Since we are officially past the “Happy New Year” greeting window according to Larry David, I’ll just say I’m thankful to be back in your inbox.
This week, I want to share a profound experience I had at MEA’s Transitions Retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
When I arrived at the retreat, I was burnt out (yup, I’m an expert at being Too Busy to Be Happy). The holiday season had left me exhausted after two weeks of antsy kids at home, compounded by a painful health issue that involved trips to the ER and some new added stress at work.
I was emotionally drained, physically tired, and deeply lonely. Having moved a few times in recent years and often working from home, the latest dark winter months have brought a heavy sense of disconnection.
A few days into the retreat, on this magical ranch, we were tasked with “connecting with the horses.” We were told to put our hand out and invite the horses to connect.
Our facilitator explained why horses are such powerful teachers:
Horses have long been regarded as profound teachers, offering lessons in presence, trust, and authentic connection. Unlike humans, they live entirely in the moment, responding to energy and intention rather than words or external appearances. This acute sensitivity makes them mirrors of our internal state, reflecting back emotions we may not even be fully aware of ourselves.
As prey animals, their survival depends on keen awareness, and they invite us to embrace mindfulness and clarity in our interactions. By working with horses, we can learn the value of setting boundaries, communicating nonverbally, and building relationships based on respect and trust. In their quiet wisdom, horses teach us how to be more grounded, compassionate, and attuned to the world around us.
Our facilitator added that horses often deliver teachings —not always in the moment but sometimes in the hours or days that follow.
And while I found my time with them very peaceful, I didn’t experience an immediate breakthrough or “aha” moment.
It wasn’t until we returned indoors, sipping hot cider, that my reflections spilled onto the page of my journal, mindlessly as if they were just doodles. Here’s what I wrote:
The connection to horses, the land, the air. Wanting consent to touch them and be connected to these beautiful animals. Feeling rejected by them sometimes and accepted by them other times.
Knowing that it wasn’t my intention that was the cause of these feelings but rather that each of us is having our experience and being guided to where we need to be.
Also, relationships migrate and grow and change… maybe it takes time sometimes. Sometimes it takes putting your hand out and making space without expectation. Not keeping your hand in your pocket because it’s cold outside. Taking off the sunglasses so they can see your eyes. This is part of building connection and community.
Christine, are you doing this? Are you putting your hand out and waiting? Are you keeping your intentions consistent knowing that people will come in on their timeline, not because you feel lonely but because you set an intention and extend your hand and wait…creating an invitation without judgment.
This reflection brought a profound clarity: relationships and connections aren’t about instant gratification but about creating space, offering openness, and allowing others to step in when they’re ready. Just as the horses taught me, it’s about showing up with authenticity and patience, without the weight of expectation.
So, I’ll leave you with this: Are you extending your hand? Are you creating space for connection without judgment or urgency? Take a moment to reflect, and consider how you can open yourself to new relationships—not out of loneliness, but from a place of genuine intention. The connections that matter most will find their way in their own time.
What do you think? Please join me on LinkedIn and let’s continue the conversation.