When there is a problem that interferes with the ability of a horse to function productively, the solution for most trainers is to return to the arena, to go back to what is commonly known as ground work. While ground work does literally refer to the fact that the person is on the ground rather than on the horse, I think it has a deeper meaning. It brings the horse and the person into the present moment, eliminating the stress and distraction of the world outside. It creates an environment of support and focus, allowing the release of fears and worries triggered by the cares and intrusions of life out in the larger world. Small successes are built upon to create a sense of confidence and well being; anxiety is eased, and clarity of thought is restored. The term 'grounding' can refer to connection with the earth, finding common ground in communication, a path for the return of electric current, being still and in the moment, or the return to neutral. All of these occur on some level with ground work and it makes sense to apply this to our own human stress situations.
I've noticed that when my clients are feeling overwhelmed and highly stressed, they seem to have something in common. They have all let go of the regular practices in their life that keep them grounded and in balance. Whether their practice is yoga, journaling, group meetings, going to the gym, walking in the woods, prayer, meditation, or some form of mental or physical exercise, they have gradually decreased or all at once stopped doing those things that kept them in harmony with themselves and the world around them. Their reasons for this include not having enough time, having too much to do, not being able to focus, being too tired or too cognitively obsessed with their situation to even think about self care. While those excuses are understandable, a simple reality is that the healthy practices that they have discontinued are more likely to recharge them, to restore them to sanity and clarity, than spinning their mental wheels around and around their dilemma. Problem solving is harder when we are exhausted and overstimulated, so any practice that offers an environment of support and focus in the present moment will increase our coherence and ability to make good decisions.
The next time you are feeling overwhelmed or out of balance, think of your ground work, whatever it is that grounds you, as a way to restore harmony to your life. Make the time to do those things even if it feels like you don't have the time or the energy. You don't have to do it for hours; maybe five minutes twice a day is all you can do today, so start with that and gradually increase. You are likely to discover that this actually expands your resources of time and generates more energy and better perspective to deal with the current situation. And, if anyone asks, you could say you heard this straight from the horse's mouth....
I've noticed that when my clients are feeling overwhelmed and highly stressed, they seem to have something in common. They have all let go of the regular practices in their life that keep them grounded and in balance. Whether their practice is yoga, journaling, group meetings, going to the gym, walking in the woods, prayer, meditation, or some form of mental or physical exercise, they have gradually decreased or all at once stopped doing those things that kept them in harmony with themselves and the world around them. Their reasons for this include not having enough time, having too much to do, not being able to focus, being too tired or too cognitively obsessed with their situation to even think about self care. While those excuses are understandable, a simple reality is that the healthy practices that they have discontinued are more likely to recharge them, to restore them to sanity and clarity, than spinning their mental wheels around and around their dilemma. Problem solving is harder when we are exhausted and overstimulated, so any practice that offers an environment of support and focus in the present moment will increase our coherence and ability to make good decisions.
The next time you are feeling overwhelmed or out of balance, think of your ground work, whatever it is that grounds you, as a way to restore harmony to your life. Make the time to do those things even if it feels like you don't have the time or the energy. You don't have to do it for hours; maybe five minutes twice a day is all you can do today, so start with that and gradually increase. You are likely to discover that this actually expands your resources of time and generates more energy and better perspective to deal with the current situation. And, if anyone asks, you could say you heard this straight from the horse's mouth....
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