Deep Peace Farm

Unfinished Poem
I would love to live like a river flows,
carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.

― John O'Donohue

"The important thing is to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." - Charles Du Bos

“Let’s redefine leadership as the one who breathes and smiles the most: Let an inhale relax your body, let an exhale leave soft shoulders and a soft belly. Let a smile give you a soft jaw.” — Anna Blake

How you approach the horse is where the relationship begins. Everything you do builds rapport (or not). Your approach says so much about your fit as a potential leader for the horse. Your presence precedes you. Notice what you most naturally do when approaching. How you do anything is how you do everything. How is your breathing? What are you thinking? What are you feeling? What are you afraid of? How is your heart?

What would you say about your presence? What do the people around you say about your presence? What would a horse say about your presence?

Horses are looking for leadership, not dominion. We can offer that to them in our way of being present with them. Are we worthy of being a leader of vulnerable beings? Are we able to know what the herd needs to assure safety and connection? How are our presence and attention? If we check in with ourselves, are we congruent with where we are? Are we able to be present for an other? How is our breathing (is it indicative of relaxation and safety, or are we panting or holding our breath)?

things. that should be asked
often. in every type. of
relationship:
how is your heart.
is your breath happy. here.
do you feel free.

- Nayyirah Waheed