THE COLLECTIVENESS OF INDIVIDUALS
Teachings from the Equine Paradigm of Living
By: Lynda Watson, Canada
‘Horses live in community that puts the individual and the collective on the same level. Not one over the other. In the equine paradigm of living, we learn to support and be supported. We learn to share our true self with the collective for it is seen as a valuable piece of the whole eco-system.’
I invite you to share some time with the horses and delve deeper into this paradigm of living. When one lives from the perspective of ‘equal to’ (individual and collective), not one more important than, they make decisions and take actions with that in mind. When one’s self-care is seen as global self-care at the same time, one feels a shift happen. What can we learn from the equine paradigm of living to create brighter futures for each individual and the collective? Let us start to define the collective as including all. All individuals, not just the human race. All take part in one ecosystem. Let us make space for the horses to lead the way.
A concept that I recently learned of seemed the perfect fit to deconstruct the above. The Hermeneutic Circle or Loop. In The Existential Foundation of the Hero’s Journey penned by Reg Harris, he writes: “The Hermeneutic Circle is the pattern that develops in the dialogue between us and our world: we can understand the whole of something in terms of its parts and the parts in terms of their relationship to the whole. A change in understanding at one pole, triggers a change in understanding at the other pole forcing us into an interpretive (hermeneutic) loop.”
Hermeneutics means to interpret and when we see it as a loop or even spiral, we can see the personal evolution we might be afforded when we sit with the horses and observe their model of living. I liken it to reading a book. When we read the book, we are given new points of view which in turn might influence or add to our own points of view. Hence the parts affect the whole. If we read the book again with that new perspective, we see fresh ideas in a book we have already read. Hence an evolutionary loop of understanding. When I sit with the equine model of living, I bring a new understanding to it each time.
A concept that I recently learned of seemed the perfect fit to deconstruct the above. The Hermeneutic Circle or Loop. In The Existential Foundation of the Hero’s Journey penned by Reg Harris, he writes: “The Hermeneutic Circle is the pattern that develops in the dialogue between us and our world: we can understand the whole of something in terms of its parts and the parts in terms of their relationship to the whole. A change in understanding at one pole, triggers a change in understanding at the other pole forcing us into an interpretive (hermeneutic) loop.”
Hermeneutics means to interpret and when we see it as a loop or even spiral, we can see the personal evolution we might be afforded when we sit with the horses and observe their model of living. I liken it to reading a book. When we read the book, we are given new points of view which in turn might influence or add to our own points of view. Hence the parts affect the whole. If we read the book again with that new perspective, we see fresh ideas in a book we have already read. Hence an evolutionary loop of understanding. When I sit with the equine model of living, I bring a new understanding to it each time.
A Visit with Horses
Today we are visiting a small herd of four horses that live free in their large paddocks. They are not stabled, have ample food so they can eat whenever needed, and have minimal contact with humans at this time in their life.
We head to the field in early December in central Canada. Although no snow is on the ground yet, the grass has stopped growing and the horses are picking at what is still available. Due to the weather here, the horses are supplemented with numerous piles of hay in the winter months.
It is a cool but very bearable sunny day. A bit of a fall wind reminds us of the changing seasons. The horses have access to 2 large paddocks and today we see 2 in each. This herd tends to have their set units. The only mare and younger gelding spend most of their time together. The 2 other geldings have their friend unit. Sometimes together, sometimes off on their own enjoying some me time. They are all amicable but this tends to be the way they share time and space.
You and I head out to the top of a hill in one field, close to the centre fence, so we can watch firsthand, the equine model of living. We bring a few blankets and chairs to get comfortable and stay warm.
You notice right away that they are sharing space and we discuss the above herd dynamics. We then decide to sit in silence for a while, taking in their way of living and interacting with each other as well as the world around them. Something to note here, we entered their environment. It is now our responsibility to offer a calm and grounded self so as not to upset their world. Horses are prey animals and hence very sensitive to the environment around them. If we want to observe their true model of living, we need to be clear that we are not a threat. That means being grounded, calm, and authentic, all aspects of their daily living. We use our breath, mind and body to create peaceful, and heart-based energy. It is the respectful way to enter their world. Or anyone’s (not just human’s) world for that matter.
As we sit in this calm silence the mare and gelding wander over our way. The mare leads the visit but the gelding soon comes ahead of her. It seems he is checking that all is ok for her visit. Supporting her in her curiosity to investigate the humans in the field. The gelding gives the ok that we are safe and moves on to find some left over morsels of grass. The other 2 geldings pick up their heads to look at what is happening but choose to stay put and munch on the tender left overs from summer. Always aware, but not concerned.
We sit for quite some time, watching and enjoying the brisk sunny day. We are captivated with the equine herd that is fully willing to accept our presence within their fields of green (or brown at this time). You mention a deep-down calm feeling of presence you feel when we really drop into their environment. We both take some long slow breaths and let that settle into our awareness. We eventually must offer thanks though, and head back to the barn. During our debrief you have some observations and questions regarding the equine model of living you have just witnessed and felt.
We sit for quite some time, watching and enjoying the brisk sunny day. We are captivated with the equine herd that is fully willing to accept our presence within their fields of green (or brown at this time). You mention a deep-down calm feeling of presence you feel when we really drop into their environment. We both take some long slow breaths and let that settle into our awareness. We eventually must offer thanks though, and head back to the barn. During our debrief you have some observations and questions regarding the equine model of living you have just witnessed and felt.
Today we are visiting a small herd of four horses that live free in their large paddocks. They are not stabled, have ample food so they can eat whenever needed, and have minimal contact with humans at this time in their life.
We head to the field in early December in central Canada. Although no snow is on the ground yet, the grass has stopped growing and the horses are picking at what is still available. Due to the weather here, the horses are supplemented with numerous piles of hay in the winter months.
It is a cool but very bearable sunny day. A bit of a fall wind reminds us of the changing seasons. The horses have access to 2 large paddocks and today we see 2 in each. This herd tends to have their set units. The only mare and younger gelding spend most of their time together. The 2 other geldings have their friend unit. Sometimes together, sometimes off on their own enjoying some me time. They are all amicable but this tends to be the way they share time and space.
You and I head out to the top of a hill in one field, close to the centre fence, so we can watch firsthand, the equine model of living. We bring a few blankets and chairs to get comfortable and stay warm.
You notice right away that they are sharing space and we discuss the above herd dynamics. We then decide to sit in silence for a while, taking in their way of living and interacting with each other as well as the world around them. Something to note here, we entered their environment. It is now our responsibility to offer a calm and grounded self so as not to upset their world. Horses are prey animals and hence very sensitive to the environment around them. If we want to observe their true model of living, we need to be clear that we are not a threat. That means being grounded, calm, and authentic, all aspects of their daily living. We use our breath, mind and body to create peaceful, and heart-based energy. It is the respectful way to enter their world. Or anyone’s (not just human’s) world for that matter.
As we sit in this calm silence the mare and gelding wander over our way. The mare leads the visit but the gelding soon comes ahead of her. It seems he is checking that all is ok for her visit. Supporting her in her curiosity to investigate the humans in the field. The gelding gives the ok that we are safe and moves on to find some left over morsels of grass. The other 2 geldings pick up their heads to look at what is happening but choose to stay put and munch on the tender left overs from summer. Always aware, but not concerned.
We sit for quite some time, watching and enjoying the brisk sunny day. We are captivated with the equine herd that is fully willing to accept our presence within their fields of green (or brown at this time). You mention a deep-down calm feeling of presence you feel when we really drop into their environment. We both take some long slow breaths and let that settle into our awareness. We eventually must offer thanks though, and head back to the barn. During our debrief you have some observations and questions regarding the equine model of living you have just witnessed and felt.
We sit for quite some time, watching and enjoying the brisk sunny day. We are captivated with the equine herd that is fully willing to accept our presence within their fields of green (or brown at this time). You mention a deep-down calm feeling of presence you feel when we really drop into their environment. We both take some long slow breaths and let that settle into our awareness. We eventually must offer thanks though, and head back to the barn. During our debrief you have some observations and questions regarding the equine model of living you have just witnessed and felt.
Three Questions
For the sake of our time today, we go with your three top questions, knowing on another visit we can talk about and learn more. That Hermeneutic Loop. What you learn on one visit will be integrated into life experiences. On another visit with the horses, you will come with a different point of view and see them in a whole new light. And so on. And so on.
Firstly, you ask about the two geldings. You suggest that they didn’t seem interested in us. My question in return is, why should they? They are simply and utterly being horses with no expectations or judgements on each other. Since we entered their world in a calm and grounded state, we became part of the herd. We became horses. They knew we were there. They kept an eye on the other 2 horses and us. They were super aware of their environment. But they had no obligations to come and see us or offer us any kind of interaction. If that was an expectation of ours, then we need to be aware of bringing that to the field ourselves. They are truly authentic in how they are in the world. Authentically being themselves with no judgement or expectations. I ask you if you have ever felt this in your day-to-day life with others? Have you had an expectation of interaction? Be that a hello, a smile, a conversation, etc. How did you feel when that expectation wasn’t fulfilled? What would it be like if you let go of that and were more like a horse? I suggest that there is no need to answer these questions now but to consider them and the stress that they put on you. What can we learn here from the equine paradigm of living, about being our authentic selves, in the present moment?
Your next question references seeing the horses ‘chewing’ on each others’ shoulders. I explain that that is mutual grooming. Not having hands to scratch with can be tricky. Therefore, the individual relies on the collective to tend to self care. Tending to self = tending to all. If the individual’s needs are met, the collective is in a healthier state and able to remain safe, as well as sustain the evolution of the species. I see you deep in thought on that one and suggest considering this concept for yourself, for humanity, for all. If I tend to my emotions and well being, do I not walk more softly on the earth? Am I not one more human that is helping bring humanity towards a brighter future. One person, and another and another. All collectively coming closer to a tipping point of compassion and kindness.
Thirdly, you talk about noticing how the horses communicated. The mare and gelding spent a fair amount of time at the large hay container. Sometimes eating peacefully and sometimes one pushing the other away for a moment. How does that not create animosity? Do they see each other as bossy? Or angry? Great questions. And isn’t communication (in any way, shape or form) integral to our relationship, understanding and interpretation of the world we live in? Horses set clear boundaries with their body language, especially when they are eating from a limited resource. (i.e., The hay is in piles, not carpeted on the ground like grass, so it can look like a limited resource in that moment in time.) For one to throw their ears back in creating a boundary is common. You are in my space, please don’t come any closer. The brilliant thing about horses is that they don’t stay in that feeling. No animosity, ever. 'Bossy' is a human concept not a horse one. So clear boundaries are set in the moment but that same scenario might look very different in the next moment. No hard feelings. It just is what it is. I finish this with some things to consider from the equine model of living. 1. Clear boundaries, do you set them? 2. Boundaries, do you get stuck in the emotion of them and not enjoy the next moment? How would the human collective change if we all practiced living in the ever-present moment? It is all about communication.
For the sake of our time today, we go with your three top questions, knowing on another visit we can talk about and learn more. That Hermeneutic Loop. What you learn on one visit will be integrated into life experiences. On another visit with the horses, you will come with a different point of view and see them in a whole new light. And so on. And so on.
Firstly, you ask about the two geldings. You suggest that they didn’t seem interested in us. My question in return is, why should they? They are simply and utterly being horses with no expectations or judgements on each other. Since we entered their world in a calm and grounded state, we became part of the herd. We became horses. They knew we were there. They kept an eye on the other 2 horses and us. They were super aware of their environment. But they had no obligations to come and see us or offer us any kind of interaction. If that was an expectation of ours, then we need to be aware of bringing that to the field ourselves. They are truly authentic in how they are in the world. Authentically being themselves with no judgement or expectations. I ask you if you have ever felt this in your day-to-day life with others? Have you had an expectation of interaction? Be that a hello, a smile, a conversation, etc. How did you feel when that expectation wasn’t fulfilled? What would it be like if you let go of that and were more like a horse? I suggest that there is no need to answer these questions now but to consider them and the stress that they put on you. What can we learn here from the equine paradigm of living, about being our authentic selves, in the present moment?
Your next question references seeing the horses ‘chewing’ on each others’ shoulders. I explain that that is mutual grooming. Not having hands to scratch with can be tricky. Therefore, the individual relies on the collective to tend to self care. Tending to self = tending to all. If the individual’s needs are met, the collective is in a healthier state and able to remain safe, as well as sustain the evolution of the species. I see you deep in thought on that one and suggest considering this concept for yourself, for humanity, for all. If I tend to my emotions and well being, do I not walk more softly on the earth? Am I not one more human that is helping bring humanity towards a brighter future. One person, and another and another. All collectively coming closer to a tipping point of compassion and kindness.
Thirdly, you talk about noticing how the horses communicated. The mare and gelding spent a fair amount of time at the large hay container. Sometimes eating peacefully and sometimes one pushing the other away for a moment. How does that not create animosity? Do they see each other as bossy? Or angry? Great questions. And isn’t communication (in any way, shape or form) integral to our relationship, understanding and interpretation of the world we live in? Horses set clear boundaries with their body language, especially when they are eating from a limited resource. (i.e., The hay is in piles, not carpeted on the ground like grass, so it can look like a limited resource in that moment in time.) For one to throw their ears back in creating a boundary is common. You are in my space, please don’t come any closer. The brilliant thing about horses is that they don’t stay in that feeling. No animosity, ever. 'Bossy' is a human concept not a horse one. So clear boundaries are set in the moment but that same scenario might look very different in the next moment. No hard feelings. It just is what it is. I finish this with some things to consider from the equine model of living. 1. Clear boundaries, do you set them? 2. Boundaries, do you get stuck in the emotion of them and not enjoy the next moment? How would the human collective change if we all practiced living in the ever-present moment? It is all about communication.
Equine Paradigm of Living
To finish you make one final inquiry. You speak a lot of the collective and the individual. Would you speak more to that? With pleasure. If we go back to the concept of the Hermeneutic Loop (or spiral) we can look at understanding the parts (us as individuals) and the whole (humanity and the planet we live on, including all things). When we are offered another point of view to consider, the equine paradigm of living and choose to interpret that into our lives, then we create a ripple effect of changes. When we make positive changes in our lives, we have a grand effect on the whole. We are making changes in the entire eco-system. That age old saying: ‘we are all connected’ is so, so true. I checked to find the original author of that phrase. His name is Serge King and he wrote: “We are all connected to everyone and everything in the universe. Therefore, everything one does as an individual affects the whole.” The horses offer a paradigm of living that makes that connection and journey forward peaceful and positive.
There is so much more we could talk about. Perhaps you will sit with me in the field again and we can discuss further perspectives that are enhanced by their example of living. It would be my honour.
I propose that you watch how your points of view evolve and change over time and hopefully you are called to visit with the horses once more. For their way of living sees the self as a valuable and integral piece of the whole. Only when we truly believe and live that in our daily lives, can we all exist ‘equal to’ (not separate from), and support each other in a bright future for all. ~*~
To finish you make one final inquiry. You speak a lot of the collective and the individual. Would you speak more to that? With pleasure. If we go back to the concept of the Hermeneutic Loop (or spiral) we can look at understanding the parts (us as individuals) and the whole (humanity and the planet we live on, including all things). When we are offered another point of view to consider, the equine paradigm of living and choose to interpret that into our lives, then we create a ripple effect of changes. When we make positive changes in our lives, we have a grand effect on the whole. We are making changes in the entire eco-system. That age old saying: ‘we are all connected’ is so, so true. I checked to find the original author of that phrase. His name is Serge King and he wrote: “We are all connected to everyone and everything in the universe. Therefore, everything one does as an individual affects the whole.” The horses offer a paradigm of living that makes that connection and journey forward peaceful and positive.
There is so much more we could talk about. Perhaps you will sit with me in the field again and we can discuss further perspectives that are enhanced by their example of living. It would be my honour.
I propose that you watch how your points of view evolve and change over time and hopefully you are called to visit with the horses once more. For their way of living sees the self as a valuable and integral piece of the whole. Only when we truly believe and live that in our daily lives, can we all exist ‘equal to’ (not separate from), and support each other in a bright future for all. ~*~
