It can be anytime of the year, spring, summer, fall or winter, it does not matter. Horses have been my teachers throughout the years, helping me to embrace life’s ups and downs, and more recently finding my way through the bewildering multiplicity of this changing new world.
One of their many gifts is showing me how to move through each day with ease, courage and grace, from wanting to create calmness to riding out the storms. To planning ahead and following the internal call, or going without the attachment and into creative flow.
The horses, which I like to call my angels in disguise, help me with acknowledging my inner and outer world, so that my thinking mind and my imaginative heart can flow together, as I am invited by the universal intelligence to live in harmony and thrive in the world.
I’ve always said they are just waiting for us to join them.
The horse of Spring teaches you how to live each day in renewal.
Spring is the season of new beginnings, prosperity and potential in our lives. The body, mind and spirit has rested and renewed over winter, giving you this new vitality and excitement as new life and new journeys present themselves in the light of spring. It’s time to wake from hibernation and embark on new adventures.
To do.
Pick one morning each week after rising, and take time to meet the beautiful morning sun. Stay inside or better yet head outdoors and sit or stand in a place that feels good among the horses. Take a deep breath and face the east as it dances upon the horizon. For minute or more, just be still and simply notice whats around you. Then soak in the subtle messages from the world around you using all of your senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Ask yourself some questions:
- What is renewing in my life?
- What new ideas are coming forth?
- What adventure(s) am I being called to go on?
Write down what comes to you. What were you surprised by? Was the horse telling you anything?
Or you can offer up a prayer request such as “As I begin my day help me to live this new day in”:
- Child-like-wonder
- Awe
- Newness
- Innocence
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Imagination
The horse of Summer teaches us that we need to play and express ourselves.
Summer is the season of reenergizing, feeling independence and freedom. It’s also a season of formulating fond memories through connecting with family, friends and ourselves. Its focus is on having fun with no agenda, experiencing what wants to show up. It’s a time to be youthful and enjoy the great outdoors, the days are longer and nights are warmer, and the horse is asking us to add fun activities to our calendar.
To do.
Schedule time to play with a horse, they just love being with you. What would you like to do that no one ever taught you, what feels natural to you? How would you like to express yourself, release your creativity and imagination.
Examples:
- Paint the horse with non-toxic water paints, then bath the horse with warm water, blow soap bubbles.
- Invite your friends and have a tea party, serve horse cookies and organic treats on a special decorated platter.
- Invite your friends to a summer party. Put your cowgirl boots and hat on, play your favorite music and dance to the beat in the barn, under the sun, or by starlight.
- Let your inner child out, act like a wild mustang, stallion, or unicorn and feel that sense of freedom.
The horse of Autumn reminds us to offer thanks and teaches us about transition.
Autumn is the season to slow down, to celebrate and be thankful for the bounty and abundance that was bestowed upon you throughout the year, as we enter into the dimming of daylight, into transition. Its a time to rest and reflect on what was, and harvest what you desire for the coming new year.
The leaves changing into their beautiful vibrant colors and detaching from the trees are a gentle reminder for you to go within, to let go of what no longer serves your best interest. To work with your intuitive, receptive and creative self before retiring into hibernation.
To do.
During the autumn season, periodically find a special sit spot in nature. Start with giving gratitude in some way for everything around you, gratitude creates abundance. Maybe its looking to the deep blue sky above, or the colorful earth below. Maybe its appreciation expressed in a meaningful poem, poetry or painting. Maybe its in a special hand gesture. Then do some reflecting:
- Has your own personal bounty been good?
- What have you accomplished?
- What new life experiences brought you ideas or opportunities?
- What did you learn?
The horse of Winter teaches us to slow down, take a deep rest while the earth renews herself.
Winter is the season of restoring the body, mind and soul. Its the perfect time to take a long winter’s nap, but can feel like a cold, lonely and inactive spell, which is why people experience cabin fever. To help alleviate the winter blues, sit around a fire or a comfortable spot and share your stories with people that will support you. Being with others helps to calm the inner storms or what is bothering you.
Gift yourself with exercising regularly, eating healthy comfort foods in moderation, watching good movies and reading inspirational stories. Also write down your desires for the coming new year. Go all out, don’t hold back!
To do.
Create a weekly exercise routine, for at home or the gym. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
- Swimming
- Dance
- Pilates
- Skiing
- Cleaning out stalls (also very therapeutic)
Make a list of comfort foods to look forward to, here’s my partial list:
- Chicken dumpling or broccoli cheese soup
- Roast chicken
- Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy
- Warm apple pie
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Chili and corn bread
- Buttermilk pancakes and tossed fruit
Make a list of books you would like to read:
- Self-help
- Inspirational
- Motivational
- Mystery/Spirituality
- Fiction or non-fiction
Make a list of movies you would like to watch:
- Action
- Comedy
- Drama
- Documentary
- Adventure
- Sci-Fi
Write down your desires, what you yearn for, go wild and don’t hold back. Now is the time to do this without any fear or excuses. When writing, no editing, just let it flow out. Include how you want to feel, what really matters to you? Then go back and look for themes, repetitive words. What stands out for you? Wait a few days, then write down and commit to some personal goals. Or you can cut out magazine pictures and create a wall poster to get a clear vision of what you are striving for.
Do you have a favorite season of the year? Which one and why do you think that is? Just hit reply below I’d love to know!
May you enjoy the horse of each season.
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