Horseback Riding as a Metaphor for Life

I've never enjoyed horseback riding. I have had numerous opportunities to ride the trail with groups of tourists and it never felt instinctive or right. Back in the day, I even rode the mechanical bull at one of those bars; while I stayed on, it wasn't pretty and it wasn't fun for me..........but I was proud of being the only one of my friends that wasn't thrown off the bull;)

I read a book about someone who loved horses and wanted to share that love with his friend.  He set the intention that the person he was with, who was afraid of horses, would learn how to ride a horse with gradual and consistent exposure to it. There were no time constraints, there was no money involved, it was going to happen.  The friend agreed with it but had no confidence about the outcome.  

So I started thinking about the difference between my experiences and this one, my experiences were where you paid a price and a group of us got onto the horses with some instruction and off we went, 30-45 minutes later, we all had our expectations met and on to the next group.  I personally didn't even realize what else was possible or how it could have been a  better experience.

Then, I remembered our family went horseback riding in Mexico when I was a teenager (my dad worked there for a year) with really old horses on a dangerous, steep trail and I think a few of us thought we weren't going to finish the ride without disaster striking.  Even though I had forgotten about what happened that day, the fear carried through to every other experience I had with horses, regardless of whether or not it was safe.

Fast forward to the book I was reading............. the horse owner fully believed that his friend was going to learn and understand how to be in tune with the horse, they were going to continue with each small step until it became routine and instinctive. The novice was led through the instructions, in a slow-paced, non-confrontational manner until the skills were learned and developed.  There was strength and perseverance from the owner, which was felt by his friend.  The process became enjoyable as the tension of learning a new skill was released.

To me, that is part of unconditional love. I will support you, with patience.  I will be there to assist you in overcoming your fear and lack of skills, I will not degrade you or demean you in any manner. Together, we will walk this path and you will be a better person for your efforts. Yes, please. I wanna be a cowgirl!!

What a difference it makes to be supported without judgment and ridicule. To me, that's the difference between just living and soaring, being supported as we learn how to fly, or ride, or attempt any new skill.  As an adult, I sometimes hesitate to try new things because I don't want to be embarrassed. What a world it would be if we could all be fearless when it comes to new skills and adventures. 

Have a wonderful day!!

Xo

Conni

Today's Mantra: I intend to be supportive of others who are choosing to learn new skills.

Mantra for Every Day: I choose to send love to all; receiving love back multiplied in infinite proportions, creating and nurturing pathways of love.