LIVE-IN-THE-MOMENT

Chill time with my sister, Julie Anne

Me on Blaine, Julie Anne on Tim

My new pony, Bertie!

Strumming guitars with my youngest sister, Kate

I spend some of my time trying to understand horses. I do this by spending time with like-minded people, and studying and reading from and about masters in the horse world, but most of all... by observing the horse!

The amusing thing is that the more I understand about horse behaviour, and their heirachy and needs, the more I seem to understand human interactions. Our world has come so far away from a Natural way of being, that we sometimes forget about our natural instincts and behaviour. We like to have full control of the world, but sometimes control results in going against the natural thread. By spending some time with animals, or in a natural environment (*cough* country walks? *cough*) I'm reminded of what life could and should be like... less planned... less stressful... quieter, stiller... with more capacity to enjoy, and less capacity to analyse... yup.

What I find AMAZING is that the same God that created the sea and storms and powerful creatures, created worms, flowers, and still days. The God that created the wind, also created the still. The God that created trees to shed their leaves each year, also sustains the tiniest of shoots in the spring. These things seem like such opposites, yet (in nature), there always is a balance between compassion and passion.

NOW. We're not exactly capable of physically being in two places at once, but our minds ALWAYS seem to be in more than one place. I think that we have tremendous capacity to think, to feel, to experience, but we limit these experiences by time-lines, and multi-tasking. Studying at the Parelli University, I became particularly aware of how 'in the moment' horses are. Horses live and feel through each moment of the day (and as Pat Parelli says... there are 3 moments in a second!) at the start of a new day, they're not planning their evening. BUT they are thinking about their immediate needs.... Are they safe? Are they comfortable? Do they have food? Is their play drive satisfied? And, as soon as one need has been met, a whole new set of needs may present themselves. I guess this is why some people find horses really unpredictable... it seems that as soon as the owner has 'figured the horse out,' the horse's strategy and needs change. A Horse's ability to live in each moment, makes it so much more capable of experiencing each moment, but also capable of letting go of each moment. One of the qualities of horses is that they forgive. I've become aware of how much I DON'T live in the moment. So... right now might be a wonderful wonderful experience, but I've also got to make sure that I'm prepared for tomorrow, yes? Well, to an extent, but we've gotta learn to live in the NOW. I currently don't have a major timeline in my life. I mean, I seek adventure constantly, and I like to find the purpose and reason behind doing thing. But, rather than trying to full my life with timelines and schedules, I'm learning to live moment by moment - even if those moments are shaped by a schedule!

This week has been fantastic. I've enjoyed playing with my horse, Blaine, and I've been putting some structure in our play sessions. During the 4 week fast track, we focused on one savvy per a week (online (groundwork) freestyle (riding) Liberty (groundwork w/out a halter) and Finesse (collected riding))  I'm trying to continue this at home, and have a particular focus for each week. Last week was Online, and this week: Freestyle. Blaine has become pretty strong and fit, which is great as we can practice some pretty exciting things, but I'm also re-establishing myself as his leader and gaining more of his respect. 

I decided to buy Bertie, the New Forest pony I spoke of last week. Bertie is 5 years old, with a great foundation, but he's ready to go and get more experience of life (including being ridden!) His owner didn't have time to give him this, so she decided to sell him. I've bought him as a 'project pony' for me to gain more experience. I'll probably sell or loan him once he's gained more confidence, especially if I find myself heading out to America again. 

My non-horse life is wonderful, too. I'm strumming away at my guitar, and I am already getting better. I discovered last week that I've got a maths exam in 3 weeks time... needless to say I've been revising madly! I'm also getting involved with the student groups in my church, and have met some lovely people at various socials. The Job-hunt continues! I may have a job looking after horses for someone in my village, and aside from this, I'm hoping to find a part-time job in town. 

Love & Blessings till next time! ¬Kerrin