Zen Comes in the Form of Horsemanship

So, this blog has taken a new tack with the advent of me starting to work sheep regularly again, as I’ve said. It’s now not just about what I’m mechanically doing and what my dog is mechanically doing, but I’ve learned that to move forward and make myself a lot more whole, it’s a venue for me to explore the spiritual connection of my own self and that of the partnership with my dog.

I had mentioned this to Stephanie when she was sorting sheep for me last lesson and she told me that I really should pick up The Nine Secrets to Perfect Horsemanship by Don Blazer. So I did. And in the last two days I found time to get through it and . . . the whole time I was like, “Yes! This!” I got through chapter 3 and realized I needed to take notes, because this wasn’t something you read passively, but something that needed to be engaged with and shared.

Here are some notes from it that I loved:

The secrets are these:

1. Accept your and your horse’s creative potential. (IE, understand that you have unlimited potential within your physical and creative abilities and that this is your guiding light. It could be the angel that sits on your shoulder, or it could be the universe. It could simply be the true essence of your soul, or whatever you want it to be)

2. Let your heart decide. This is a hard one for me because I was taught to judge my value on my extrinsic value to others. I am getting better. I really loved how he tied this into setting goals and not taking or seeking criticism, but letting your own intrinsic knowledge be your guide. I feel like this blog is a record of me doing that. I’m not openly seeking criticism, I’m just recording my experiences.

3. Practice non-judgment. When I saw this I was definitely sure it was time to take notes. Blazer is speaking my language here. I truly feel that the whole world would be a lot better off if we stopped judging people according to how we think is the best way to live and just let things be. This also means, however, that we have to stop judging ourselves and even our animals.

4. When you no longer judge, you can give. Give opportunities, give space to choose the right behaviors.

5. Make conscious choices about how you respond.  Don’t let your emotions rule. Ask “why” and ask mentors. Continue evaluating your answers and being open to changing tacks.

6. Everything is exactly as it should be. Things go wrong so that you should learn. The young, green animal tells the trainer every day how he is progressing. Calm, mild acceptance of lessons means he is ready for more. If there’s a battle, try giving, but sometimes a showdown is needed, too.

7. Create the future through your intentions and desires. Visualize your perfection and go where you need to in order to learn the truth. When you name your intentions and desires and begin your quest, you don’t have to defend your choices. Do not hear criticism nor ask for it. Follow your inner heart.

8. Accept uncertainty and give up your search for security. Know yourself and believe in yourself to get beyond fear. Give up attachment to specific outcomes and expectations. If you feel insecure, do something differently and see how your will will help the outcome and that you have within you all you need.

9. Find your talent and then use it to benefit others. That means not staying on the track of success you pick in the beginning unless it feels right. It’s right if it comes easy to you (even if it’s hard work). Redirect if it becomes joyless.

This, and so much more. It’s advice for life, partnership, horses, and dogs.

At one point he says: ""If you have thoughts about devoting less than 100 percent of yourself, don't choose to be a champion. . . Dedication can also be defined as sacrifice. Your friends will praise the thought and labor you put into reaching your goal. Yet the same effort will be derided by those you surpass. Your qualities of honesty, loyalty, and persistence, will suddenly become stupidity and stubbornness to critics you have just defeated in competition, or to those who believe you have failed them by not providing them as much time and attention as they expected. If you are willing to make sacrifices, then you re willing to accept the glory of achievement. To gain, you must give away. By giving away, you will receive."

I can tell you this: I will never, ever be a champion because I am too much of a perfectionist for this to be healthy. I’ve had to give up the part of me that wants to be #1 at everything a long time ago because I know that I can’t stand the pressures that take over when you vy for that spot. I simply want to be good. I want it all, but I don’t want all of it perfectly and so have disappointed people in the past. Yes, I do have unlimited creative potential, but I have so many other competing interests that it would never be a reality for me.

Kudos to the people out there who are willing to make the sacrifice and receive the rewards.