Herd Wisdoms for the Times

July 2020

Dear reader,

While we in the northern hemisphere are approaching late summer and all of its abundance, we are all in the midst of collective fall. We are present to such visible uncertainty and fragility, so much falling away.

This time of fall, of falling, is bringing up much to the individual and collective surface. We are being powerfully reminded of how little we control in the outer, and are reckoning with the ways life’s cycles simply continue on.

A central question seems to be emerging for many, articulate or not:

If this is all temporary and wildly unpredictable, where is it that we do have agency? 

In the work with the horses, especially in this chapter, we bring this question often.

Every time it surfaces, as we bring our ‘what can I control,’ ‘why is this happening,’ and ‘what will happen,’ we are enveloped with a warm, silent kindness. These questions are met with the open sky, the feeling of their warm bodies, the sounds of quiet munching on hay. 

Then, after a time, with ease or stubbornness, our thinking begins to be melted by the deeper wisdoms of the horses, which I will call reminders.

It is in these essential moments that we are reminded where our true agency lies.

The horses show us that our real agency lies in slowing down.

In cultivating present, regulated bodies. 

In leaning on those we feel safe and connected with for support and setting boundaries with those that do not meet these criteria. 

In remaining connected to our bodies, feeding ourselves what nourishes and delights us, and breathing deeply.

In listening to our environment always.

In caring for those that we truly love.

In trusting our intuitive knowing.

In being here while we are here. They are very good at this :)

Despite lurking predators and wild storms, these wisdoms have been the bedrock of their survival and resilience as a species for 55 million years.

Their reminders are simple, profound, and powerful. 

As we continue to meet our collective unknowing as a species, and anxiety rates are sky high, for these reminders I am deeply grateful.

May they serve you, too.