Season of Equanimity

Season of Equanimity

May 2012

Horse Wisdom

Self-Mastery & Equanimity

"The most effective leader relinquishes the ambition to master others in favor of mastering herself".
Linda Kohanov, Way of the Horse

Leadership comes in all different shapes, sizes, and types and is an important skill for all areas of life. At Stand InBalance, we believe that true leadership starts with ourselves. Whether we are with family, friends, co-workers, or running a company, the first order of business is self-mastery. When we have self-awareness and the ability to regulate our own emotional states we are able to engage authentically and communicate effectively and lovingly - even under times of stress.

JennKL Photography

For both humans and horses, equanimity in stressful circumstances is an essential leadership skill.

Equanimity is a state of

mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper. The Buddha spoke of two different aspects of equanimity - observation and seeing with understanding.1

Mindsight,2 is grounded in these concepts and refers to the ability to perceive our mind and the mind of others such that we can " 'name and tame' the emotions we are experiencing, rather than being overwhelmed by them."

Horses embody equanimity and are consummate teachers of mindsight.

The dynamics that play out in the arena with the herd inevitably mirror dynamics and issues of participants lives. Effectively interacting with horses requires that we be open, observant, and objective - three skills essential to mindsight. I can't think of a better way to cultivate equanimity. And, the best part? With horses we are able to shift our awareness and behavior in the moment and receive immediate feedback about our state of being.

A great example of this occurred recently when a group of four participants came together in an attempt to connect up with a horse and .... Read More

Save the Date:

Open Barn for the Community

NO FEE EVENT

Saturday July 21

9 am-12 pm

What they say....

"I loved this group! The experiential work with the horses taught me so much. I learned that by slowing down and quieting myself I can more authentic choices."

L.B., administrative assistant

Greetings!

As spring ascends into the summer months, we find ourselves again at the cusp between the shift of seasons. The summer heat can make our blood boil faster and our tempers flair, and we can wind up being reactive and unbalanced in the different leadership roles we play. Summer also has its cool nights, lazy calm days, and time off from work and school. Thus the word equanimity seems appropriate as a theme to inspire us to cultivate balance, and leave the extremes behind. To awaken this balanced inner leader we must embark on the transformative journey of self-mastery. We humans can learn a thing or two from the herd. This newsletter has the first article in a series on Leadership and The Way of the Horse - we'd love to hear about what inspires and supports you on your journey toward self-mastery and equanimity.