The past few months and years have been nothing short of transformative. As I reflect on my journey at the stable, my deep commitment to my horses, and my pursuit of becoming a trainer, I realised how much I’ve grown—both personally and professionally - and, of course, how much more I can grow. This journey has been marked by embracing positive thinking, adapting to challenging situations, and finding joy in the everyday moments that shape our lives.
Embracing New Roles
In November 2023, I took a significant step forward by enrolling in an instructor course with Ecole de Légèreté (EDL). By March 2024, I was already presenting my work with my horse, diving into the practical aspects of the course. This was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one, as it represented my dedication to mastering the art of horsemanship and sharing it with others.
January 2024 brought, also, unexpected changes at the stable, requiring me to take on additional responsibilities to manage costs and keep things running smoothly. At the same time I decided to increase my lessons, which naturally led to an increased workload. As a result, my free time dwindled, but I was determined to find a balance that would allow me to thrive in this new role.
Shifting Mindsets
With the growing demands on my time and energy, I realized that clinging to perfection was no longer an option. I made a conscious decision to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace a mindset of going with the flow. Each day became an opportunity to practice flexibility, to prioritize the needs of the stable, and to approach my tasks with a positive attitude. Often the “obsession” of the “training process” kicks in and it seems to take over everything. I get annoyed when things are on the way of that and tend to stress out any time I am not doing that. However, I realized the more I obsessed with that the worst the rest of my life gets and so the training.
Rather then complaining about not having enough time, being tired, or the inevitable bad weather, I focused on finding joy in anything the day would present me. I discovered that by shifting my mindset, even the most mundane tasks could become sources of contentment. And that actually the “training process” was my process also in life. Getting one better would also improve the other.
Finding Joy in Routine Tasks
One of the most surprising lessons I learned was the power of slowing down and savoring the simple tasks. Cleaning horse poops, for instance, became more than just a chore—it became a form of physical exercise that strengthened my body and lifted my spirits. I started singing my favorite songs while doing it, or getting some grooming or cuddles with my horses and suddenly, these moments were transformed into opportunities to recharge and feel genuinely happy.
Navigating Personal Health Challenges
Since obtaining my PhD in June 2016, I’ve faced ongoing challenges with sciatic nerve pain—a condition that flares up during periods of intense stress and pressure to perform. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that pushing myself too hard only exacerbates the pain. This realization has taught me the importance of self-acceptance, letting go of perfectionism, and sometimes simply saying “no” to protect my health and well-being.
However, this pain is pretty a constant in many periods of my life especially in the last 1.5 year… Recently, I delved deeper into understanding the spiritual significance behind my ongoing sciatic pain and discovered an article that resonated with me on a profound level. It spoke about how sciatic pain is often linked to a state of disbalance—particularly in the pelvis, which serves as our center of gravity and houses the second chakra.
The article posed thought-provoking questions: What in my life feels out of balance right now? Am I truly happy with the direction I’m heading, or is part of me yearning to change course? Do I feel the freedom to move, speak, and make decisions as I wish? These questions hit close to home, especially when I considered how I’ve been feeling lately.
Interestingly, the article also explained how different sides of the body carry distinct meanings. My pain on the right side is tied to yang energy—the energy of action, rational thought, and sometimes, emotions like anger and frustration. Questions like Am I effectively getting things done, or do I feel frustrated with my progress?
The second chakra, located in the same area, is associated with creativity, growth, and change. It can only function optimally when we feel safe. The word "safe" was particularly triggering for me. The article suggested further reflection: Is there something preventing me from feeling safe? Is there an unprocessed emotion within me that’s hindering my progress? What’s stopping me from creating what I truly want to bring into this world?
These questions have sparked a deeper introspection, pushing me to explore areas of my life where I might be out of alignment or holding onto unresolved emotions. Understanding these connections has been both eye-opening and challenging, offering a new perspective on the possible root causes of my pain.
Inspiration from Brandy Gillmore
Throughout this journey, I’ve drawn inspiration from various sources, one of which is Brandy Gillmore. Her approach to healing by reprogramming the subconscious mind resonated with me deeply. I found that her techniques could alleviate physical ailments, a discovery that has been incredibly empowering.
The Power of Living in the Present Moment
One of the most profound lessons from my journey is the importance of living in the present moment. Our bodies are always anchored in the now, and understanding that the past and future are merely constructs of the mind has helped me release unnecessary stress. Every time the body hurts, it’s trying to tell you something since a while now, or you are going into the wrong direction, or, most of the time, you are simply having the wrong attitude. By giving credits to these thoughts, understanding that pain is not just a physical condition but it is strongly linked to a subconscious, emotional patterns, which contained a lot of information, and by focusing on the present, much like horses do, I’ve found a sense of peace and clarity that was previously elusive.
Reflection
As I look back, the past 12 months were actually pretty "full" of physical “pain”. I got an almost broken foot, I limped for over 3 months and it still hurts every morning when I wake up. I got sick with high fever 3 times in 3 months. I have had sciatic pain all in between. However, what I see it’s the way I dealt with it. I addressed the messages of the pain, I accepted to stop and let go of everything, I used the healing power of my mind, I went to heal my subconscious patterns, and I learned on every step of the way.
I see how far I’ve come—how the challenges and changes have shaped me into a more resilient and mindful person. This journey has shown me the transformative power of a positive mindset and the profound impact of small, intentional changes in our daily lives. By embracing change, prioritising self-care, and learning from the horse/animal world around me, I’ve cultivated a sense of peace and strength that I carry into my work with horses, and which I try to share with my students.
This story isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about the ongoing journey of becoming the best version of myself, for me, my horses, the people around me and for the life I’m creating every day. I’m excited to continue this journey, and I look forward to finding joy in every moment along the way.
I would like to list some steps you can find inspiration for your own process…
1. Acknowledge and Accept:
Recognize the contradictions and allow yourself to feel them without judgment. Accept that it's okay to feel whatever you feel both balanced and frustrated, successful and challenged.
2. Identify and Prioritize:
List the areas causing imbalance: professional relationships, personal relationships, self-care, and/or career direction. Prioritize addressing one or two areas at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Establish Healthy Boundaries:
In your personal relationships, communicate your needs and establish boundaries that promote mutual respect and understanding.
At work, set limits on your availability and tasks to avoid burnout and ensure you have time for self-care.
6. Create a Self-Care Routine:
Dedicate specific times for activities that nourish your body and mind, such as reading, meditating, and light exercises. Even small, consistent practices can make a significant difference over time.
7. Embrace the Process:
Understand that healing and balancing are ongoing processes. Celebrate small victories and progress, and be gentle with yourself when setbacks occur. Patience and persistence lead to breakthroughs.
My journey with Percha resonates in all of this...Every time I am with him I am stepping right into my process...
The story of the saddle up process will come soon...Stay tuned!
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