Advice from a horse
wisdom in unexpected places (like a magnet on my refrigerator)
Quick Note
Last week, we talked a bit about how we can’t become ourselves by ourselves and how helpful it is to be in an intentional coaching relationship. I still have a spot open for one-on-one coaching this fall, and you can read more about it here. 🤗
Ok, onward…
You know how things in your environment often disappear into the background of your awareness until 1) you decide to host a party and suddenly realize that pile on the counter has been there for three months 🙋🏻♀️, or 2) you randomly walk by the fridge and something pulls your attention to read the magnet you put there maybe seven years ago?
#1 happened to me mid-summer, so that stubborn pile has already returned to the kitchen counter, damnit. But #2 happened just last week, and I was a bit struck. So here’s some of the unexpected wisdom my magnet holds for us all today. 😂
It reads:
Advice from a Horse
Take life’s hurdles in stride.
Loosen the reins.
Be free spirited.
Keep the burrs from under your saddle.
I’ll expand a bit…
Take Life’s Hurdles in Stride
In order to do this, I think we have to increase our capacity for presence. Presence is where our power lies, and without it, getting derailed by life’s inevitable bumps in the road is almost a given (at least for me).
Loosen the Reins
This one is giving “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (spoken like my 12 year old daughter 🤪). If presence is a good first step, I’d say surrender is a good second. Change is the only real certainty in life, so simply setting my compass in a direction and then trying to enjoy the ride, hurdles and all, has become my aim these days.
Be Free Spirited
Speaking of enjoying the ride… embracing more and more of our true, soulful self along the way is essential. Letting our free spirit freak flag fly (please tell me you’re also a fan of SJP in The Family Stone 😍) is liberating! And when we feel liberated, there’s no telling what kind of impact we can have on the world or how fulfilled we can be. Or what kind of drunk dancing we can accomplish.
You’ve got a freak flag. You’ve just got to fly it. - Luke Wilson as Ben Stone
Keep the Burrs from Under Your Saddle
This one speaks to setting ourselves up for success by doing what we can, even as we loosen the reins. Think using our brains in service to our free spirits. Think inspired (albeit imperfect) action. Think more ease - no burrs necessary. Sounds nice, huh?
Now, I may have just made a mountain out of a molehill of a magnet, but I think it works. I really did pause in front of the fridge to read and wonder how long those little reminders might’ve stayed there unnoticed. 😂 Hope this horsey advice inspires you a bit this week, too.
Keep reading to stay in the know about how you can engage with my work at the moment. There are in-person events for those who live in Northwest Arkansas and virtual experiences, too. 👇🏼
Happenings
Workshop: Mindfulness with Horses
Date: Saturday, September 16
When: 9:00-10:30am
Where: Happytown Horse Park (👈🏼 their Insta is great, btw)
Good news! We’ve opened three additional spots for this workshop. Just get in touch if you’d like to reserve one. The cost is $45.
Journey On Podcast Summit
Date: November 2-6
Where: San Antonio, TX
Warwick Schiller’s Journey On Podcast Summit will be a gathering of horse people, but it's not actually about horses. It's about the practice of being human and learning to connect with our horses and everything else in our lives in a more authentic, attuned, resilient way. I'm really excited about it!
I’ll be presenting with an amazing group of teachers, scientists, coaches, wisdom keepers, and horse people. Last time I checked, there were a few in-person tickets left. But if you can’t join us in person, the whole event will be live-streamed (recordings included if you can’t watch in real time)! Cost: $99.
Last Chance: Human Design Sessions
I'm pausing one-on-one Human Design sessions beginning September 22. I'm planning on a busy fall, and I'll be prioritizing the growth of The Herd, prepping for the Journey On Podcast Summit, and taking a weekend trip or two. If I open these one-off sessions back up, it will be after the new year. Just FYI!
If you'd like to get on my calendar before this goes down, you can learn more first, or:
I'd love to dive into your chart and share some time together on good 'ole Zoom!
