Are we listening?
The day after facilitating a tense strategy session with executives often requires emotional recuperation. A quiet morning, coffee and breakfast made by my darling husband, and an eventual jaunt to the barn to visit with my fluffy zen master.
These days the barn is a source of drama. I usually steer clear but every once in a while I get sucked in. Im not sure why these hobby hubs are such incubators for fear, aggression, criticism, and control. I wonder if its a by-product of the process of becoming an amateur equestrian or if its a bias driven by those naturally attracted to the hobby.
At the end of the day, most amateurs love their ponies and feed that inner child that wants to love, be loved, and occasionally squeal while accomplishing something challenging. So why are we so tough on each other?
We learn to listen to our horses, yet we forget to listen to each other. We pardon our equines for their spook at a plastic bag, yet we forget to empathize with our peers on their fears and insecurities. We look to reward the smallest try from our furries, yet we condescend the newbie who tackles the scary arena corner.
We have learnt to control and influence the behaviour of a large prey animal driven to survive, and then we transpose that control and influence to our human herd.
Who do we think we are? Why are we right, and they are wrong?
When did we stop listening for another perspective?
What constraints have we imposed on ourselves and what is blocking our own development?
Perhaps we should start with yes, and then see where it takes us.
These days the barn is a source of drama. I usually steer clear but every once in a while I get sucked in. Im not sure why these hobby hubs are such incubators for fear, aggression, criticism, and control. I wonder if its a by-product of the process of becoming an amateur equestrian or if its a bias driven by those naturally attracted to the hobby.
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| Q as a foal. So dark! |
At the end of the day, most amateurs love their ponies and feed that inner child that wants to love, be loved, and occasionally squeal while accomplishing something challenging. So why are we so tough on each other?
We learn to listen to our horses, yet we forget to listen to each other. We pardon our equines for their spook at a plastic bag, yet we forget to empathize with our peers on their fears and insecurities. We look to reward the smallest try from our furries, yet we condescend the newbie who tackles the scary arena corner.
We have learnt to control and influence the behaviour of a large prey animal driven to survive, and then we transpose that control and influence to our human herd.
Who do we think we are? Why are we right, and they are wrong?
When did we stop listening for another perspective?
What constraints have we imposed on ourselves and what is blocking our own development?
Perhaps we should start with yes, and then see where it takes us.
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