Horse Wisdom: When it Comes to Us
With horses, emotion is simply information that must be responded to. Anger, for example, is about boundaries. If a person or a horse gets too close, horses will use the information of anger to either move away or inform the trespasser to back up. There is no judgement or resentment. In fact, they usually go back to grazing together as if it never happened. Their emotional agility and ability to logically respond and return to harmony is astonishing.
When we find ourselves “hitting” an emotional topic in ourselves or others, our opportunity often lies in having the courage to stay engaged with clarity and connection.
I did some business with a friend who prided themselves on their logic. I enjoyed our logical conversations on a wide variety of topics. This person treated others’ emotions as an annoying part of his work and life. Since we had built what I felt was a good trusting relationship, I once suggested that he adopt a logical standard practice that others in his business did that he did not. His reaction was emotion of epic proportions. When it came to this issue, logic beyond his own was not easy.
Politics, racism, and other “hot topics” can cause otherwise reasonable people to spout angry rants without tolerance or respect. The dialogue can be hateful and bitter and divide families and friends.
It takes courage to face our vulnerabilities, and to hear and respect other’s logic and emotion with an open mind. The challenge is to hold the clarity and courage to remember that their perspective is as valid to them as ours is to us, and not let it interfere with our human connection.
What logic are you not hearing because your emotion gets in the way?
Can you practice clarity and courage to build connection with those who disagree?
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