A lesson from horses on slowing down
With summer breaks approaching here in the Northeast I know many people are prepping for upcoming transitions, childcare, summer work, and hopefully some space for some slowness and rest as well.
A related teaching I like to share in my healing work with people and horses is about “horse time.” When teaching folks who are new to horses about safety, I always start by tuning in to what the horses are perceiving.
We talk about their senses of sight, smell, hearing, and general instinct and how their senses are picking up on waaay more than us humans at any given moment.
And while things with horses can sometimes move pretty quickly, we humans actually need to slow down in order to increase the chances of picking up on the same things they are– bushes rustling in the distance, a bird suddenly flying from a tree, or movement from other horses nearby.
If we enter horse-space without orienting to horse-time we end up missing a lot of what is going on and sometimes this can contribute to safety issues (e.g. a horse spooks and we were out of sync so we didn’t also move in time to get out of the way).
Why am I talking about this?
Because I am a strong proponent of slowing down in general and the horses happened to have given me opportunities to practice this.
Slowing down is part of how we remove ourselves from a sense of urgency and scarcity. It's how we become aware of and attend to our needs. It's how we find greater opportunities to connect with each other in more attuned ways.
I know that we live in a world that demands and favors a fast pace. And of course, there are certainly times for that. And…
There are ways to build slowness into the rush of our lives. Like most things, it takes its own time and practice. And it’s worth it.
Where in your day can you take a breath before moving?
Where in a conversation can you pause and even ask for a moment to think before responding?
When eating, can you pause and notice the taste of the food? (Have you eaten today? Stopping to reflect and feed yourself may be how you slow down today)
The next time you are in the bathroom can you look at yourself in the mirror, smile (even if its hard to do), and give yourself an affirmation (I’ve got this. I’m doing my best. My wellbeing matters too).
After you read this email, can you take a minute to lift your gaze and notice three things in your environment before moving to the next task?
Horse Time. Mindfulness. Divestment from urgency and scarcity. Reclaiming a pace that aligns best with you and yours.
What emerges in that space?
Where is there ease in slowing down? Where are there challenges?
Each day, each moment is an opportunity to return to these practices.
This is part of what I support folks with through my virtual psychotherapy and coaching services.
As you make your plans for the summer, factor in some concentrated you-time and schedule your appointments with me:
Take that moment. Look up. Notice three things. Describe them to yourself. Take a deep breath. And then schedule your free 15 minute consultation with me here.
In solidarity,
Dr. Rebecca Cohen
