Chapter 193
Dear friends, how extraordinary it is to be writing this again. So many chapters over so many years, the universe continues to demonstrate an endless supply of surprises, challenges, opportunities and magical moments. Often I’m at a loss where to begin or end.
This past week I appear to have used pretty much all my reserves of energy in an assistant coach incarnation for a 5-Day Advanced Intensive Training. Not only was I up early every morning, at times driving quite long distances to get to where I needed to be, but the days have been packed full of intense mind-focused activity on top of physical demands. For this work with horses, we have between four and six animals who have to come in, be brushed over, checked for condition and presented for work with the students. Constant cleanup throughout the day followed by the cleaning and tidying of each barn so the generous natures of the owners are shown to be appreciated.
I watch and listen to the Head Coach who is my own mentor, absorbing all the information shared for the second or third time, picking up new nuances, verifying some back-of-the-mind questions, applying illustrations to experiences I have had. I and my partner assistant are watching the time, moving horses, helping students as they attempt to master new and old techniques. Occasionally called upon to give an alternative opinion or demonstrate a technique, there is never a moment in the whole day when one can slip into neutral.
After four days of this I was feeling quite drained. On the fourth evening, I arrived home shortly before 8pm to get a call from my own barn to go check on a horse there. That little adventure kept me out for another 90min or so, by the time my head hit the pillow I was exhausted.
The final day was relatively relaxed, although still on my feet pretty much all day. I was switching in to work with horses while each student was called away for a one-to-one guidance moment with the Coach. Some of these moments were so satisfying as it became just me and the horse in front of me for a time… unraveling layers of tension, awakening neuralogical responses and allowing the horse to switch from tension (flight, fight, freeze) into a state of rest and relaxation, watching it all unwind before me. Lovely moments.
Standing on the edge of the arena, watching a group of students at the end of this advanced training, appreciating the indications of improvement in comfort, softness and communication and the relative changes from the beginning of the week. It’s a very satisfying place to be.
Today I got to spend time with my own horse again, sinking into over an hour of deep softness and communication with her, gently peeling a layer or two from her tension patterns, enjoying the moments she released and let go.
Being able to slow down, appreciate a moment of tension, back off and allow space, ask a softer question. The techniques we employ in this practice are so pertinent to life in general.
I think tomorrow I will do the same for myself. Back off, allow some rest, let go of the need/desire to get everything done immediately. There is time…
Enjoy your moments.
Kat Dancer
bodymudra@gmail.com,
+1 415 525 2630 (ph/whatsapp)
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