better for it, and so will those around you.

River and I wish you kindness and light.

Barn Time

Monday and I hit the ground running.  So much to do!  Work, home, family -- did I mention school is starting?!   Physically and mentally, I am pushed and rushed.  After a long day, I hop in the car and make the drive to the barn, making a mental checklist of everything I need to do at the there:  groom River, treat her hooves, exercise her.  I park my car at the barn, ready to sprint to get my "to do" list done. The barn, though, lives to its own schedule and I feel the topsy turvy "gotta do it now" world slipping away.  Time slows down.  My overactive brain slows down.  I can feel the tension in my muscles drain away.  Yes, I still have my "to do" list, but now it doesn't feel so onerous and rushed.

I walk down to River's pasture calling her name.  Her ears prick up and she takes a few steps in my direction.  We walk up the hill to the barn together.  Up in the barn, I groom her.  I talk to her as I brush out her mane.  Each time I come around by her face, I kiss her nose.  I think she would much prefer a treat to my kiss, but she tolerates it.  After her "spa" session, I walk her down the horse trails to give her and me some exercise.  No riding tonight, but a brisk walk through the woods is just what the doctor ordered.  River companionably walks by me, hoping to get a few morsels of prime grass as we walk. We come out from the trail near her pasture, where I put her back in to the happy calls of her fellow equine pasture-mate.  River ambles off to take a drink and I walk up the hill, feeling relaxed and happy.  My "to do" list at the barn was complete, but it never felt like work at all. 

As I start my Tuesday, I will try to remain in the bliss that ended my Monday and live in "barn time".

Integrity

Have the courage to say no.  Have the courage to face the truth.  Do the right thing because it is right.  These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.  ~ W. Clement Stone

 

 

It seems like everywhere around us, we are seeing evidence of people living contrary to W. Clement Stone's quote: on the news, in the newspaper, via word of mouth, through personal experience  -- but then comes that one story of someone that defines the word "integrity" -- and we feel that maybe the world isn't such a bad place after all.

 

Living with integrity is an inherently human trait.  Integrity is not a characteristic that you can apply to another other species. Living with integrity can be hard to do.  It is hard to say no.  It is difficult to face the truth.  And doing the right thing is not always easy.  We are programmed to take the path of least resistance and that is what makes living with integrity hard, as it often takes us through more onerous paths.  Living with integrity may not make you popular, but at the end of the day it is its own reward knowing that you did the right thing.  And sometimes, -- just sometimes --you may just find out years later what an impact you made by living with integrity. That is a  moment when you realize that, though difficult, living with integrity changes lives beyond your own for the better.

 

May you take the more onerous path and live your life with integrity...

 

 

 

 

Walk the Same Path with a New Perspective

After recovering from another flair-up of laminitis, my Equine Coach, River, has been cleared by her veterinarian to be ridden again!  River's exercise had been  limited to ground work only to this point in her recovery.  Exercise is a double-edged sword for River after she is out of the acute laminitic phase -- Exercise is essential to her recovery and hoof health, but heavily monitored so as not to compromise her recovery.

River and I have been down this path before, but I come this time with a new perspective -- a perspective that is borne out of prior experience and greater knowledge than when I last trod this path a year ago with her.  I feel better equipped to bring River through her rehabilitation phase as I know what to do and what to look for as we move forward.

How many times in life have you encountered the same or similar problem or circumstance more than once, but find that  you look at it from a new perspective?  This new perspective may be due to similar experiences or just a fresh outlook on an old issue, which offers opportunities to resolve or at the very least navigate the issue in a different, but more effective way.

It doesn't take a major illness or other life changing experience to have these shifts in perspective.  Sometimes it can be as easy as setting a problem aside and sleeping on it, or being creative and thinking beyond your current self-imposed boundaries.

Got a recurrent problem gnawing at you?  Try approaching it from a new perspective.  The results may surprise you!