JOURNEY OF REFLECTION:
Ponderings and Insights on Life, Horses, and Self-Discovery
Returning to Self
It’s been seven years since I last wrote here.
That feels both like a long time… and no time at all.
Back then, I was at the beginning of something, tentatively stepping into this work, finding my way with horses, with people, and with myself. I didn’t know exactly what Dane with Equus would become, only that I felt called toward something deeper, something more connected.
And then life happened, as it does.
The years since have been full. Quietly, deeply full. Not always in ways that are easy to share or neatly put into words. There has been growth, yes, but also grief, questioning, overextending, healing, and a continual returning to what feels true.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped writing.
Not consciously. Not with a decision. Just a gentle drifting away from it.
And yet, over these past weeks, being unwell, being forced (finally) to slow down, I’ve felt something stirring again. A pull back toward reflection. Toward putting words to experience. Toward making sense of things not just in my mind, but through my body, through feeling… through writing.
Because writing, I’m remembering, is not just expression.
It’s a kind of healing.
A way of sitting with what is, instead of moving past it too quickly.
A way of listening, really listening, to the quieter parts of myself that often get lost in the busyness of doing, giving, holding space for others.
As a highly sensitive person, I move through the world feeling a lot. Taking in a lot. Holding a lot. And for a long time, I’ve met that sensitivity by trying to manage it, push through it, or simply carry on.
Even recently, being ill for weeks, I found myself doing what I’ve always done, reducing things by half or even less, instead of allowing myself to stop completely. Still trying to be available. Still trying to keep things going.
Until my body asked, more clearly this time, for something different.
And in that pause, in the space I didn’t choose but eventually accepted, something softened.
Writing came back.
Not as something I should do for my business.
But as something I need to do for myself.
A way to process grief, including the loss of my dog Charlie, who continues to teach me about love and presence even in his absence.
A way to reflect on what it means to be a guardian to Big Annie, and how much she asks of me, not in doing, but in being.
A way to make sense of this next chapter, where my work is evolving once again. Training as a play therapist. Deepening my understanding of how to support children, horses, and the spaces between them. Feeling the quiet excitement of what’s emerging, even while not having all the answers yet.
So this feels like a beginning again.
Not a polished return. Not a “here’s everything I’ve figured out.”
But a gentle opening.
A space where I can share more honestly. More slowly. More in tune with how I actually live and work.
You might find reflections here on sensitivity, on healing, on horses, on grief, on growth. On the messy, non-linear reality of being human and trying to create something meaningful in the world.
And perhaps, in the writing itself, there will be something shared that resonates.
Not because it’s perfect.
But because it’s real.
It’s good to be back.
The Tao of Equus by Linda Kahanov
Unveiling the Wisdom of Equus: 10 Key Themes in Linda Kohanov's "The Tao of Equus"
This was one of the first books I read about the horse-human bond. I highly recommend reading Linda’s first book.
In Linda Kohanov's captivating book, "The Tao of Equus," she takes readers on a transformative journey through the world of horses, exploring the deep connections between humans and these majestic creatures. Drawing upon her own experiences and insights as an equine expert, Kohanov weaves together personal stories, ancient wisdom, and equine philosophy to shed light on the profound lessons horses can teach us about ourselves and our relationships. Join me as we delve into the 10 key themes that make "The Tao of Equus" an enlightening and thought-provoking read.
1. The Nature of Horses:
Kohanov introduces readers to the innate nature of horses, their herd dynamics, and their ability to mirror and respond to human emotions. By understanding their natural behavior, we can forge deeper connections and learn valuable lessons about authenticity and emotional intelligence.
2. Emotional Alchemy:
"The Tao of Equus" explores the transformative power of working with horses to heal emotional wounds and discover inner strength. Kohanov reveals how horses can help us navigate and transform our emotions, leading to personal growth and self-awareness.
3. Trust and Partnership:
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and Kohanov emphasizes the importance of developing trust and building true partnerships with horses. By learning to communicate and collaborate with horses, we can cultivate trust, empathy, and cooperation in our human relationships.
4. Non-Verbal Communication:
Horses communicate primarily through body language and energy, and Kohanov highlights the significance of honing our non-verbal communication skills. By becoming attuned to subtle cues, we can deepen our connections with horses and enhance our ability to connect with others in our lives.
5. Leadership and Boundaries:
Through the wisdom of horses, "The Tao of Equus" explores a new paradigm of leadership based on mutual respect and clear boundaries. Kohanov challenges traditional notions of dominance and control, advocating for a leadership style that is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration.
6. Intuition and Instinct:
Horses are intuitive creatures, and Kohanov encourages readers to tap into their own intuition and inner wisdom. By embracing our instincts and trusting our gut feelings, we can make better decisions and lead more authentic lives.
7. Healing and Transformation:
"The Tao of Equus" delves into the remarkable healing power of horses, both physically and emotionally. Kohanov shares stories of individuals who have experienced profound transformation through their connection with horses, illustrating the potential for healing and growth that lies within each of us.
8. Mindfulness and Presence:
Horses invite us to be fully present in the moment, and Kohanov explores the practice of mindfulness in our interactions with these sentient beings. By cultivating presence and awareness, we can deepen our connection with horses and experience a greater sense of peace and clarity in our lives.
9. Authenticity and Self-Expression:
Horses encourage us to embrace our authentic selves and express our true emotions. Kohanov highlights the importance of honoring our individuality and embracing vulnerability, allowing us to forge deeper connections with horses and others.
10. Oneness and Interconnectedness:
"The Tao of Equus" invites us to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and the web of life. Kohanov explores the concept of oneness, illustrating how horses can serve as powerful catalysts for expanding our consciousness and fostering a sense of unity and harmony with the world around us.
Linda Kohanov's "The Tao of Equus" offers a profound and transformative exploration of the human-horse connection. By embracing the wisdom of horses, we can tap into our own inner wisdom, cultivate meaningful relationships, and navigate life with greater authenticity and grace. The 10 key themes discussed in this blog post provide a glimpse into the transformative journey that "The Tao of Equus" offers, inviting readers to embark on an exploration of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth.
The Birth of Dance with Equus
When I turned 40, I thought it was getting to late for me to have children. I had always wanted children, little did I realize that my child would not be human. Not having a husband or partner, I had my GP make a referral to the fertility clinic, so I could have a child on my own. Several visits and tests later, I learned that both my Fallopian tubes were blocked and could not be unblocked and decided IVF was not an option for me. I was devastated upon hearing this news. It is only now, 8 years later, that I have come to terms with what is, although there are some days that a pang of pain hits. This past year I've been on a journey, a healing journey with the help of several horses and a skilled psychotherapist. I will be writing about my journey in my blog. For now, I will say that the birth of Dance with Equus is a result of the journey I've been on for sometime, searching, for what I did not know until this past year. This journey has been laborious and the result is not the big healthy boy I gave birth to in a dream, but rather the birth of Dance with Equus. This is my new child, that I have know put forth in to the world. I've always been in some kind of helping/teaching role, now my role is to assist others in becoming their best self with the help of Horse.
