Handling storms in our lives; words of wisdom from the horses
HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED HORSES DURING A STORM?
This week there was a huge storm at my house with heavy winds and rain. I wish I could have taken a picture of my horses then but the conditions prevented me to do so.
I was fortunate enough to what their reaction (or lack thereof), and it was quite fascinating.
During the storm, my horses stood still, their back facing the wind, close to their shelter. They were all lined up, close to one another. They didn't panic, they didn't fight or resist for they know there isn't much they can do about it. They were calm and collected, resting and blending with what nature had to offer that day. They were simply waiting for it to pass, and for the sun to come out again so they can resume their favorite activity....eating ;-)
It got me thinking....
HOW DO WE, HUMANS, HANDLE STORMS IN OUR LIVES?
Whether a change, an unforeseen event, a loss, a problem or a challenge, we often tend to face it head on with a tendency to go into what we call fight flight freeze, which is the normal reaction of the body whenever a threat is perceived. (cause we see the storm as a threat in the first place!)
And our inner dialog often goes like this:
I can't believe this is happening to me
Why me?
What have I done to deserve this?
I can't handle this right now
I am not strong enough to fight this or
I will fight this with all I have
I can't accept it
I just want this to go away
.... and so on...
I bet you that if we could read a horse's mind during this time it would sound something like:
I am strong
It will get better soon, be patient
I can survive this
We are together in this, my peers are there for me
There is no need to resist
Let me breathe and relax into this, and take this opportunity to slow down and rest
But then again, since horses never overthink situations, they don't waste energy trying to make sense of what is. They have mastered the art of neutrality, and living in the present moment. For these reasons, I doubt there is even a thought going through their mind at this time!
WHAT IF WE COULD USE THE WAY OF THE HORSES TO GUIDE US WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH?
I think if they could share their wisdom during these times it would sound like this:
Learn to differentiate what you can control from what you cannot, and don't waste your time or energy on the latter
Surround yourself with people you love and who can offer support
Don't go through this alone - trust that they are looking out for you as you are for them
Choose an environment where you can find peace and security, away from the turmoil and outside influences, so you can have clarity of mind
Preserve your health and energy, these matter most
Work on your mindset. Be mindful of your inner dialogue. Thoughts are energy so choose them carefully
Welcome the storm with an open mind and curiosity, for resistance will bring you stress and damage your health
And always remember that you are strong and capable, and that life will only bring you what you can handle!
Storms create movement and transformation. I think they are life's way of making us evolve and grow.
As I once read,
If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!
Food for thoughts....
Until next time,
Karine