Living Differently:
Changing The Paradigm To Freedom
By: Lynda Watson
This year's theme from that fateful sticky note.
There is a reason for such a title.
Last year I had the honour to attend the ‘Voice of the Horse’ conference of the Equine Assisted & Facilitated Practitioners Network and to speak about Equine Leadership. Knowing we would be heading into the 4th edition of the magazine in the upcoming year and we didn’t have a theme for it yet, my intuition told me that this would be the perfect time and place to find one. I decided to ask participants to connect with the ‘equine collective’ and ask them what they wanted the next edition to be about. Many wonderful equine voices were heard. I asked participants to write their equine messages on a sticky note and stick it on the wall. The wall was covered. The sticky note that jumped out was the one you see here. It was clear that we were to write about the skills and qualities that we need to live ‘differently’, to change our own paradigms to freedom. The horses wanted us to go deep... to write about the emotions and feelings that they help us discover and connect with.
But how does that all tie into ‘freedom’? And how can they help us create a change in our paradigms? It does, and they can, in a very big yet gentle way!
Last year I had the honour to attend the ‘Voice of the Horse’ conference of the Equine Assisted & Facilitated Practitioners Network and to speak about Equine Leadership. Knowing we would be heading into the 4th edition of the magazine in the upcoming year and we didn’t have a theme for it yet, my intuition told me that this would be the perfect time and place to find one. I decided to ask participants to connect with the ‘equine collective’ and ask them what they wanted the next edition to be about. Many wonderful equine voices were heard. I asked participants to write their equine messages on a sticky note and stick it on the wall. The wall was covered. The sticky note that jumped out was the one you see here. It was clear that we were to write about the skills and qualities that we need to live ‘differently’, to change our own paradigms to freedom. The horses wanted us to go deep... to write about the emotions and feelings that they help us discover and connect with.
But how does that all tie into ‘freedom’? And how can they help us create a change in our paradigms? It does, and they can, in a very big yet gentle way!
Let’s step back a moment and create a visual. You stop along the side of the road to watch a herd of horses galloping across a field OR you close your eyes and imagine a horse galloping across the vast wilderness that is its home. (Think the Black Stallion galloping along that beautiful beach.)
“Because Freedom is something every human strives for.”
What do most humans see in that moment? Yup, freedom. Why? Because Freedom is something every human strives for. Some attain it - some do not. But we all have a taste for it. We know instinctively what it ‘feels’ like. Can we get there? Yes, we can... with the help of the horses for sure.
Let’s define a few of these first just so we are all on the same page.
Paradigm: a typical example or pattern of something.
Freedom: Oxford defines it as, the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. OR The power of self-determination attributed to the will.
Of course, freedom is such a huge subject. Books and papers have been written on the philosophy of freedom with mention in literature as far back as the bible. If you wish to go down the proverbial rabbit hole and delve into the history, philosophy and multiple concepts of freedom may I suggest:
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Freedom_(philosophy)
For the sake of this article let us go with the Oxford definition.
The power to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. We can think of that in 2 ways. One, from the internal and another from the external. The internal: how am I hindering myself from doing what I wish to do? What is preventing me from being/feeling ‘free’? That’s a big one... NO a huge one. And the external: Am I able to stand up to external hindrances that may be holding me back from doing what I wish? When we think about the second it often relates back to the first. Do I have the courage to use my voice? Is there something in my past I have to let go of to be able to stand up in the present? Is there a conversation that I need to have that I have been putting off?
Let me tell you a short story that will demonstrate.
The horses and I had worked privately with 3 ladies, 3 sessions each. They knew each other but had not shared about the sessions amongst themselves. When we were done with the sessions, I took them out for coffee. I wanted to ask them a few questions. They didn’t not know what the questions were beforehand. Off to coffee we went.
Coffees made, and everyone settled in, I pushed ahead with my first question. What was the number one take away that you received from your sessions with the horses?
“Because Freedom is something every human strives for.”
What do most humans see in that moment? Yup, freedom. Why? Because Freedom is something every human strives for. Some attain it - some do not. But we all have a taste for it. We know instinctively what it ‘feels’ like. Can we get there? Yes, we can... with the help of the horses for sure.
Let’s define a few of these first just so we are all on the same page.
Paradigm: a typical example or pattern of something.
Freedom: Oxford defines it as, the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. OR The power of self-determination attributed to the will.
Of course, freedom is such a huge subject. Books and papers have been written on the philosophy of freedom with mention in literature as far back as the bible. If you wish to go down the proverbial rabbit hole and delve into the history, philosophy and multiple concepts of freedom may I suggest:
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Freedom_(philosophy)
For the sake of this article let us go with the Oxford definition.
The power to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. We can think of that in 2 ways. One, from the internal and another from the external. The internal: how am I hindering myself from doing what I wish to do? What is preventing me from being/feeling ‘free’? That’s a big one... NO a huge one. And the external: Am I able to stand up to external hindrances that may be holding me back from doing what I wish? When we think about the second it often relates back to the first. Do I have the courage to use my voice? Is there something in my past I have to let go of to be able to stand up in the present? Is there a conversation that I need to have that I have been putting off?
Let me tell you a short story that will demonstrate.
The horses and I had worked privately with 3 ladies, 3 sessions each. They knew each other but had not shared about the sessions amongst themselves. When we were done with the sessions, I took them out for coffee. I wanted to ask them a few questions. They didn’t not know what the questions were beforehand. Off to coffee we went.
Coffees made, and everyone settled in, I pushed ahead with my first question. What was the number one take away that you received from your sessions with the horses?
Letting go
Interestingly they all had the same answer, said in 3 different ways. They had learned to let go of that which was not or was no longer theirs. To quote one of these lovely ladies: “I was able to say to someone: That is yours, it isn’t mine!”
First: understanding what was theirs, and what was something they were ‘holding’ for someone else. (That could be someone else’s expectations, fear, anxiety, anger, etc.). Second: to realize it or become aware of it – knowing it was not theirs and take the actions to let it go. That took numerous forms, but the end result was that they freed themselves of something that was ‘perceived’ to be their own challenge.
What does freedom mean to you? Is it to: Cast off the chains of the past? Release the burdens of the future? Stand up for something you are passionate about? Stand up for yourself?
So how can a horse help a human change their paradigm to freedom?
Let us start with: what is freedom to a horse? We can go back to the picture I painted at the beginning of a horse or herd galloping across a field. Perhaps they are stretching their legs after some time inside or enjoying some good footing after a particularly precarious winter of treacherous ground beneath their feet. Or youngsters playing with their pals, stretching and building muscles and working on their agility in practice for being a grown up. Are they domesticated or wild? Freedom is different to both. A wild herd is ‘free’ (they don’t have stalls, fences, etc.).
In the wild, herds only run for one reason – away from something when there is a threat or perceived threat. You rarely see them run, because they are conserving their energy for when it is needed. Youngsters will play and stretch. Young males will play fight to learn how to protect their herd later on in life. For the most part a herd’s existence is quiet and peaceful. They need the 3 F’s: Friends (social structure), Forage (food/water) and Freedom.
Freedom =Safety =Presence
Anything that takes them out of the moment threatens their freedom. To be present fully allows them to be hyper vigilant and read their environment for threats, which could be a change in energy, a movement in the bushes a distance away. If they were to spend their time worrying about each other’s expectations or emotions or even their own, they put the whole herd in danger. And so, it translates that when we spend time with horses they react to our energy. They want to remain safe and that means remaining present. If we step into their environment and are not fully in the moment, then we present a threat to them. We aren’t threatening them directly, but if their attention is drawn to us because we aren’t present, then they aren’t able to watch the rest of their environment.
If I am worrying about what others think of me, if I am tied up in anxiety from the past or worry for the future, if I am spending my time and energy on pleasing others, am I truly present in this moment??? NO. Therefore, I am not creating a safe space for the horse to be around and he/she will act accordingly. The horses might want to leave my proximity, or they might dissociate with me altogether.
Interestingly they all had the same answer, said in 3 different ways. They had learned to let go of that which was not or was no longer theirs. To quote one of these lovely ladies: “I was able to say to someone: That is yours, it isn’t mine!”
First: understanding what was theirs, and what was something they were ‘holding’ for someone else. (That could be someone else’s expectations, fear, anxiety, anger, etc.). Second: to realize it or become aware of it – knowing it was not theirs and take the actions to let it go. That took numerous forms, but the end result was that they freed themselves of something that was ‘perceived’ to be their own challenge.
What does freedom mean to you? Is it to: Cast off the chains of the past? Release the burdens of the future? Stand up for something you are passionate about? Stand up for yourself?
So how can a horse help a human change their paradigm to freedom?
Let us start with: what is freedom to a horse? We can go back to the picture I painted at the beginning of a horse or herd galloping across a field. Perhaps they are stretching their legs after some time inside or enjoying some good footing after a particularly precarious winter of treacherous ground beneath their feet. Or youngsters playing with their pals, stretching and building muscles and working on their agility in practice for being a grown up. Are they domesticated or wild? Freedom is different to both. A wild herd is ‘free’ (they don’t have stalls, fences, etc.).
In the wild, herds only run for one reason – away from something when there is a threat or perceived threat. You rarely see them run, because they are conserving their energy for when it is needed. Youngsters will play and stretch. Young males will play fight to learn how to protect their herd later on in life. For the most part a herd’s existence is quiet and peaceful. They need the 3 F’s: Friends (social structure), Forage (food/water) and Freedom.
Freedom =Safety =Presence
Anything that takes them out of the moment threatens their freedom. To be present fully allows them to be hyper vigilant and read their environment for threats, which could be a change in energy, a movement in the bushes a distance away. If they were to spend their time worrying about each other’s expectations or emotions or even their own, they put the whole herd in danger. And so, it translates that when we spend time with horses they react to our energy. They want to remain safe and that means remaining present. If we step into their environment and are not fully in the moment, then we present a threat to them. We aren’t threatening them directly, but if their attention is drawn to us because we aren’t present, then they aren’t able to watch the rest of their environment.
If I am worrying about what others think of me, if I am tied up in anxiety from the past or worry for the future, if I am spending my time and energy on pleasing others, am I truly present in this moment??? NO. Therefore, I am not creating a safe space for the horse to be around and he/she will act accordingly. The horses might want to leave my proximity, or they might dissociate with me altogether.
Free to be present
Like my three ladies who found freedom in their interactions with the horses. These ladies will forever be able to look at a situation/person and say (with kindness) that is yours, it is not mine and I choose to be FREE! Will they act differently with that knowledge and paradigm shift? Absolutely for they now have a new way of living and the tools to do it, they changed the patterns they were living by.
With a skilled facilitator assisting, I am able to read the message the horse is giving me. I can then connect with my body and mind to read what is going on inside of me and make necessary changes to show the horse that I can be a safe being to be around. In turn I can be FREE! Free from that which is keeping me from the present moment. From galloping across the proverbial field with the wind in my mane and the grass under my feet. And I can run as fast as I wish! Truly FREE!"
Thanks to some wonderful 4-legged masters.... masters of Changing our Paradigm to FREEDOM. ~*~
Like my three ladies who found freedom in their interactions with the horses. These ladies will forever be able to look at a situation/person and say (with kindness) that is yours, it is not mine and I choose to be FREE! Will they act differently with that knowledge and paradigm shift? Absolutely for they now have a new way of living and the tools to do it, they changed the patterns they were living by.
With a skilled facilitator assisting, I am able to read the message the horse is giving me. I can then connect with my body and mind to read what is going on inside of me and make necessary changes to show the horse that I can be a safe being to be around. In turn I can be FREE! Free from that which is keeping me from the present moment. From galloping across the proverbial field with the wind in my mane and the grass under my feet. And I can run as fast as I wish! Truly FREE!"
Thanks to some wonderful 4-legged masters.... masters of Changing our Paradigm to FREEDOM. ~*~
Lynda Watson Bio
A quiet dedication to my late father who absolutely loved the horses and they always returned the love.
Lynda Watson is a passionate and joyful human being. .Along with her Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) business, HorseTouch Life Design she founded the community organization, Dreamation that bring values and skills learned from the horses to diverse audiences in various social settings. At the time of this publication Lynda is carrying out several contracts in the field of case management. One for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls and one for the Canadian Red Cross. Both roles she fulfills with great honour and respect. Lynda has enjoyed many fabulous adventures on her journey through life so far.
These include; mother, equestrian coach with her own farm for 20 years, equine photographer, working in the humanitarian field, avid traveler and lifelong learner in the field of human potential. She also works as a professional facilitator with positions such as senior facilitator with the Canadian Red Cross. Lynda’s life mission is to make positive and peaceful change in the world while inspiring and supporting others to do the same. ‘Equine Leadership’ is one exciting endeavour she adds to her always growing list.
Website: www.equineleadership.ca Email: lynda.equineleadership@gmail.com
These include; mother, equestrian coach with her own farm for 20 years, equine photographer, working in the humanitarian field, avid traveler and lifelong learner in the field of human potential. She also works as a professional facilitator with positions such as senior facilitator with the Canadian Red Cross. Lynda’s life mission is to make positive and peaceful change in the world while inspiring and supporting others to do the same. ‘Equine Leadership’ is one exciting endeavour she adds to her always growing list.
Website: www.equineleadership.ca Email: lynda.equineleadership@gmail.com