How do we combine precision with relaxation? How do we inspire it in our horse? It is done first by example, so how do we learn to do it ourselves?
Our mind can help and hinder our goals as riders. At times it seems like a running commentary there to disturb and distract, keep us locked into negative thinking, fears, thoughts of the past, what we want, what we don’t have, what the horse is doing wrong, etc. And at the same time, the mind is the necessary element in changing our habits and actions. Can we train the mind to shut off the commentary and keep only the beneficial parts for ourselves? Absolutely, but it cannot be done with force.
The mind, is the gateway to our actions. Before anything can occur it must be processed up top first. All of the voices however, rarely assist us, and often keep us locked in old habits or keep us from doing just what we need to in order to succeed.
Closing the eyes, we will hear things that we immediately want to identify, and name. We want to give them a label and categorize exactly what they are. But, what if what they are in that label, is wrong? What if they are nothing like what we have identified them as? And, where is the part where we simply observe without label, without judgement, without identification? To just be, that is the epitome of riding, to be able to observe what the horse is doing, and what our actions create in response, without label or identity.
Recognition of our need to name things is the first step, which often occurs after the fact. Over time, it will happen when we are doing it, and continue on towards recognition before the fact. And that place without a name, is full of fun, excitement, calm and relaxation all balled into one. It is also full of consciousness of the thoughts and actions occurring – making every interaction with the horse full of limitless possibilities!