Mindfulness, What's In Your Mind?

Mindfulness; I've come across an interesting term in an article I recently read, mindfulness.

Mindful; Being conscious or aware of something.

I really liked the term and have already used it while spending time in a session with a participant here at Prospect Riding Center. During any of the equine activities we offer as services I am interacting with the participant and often verbally prompting them to direct their attention to the horse. I have to consciously remind myself to allow some quiet time for the horse to have the interaction with the client. I realized I had already been asking questions concerning mindfulness of our activities.

As we learn herd behavior we need to be mindful of the body language of the horse. The cues from their body language allow us to read the horse, whether they are relaxed, curious, or even uncomfortable.  If we are aware of the position of their ears, we can tell what they are paying attention to. Its fun for folks to notice the horse’s ears can move independently; often one ear turns towards them while sometimes keeping the other ear in a different position. Eventually we connect with the horse more easily if we are mindful of these things. When Babe is in the cross ties for grooming she really zones out, often her eyes are half closed. She will assume a typical stance and cock up one leg in the back, resting her hoof on her toe. For beginners this can look like she may be ready to pick that leg up and kick. Once they understand this is a relaxed position, just as if we stand with our weight on one leg, they too can become more relaxed. 

Captivating and redirecting our thoughts will allow us to be in the moment and see just what is in front of us. It's easy to overlook so much when we are distracted. If we can slow down any racing thoughts, clear our mind of a to do list and become mindful of our surroundings, we may just become more aware of the present moment.

I like to help folks generalize this new horse body language to be useable in their day to day interactions. If we are mindful of others body language we can also know if the other person is relaxed, curious or even uncomfortable. Here at Prospect Riding Center we enjoy using the phrase, ‘not only a difference for a day, but for a lifetime’. When someone leaves our facility and is able to take notice and be more mindful to a friend, parent, or caregiver then we feel thankful to our
herd for the lesson, and for the fun in learning!

It's so pleasant to have my mind full of the realization that it is a privilege to be with someone when they have an "ah ha" moment. When I have that experience
I want to share it. How about you? What fills your mind; exactly what are you
mindful of?