Bits
Dreamers and Doers. It's easy to set goals and be carried away by the winds of possibility. Like the Dreamer envisioning the best possible outcome, feeling the exhilaration, decides to settle into the feeling, and basks in the momentary sunlight. The Dreamer does nothing, but dream.
Doers must always find the sign-up line and recruit their creativity. For some, self-motivation gave out a long time ago. And, self-will can only do so much. Finding focus, flow, and mindfulness to become inspired works. Within this exercise of the mind, Doers must reject despair, run from negativity, and overcome obstacles that show up to impede their creativity.
I am a Doer of DSRB. My art takes many forms, but the goal is always to Do Something Really Beautiful: in my writing, my riding, my fine art, and my living of life.
'I travel to other worlds and back again daily.' #Ginger the Brave
Bridles
Making Mistakes. The best plans and practice may help, but when a new course appears and we become overwhelmed by the reality of it, sometimes we can only fail forward. Life has lessons.
My riding instructor shouted at me from across the outdoor arena at my last maneuver. I was chastised in front of the entire cross country riding group. Yes, I had failed to take a mane-hold when ascending the steep hill, and although I had leaned forward parallel with my horse's neck and did not slip backwards out of the dressage saddle, it could have been disastrous. Had I slipped from the saddle while holding onto the reins, both horse and I would have toppled over backwards and a nasty crash down the side of the hill would have ensued, threatening both our lives.
Life lesson. I had to redo the course in front of my instructor and the class. I was humiliated, but I had to set my focus, move quickly from the memory of the fail and focus entirely on the correct riding action now in this new moment. I made the ascent with my horse, letting go of the reins and taking a mane-hold, just like an Indian and pony riding bareback, and discovered the joy and beauty in completing the course in the correct manner. My instructor just nodded - “Well done.”
This experience has been a reference point on my compass to be right size. Not puffed up, nor shrinking, but to stand my sacred ground and participate in life as it happens!
'I Live Straight as an Arrow.' #Ginger the Brave
Drop The Reins
Finding Audacity. The first time I saw Audacity was when she escaped her stall and came pounding into the covered arena to join the dressage class. The first year dressage students either leapt for the sidewalls or hovered with their horses in the center, out of the way of the huge Welsh Cobb chestnut mare galloping amongst us.
I was instantly in love with her. Pandemonium ensued as her best friend, the lead mare on the ranch, Mya, joined her and they took ownership of the entire arena for a time.
“Your hands are not there to control the horse but simply to feel his thoughts. “
- Kaizen Farm, Dressage Stables
When I reached the level of a three-year dressage student, Audacity and I were paired to learn At Liberty and continue my lessons in Dressage. A remarkable mare, highly trained Dressage, and retired from competitive cross country. She taught me to be o.k. with my fears and her sense of confidence filled me with courage and braving. Her sideways looks at me taught me to keep a quiet seat and relax my hands.
Setbacks = invaluable education = Progress
Don't wait. Don't overthink. And definitely don't let perfectionism get in the way of progress.
- Nicola Smith, Dressage Rider Training, New Zealand
Flow Free. The aim is to continue to grow and learn. Confidence is built throughout a lifetime. Make the decision to choose the times to fly using your faith. Seek out the hard opportunities where stretching one self's abilities is required. For living safe never has the rewards of incredible awe and wonder.
If I can remember this one thing: when I feel I need to shutdown, these are the times which precede my biggest breakthroughs!
'I Know There Are Horses In Heaven.' #Ginger the Brave
Thank God.
Beautiful! I could feel the power of that beautiful big chestnut horse Audacity! Talk about a name! Your words, "do something really beautiful" resonate with me. Make it worth it. DSRB. Try again. Readjust. Learn.