Confusion has been the theme for me the past few months. From caregiving duties to canine hospice to a connection with the southern hemisphere - I have found myself rattled and trying to get grounded pretty often.
And I am quite fortunate to have in-house, equine connections to ground me quite properly. When my mind reels from trying to remember what I'm supposed to get at the pharmacy or I suddenly think, "what time is it in Australia?" for no apparent reason... or I notice that my remaining dogs are getting gray hair and start crying, well, that's time to hug a horse as soon as possible.
The day to day routine of caring for the horses is also a grounding exercise. So is gardening, painting, sewing, singing, any number of activities that pull us from our disconnection. That sense of being needed, wanted or of accomplishment can settle the dust of discontented, scattered energy and allow us a deep breath of peace.
I've been looking into music lately to heal some things for me. As I find new artists to enjoy and depend upon old favorites, the notion came to me to make some of my own. I am pursuing this and find it refreshing. So much of my life has been repetitive - no complaints - just awareness that a refresh can be uplifting.
Sitting with my brother tonight watching a video of Howie Day (who I greatly admire), I said "I wish I could be him". Now, I meant young and talented and awesome. Billy thought for a moment and said to me, "He probably wishes he had horses". And it shifted my whole night.
![Howie Day - Madrigals [Demo Version]](https://thumbnail.constantcontact.com/remoting/v1/vthumb/YOUTUBE/bf08a7c0fdba4410a004abf5822cc6a4) |
| Howie Day - Madrigals [Demo Version] |
Years ago, I was in a gallery in Old Mesilla and the woman there commented on my shirt. "I have horses", I said, "I teach riding". "I would give anything to have a horse," she replied. Anything... I thought about the look in her eyes, she meant it.
We all have
common ground because we each have passions and pain; times of confusion and times of connection. We just have to remember who we are when we feel like we are losing sight of ourselves... it takes some effort and courage at times - and just the right song (wink).
And doing things for others is profoundly helpful for me. That "common ground" of seeing another person's perspective and their needs, then learning if I have the ability to add something good to their experience strengthens my own soul.
I have been preparing a student and one of my horses for competition in October and November. We are not a competitive stable yard. We do not usually work toward such ends, but this is a special situation. This young woman has no other opportunity to ride in a show (the October venue) or in a Combined Training Horse Trials (November). She has worked so hard here, she has earned this.
I feel honored to be able to help her realize her dream. I know what it feels like to be her.
And I sit tonight, crying, releasing some stuff that needs cleansing... it has been hard to trust others with my mother and also difficult to realize that they have helped her more than I was able to do. It's as if I feel the pain of dying stars, distant, gone cold and dark... so I must remind myself that we are made of stars. We have to now shine for them.
And the truth is, we heal each other. Hug someone today and hold on for a few seconds longer than usual. And that someone need not be human.
Katharine & the
Dharmahorse Tribe!
HUGS to you.
