As I set out on a two-hour trail ride through the vast and tranquil desert landscape, I knew I was in for a unique and transformative experience. My faithful companion for the journey was none other than Athena, the magnificent Friesian horse. Together, we embarked on a ride that would take us through a journey of trust, connection, and heart-opening moments.
Athena's presence was awe-inspiring, her majestic black coat glistening in the sunlight. But it was more than her physical beauty that had drawn me to her; it was the bond of trust and understanding that we had cultivated over time.
At the beginning of the ride, it was evident that Athena wasn't quite sure about me. Her large, expressive eyes revealed a hint of uncertainty as we set off into the desert. It was as if she was assessing whether she could trust this new rider on her back.
However, I was determined to establish that trust and connection. I paid close attention to Athena's indications of irritation, even the subtlest ones. When I noticed her discomfort caused by the jingling keys in my pocket, I promptly responded with compassion. Pulling up gently, I secured the keys to ensure they would no longer create any noise that might disturb her.
But it wasn't just about silencing the keys; I knew that warming her up properly was essential for her comfort and well-being. I allowed her to set the pace, gradually increasing our speed as she felt more comfortable. It was a gesture of respect for her instincts and a clear sign that I was willing to listen to her cues.
As we continued our ride, I learned the importance of holding my hands on her neck in a way that indicated I would respect her wishes. The gentle pressure of my hands was not just about guiding her, but also about communicating my intentions. It was a non-verbal exchange that told Athena that I was attuned to her needs and would honor her boundaries.
Through these simple yet profound actions of compassion, patience, and understanding, I gradually earned Athena's trust. Our connection deepened, and she began to respond more willingly to my cues. It was a testament to the power of building a relationship based on respect and mutual understanding, and it paved the way for the heart-opening journey that awaited us in the desert.
“…my heart transformed into a radiant green lotus, sending forth sparkling fairy dust and petals that morphed into bursting pea pods, signifying expansion, growth, and abundance.”A
In the midst of our ride, I encountered the familiar whispers of fear that often plague my mind when riding—a fear of losing control, of being bucked off, of losing balance, and the worry that the pace might be too fast, leading to potential crashing and a hard landing into prickly brush. Rather than succumbing to these negative thoughts, I turned to the power of my artist's imagination and visualization to transform the energy and shape the course of our journey in a positive light.
Each time doubt crept in, threatening to disrupt our connection, I consciously redirected my focus. Instead of reacting with tension, I harnessed the information from the fear and transmuted it into a force for positivity. My artistic imagination painted a vivid picture: my heart transformed into a radiant green lotus, sending forth sparkling fairy dust and petals that morphed into bursting pea pods, signifying expansion, growth, and abundance.
This visualization wasn't merely a mental exercise; it was a deliberate effort to influence the messages sent from my heart to both my nervous system and Athena. I allowed the feelings of trust, respect, generosity, and joy to permeate my being, guiding the energy downward from my heart to the heels of my feet. Imaginary roots grew from my feet, anchoring me securely in the saddle and providing a profound sense of balance.
As I opened up to this positive energy, a genuine smile spread across my face. Rather than reacting to fear by pulling on Athena's mouth or closing myself off, I chose to open up. I released all unnecessary pressure, both physical and mental, and verbally reassured Athena. I let her know that I trusted her to reach her top speed and that I believed in the safety of our journey together. In that moment, I deferred my safety and the connection of our souls to her.
By placing my trust in Athena and surrendering control, we entered a state of harmonious flow. Our energies intertwined, creating a seamless dance through the desert. This intentional act of visualization, combined with verbal affirmation and a relinquishing of control, not only transformed fear into trust but also strengthened the bond between us, ensuring a positive and exhilarating ride through the desert sands.
As we started our canter, I knew that it was the moment to truly let go and allow Athena to open fully into her lengthened strides. I was generous with my hands, providing her the freedom to express her grace and power. It was a moment of surrender, a dance between horse and rider, where I let go of control and embraced the rhythm of Athena's canter.
I remembered the guidance I had received, not just from my riding instructor but from within – to shine my heart chakra. I closed my eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and visualized a warm, radiant light emanating from my heart. This energy flowed down through my arms, connecting with the reins, and into Athena's heart. It was as if we were sharing a part of our souls, uniting our spirits in this beautiful dance through the desert.
Looking to the horizon, I couldn't help but feel a sense of oneness with the vastness of the desert. The endless expanse of sand and sky seemed to mirror the boundless potential of the connection between Athena and me. Our energies were aligned, and it felt like we were moving as one, propelled by the very essence of the desert itself.
I focused on keeping my heels down, grounding myself in the saddle. This simple act not only helped with my balance but also served as a reminder of my connection to the earth and to Athena. Our synchronized movements were a testament to the trust we had developed, as if we could read each other's thoughts and intentions.
Amidst the rhythmic sound of hooves striking the desert floor, I heard joy affirming in my mind. It was as if Athena's spirit and mine were communicating on a level beyond words. The exhilaration of the canter, the breathtaking desert scenery, and the heart-opening connection with Athena all came together in a symphony of harmony.
That moment reaffirmed for me that trust and heart-opening experiences are not confined to human relationships but can extend to our connections with the animal kingdom. Riding with Athena through the desert had allowed me to tap into a profound level of understanding, trust, and love that transcended the boundaries of language. It was a journey of spiritual connection, a reminder that when we open our hearts and allow ourselves to be truly present, we can find beauty and synchronicity in the most unexpected places – even in the heart of the desert, with a magnificent Friesian horse named Athena.