As the old saying goes, do you ever feel as if there is not enough time in the day? Periodically, it feels that way for me, it’s as if my life is a race horse out of the gate and there is no stopping point. I’m sure you can relate.
The modern world we live in today has changed the way we live our lives, making it more challenging to slow down because of what we see, feel, and experience around us, especially the technology and how it is shaping our lives.
With today’s gadgets at our fingertips, hips, pockets, and purses we enjoy some really great benefits, such as looking at the weather forecast right on the spot. But, it can also be just another thing to do or constant distraction. I am very grateful for technology and how it has helped me get to where I am today, but I also learned I had to monitor the technology input, the constant distractions, or I would be tethered to to my devices twenty-four seven.
When I became aware of feeling constantly overwhelmed, and unable to keep pace with the daily demands of perpetual fight-or-flight arousal, my adrenaline fatigue would set in and affect my mind and body, and I was getting grouchy. That was a direct sign that I needed to change something.
So, what I did to change things and slow down the perpetual motion is I went to my teachers, the horses. What I have learned over the years from being with and watching horses since I was a little cowgirl, is that taking time to slow down and enjoy life is so very important and necessary.
Brain science side note…I did some research and learned that rapidly shifting our attention from one task to another, depletes the brain’s glucose supply. What the brain needs, so it’s neurons can communicate with one another. When we use up the brain’s glucose by multi-tasking, the brain will reach a level of fatigue much sooner than if we concentrate on one thing at a time, and our brain’s intelligence is decreased. Which is why our thought process is more productive first thing in the morning.
To stop the adrenaline fatigue, the fight-or-flight constant arousal and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of today’s fast paced society, the horses taught me that we need to slow down and:
- Take better care of ourselves, from sunrise to sunset, and not just checking off the to do list seven days a week.
- Catch a short twenty-minute horse nap if need be, that thing that needs to be done will always be there.
- Kick up your heels and play, feel your oats and run around for no reason other than to have some plain old fun. It’s really great exercise.
- Be with like-minded herd members, developing friendships and a supportive community, that appreciates you just for being you and your point of view. That protects you from predators, people that like to take advantage of your vulnerable nature. There is a lot of collective horse power in a herd.
- Appreciate your independence, your uniqueness, your creative wild side.
- Spend time with those you like and love, nurture your relationships, trade favors and scratch each other’s back.
- Go on adventures, to stretch yourself beyond the same grassy land and see what else is in the world.
- Savor your meals, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, occasionally a slice of apple pie. And drink plenty of fresh water.
- Listen and observe, work with nature and her magic, have trust in the natural unfolding.
- Most of all, be yourself!
Just like the horses, we too need to appreciate every day, and what we already have, to cherish life and the gifts around us, to turn off the world around you and live in the moment. While we may not be able to constantly live in the moment, taking time out is so important!
If you have a horse, and are feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or unorganized your horse is waiting for you to take him or her for a walk in the woods, open fields, or up and down the driveway. Go for a fifteen-minute walk every day with your horse, make it a special moment where you slow down and use all of your innate senses to take in everything around you. Take pleasure in being outdoors, enjoying all the diversity of nature and the simple things in life.
Focus on bonding with your horse and the special intimate connection between the two of you.
Because we live in a fast-paced society, and can silently get caught up in it, we must also remember to slow down, look at what’s around us, and enjoy each other’s company. Both the 2 legged, and the 4 legged.
Enjoy your walk!
Do you have a favorite way to slow down? Just leave a reply below and let me know!
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