Being Present in the Now:
For me, riding is my meditation, my yoga, my therapy, my focus on being present in the current moment. When I ride, that’s it. That’s my whole being. My physical body is unified with the horse’s physical body, my mental focus is on each step and breath of the horse, right as it’s happening!
Yoga and meditation are exercises in becoming aware of your own self in the present moment. They allow you to focus on your breath right now, your thoughts right now, your emotional and physical states right now. Spiritual teachings often discuss the idea of being present in the “now”, or “awareness,” or “consciousness.” Often, philosophers say, we are too busy living in, or worrying about, the past or the future so we cannot possibly be living in the current moment, which in turn does not allow us to appreciate or show gratitude for where we are right now.
I have to let go of any other outside thoughts, worries, or fears when I ride. I can’t think about my grocery list while I’m riding, I can’t worry about paying bills, or think about an illness in the family. All of that goes away. Riding is an instant meditation. It’s all about your connection with the animal. I immediately become totally absorbed in the grooming of the horse, saddling him, and of course, as soon as my foot is in the stirrup my mind, body and spirit are only focused on the present moment. If my mind drifts off, it will be reflected by the horse. The horse will become unfocused and he won’t be able to perform correctly because his rider, his partner, is not being attentive.
Each of us needs to find something in life that allows them to be totally present in the now. And then our challenge is to carry the feeling of being present not only while we’re in our meditation, but all of the time! Focusing on the past or future is useless! All we have is the now, so that is where we need to be all of the time, otherwise we’re missing out!
Claire Affleck
Claire Affleck Training website
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“A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses”
My brother often shares your writing with me and I am grateful when he does. You inspire me.
Wishing you a wonderful day.
Scott – Sarasota, FL
Thank you, Scott! It makes me feel so good to hear that my words inspire others. I have always felt so grateful for the people in my life that inspire me to move forward, think differently, grow, stretch, and learn. I am also grateful for the horses in my life that do the same thing! Thank you so much for your kind words!