Harnessing the Power of Energy - Lessons from Horse Coaching

Imagine standing in an indoor ring, with views of green, flowery fields, and the gentle hum of nature surrounding you. Before you stands a magnificent creature, a horse. This was my reality not too long ago when I signed up for a horse coaching session. It was an experience that not only deepened my understanding of energy, but also made me become more aware of the intricate and intangible dance of human interactions.

Horses

Horses, with their intuitive nature, have an uncanny ability to perceive the slightest shifts in energy. As flight animals, they are hardwired to discern safety from threat, making them the ultimate judges of character, devoid of bias and judgment. They don't concern themselves with our superficial layers – our appearance, beliefs, or social standing. What matters to them is our essence, our energy. Is it calm and reassuring, or does it signal danger??

During one of my interactions, the horse mirrored my energy. As the horse grew anxious (stimuli from outside the ring), I reached out and placed my hand on its back, my touch conveying a sense of calm that immediately soothed the animal. However, I was unaware that I had done this - the trainer pointed it out to me. It was a powerful moment of unspoken communication, a testament to the profound impact our energy can have.?But it was also a lesson in how often we are completely unaware of our impact on others.

Intangible Human Interactions

This encounter led me to a deeper reflection on the energy within human interactions.? We, much like horses, are constantly scanning and interpreting the energies of those around us. It's a subtle, often subconscious process, yet it shapes our perceptions, emotions, and even our decisions. Think about it – when we meet someone, what influences our feelings towards them? Is it their words, or is it something more intangible, like the vibe they give off?

Positive energy tends to attract us – it's uplifting, inspiring, and comforting. These are the people we gravitate towards, those who make us feel motivate, valued and energized. Conversely, negative energy repels us. It's draining and unsettling, embodied by individuals who, perhaps unknowingly, sap our strength and dim our spirits.

Leadership & Entrepreneurship

In leadership, the stakes are even higher. Leaders wield a significant influence, their energy setting the tone for entire teams and organizations. Positive leaders inspire, motivate, and uplift, creating safe environments where creativity and collaboration flourish. On the flip side, leaders who emanate negativity foster environments rife with stress, fear, and discontent.

For entrepreneurs, the energy they bring to networking events, contacting potential clients, or closing a sales conversation is extremely important. Does the client feel they can trust you? Do you believe in the product or service you’re delivering, or are you lacking confidence, and does the other person feel this? Entrepreneurs can talk all the talk they want, but it’s the non-spoken vibe that closes the deal.?

Power of Presence

So, how are you showing up in the world? Are you emanating positivity, encouraging growth and confidence, or does your energy cast a shadow of doubt and insecurity??

This brings me back to the serene fields I was surrounded by in Portugal and the wise creatures that inhabit them. Horses remind us of the power of presence, the importance of being attuned to our own energy and its ripple effects. They teach us to lead with awareness, empathy, and a clear intention to uplift those around us. Energy - be it positive or negative - is contagious.

Keep your battery charged

With that in mind, in our bustling lives, it's crucial to nurture our own energy, to engage in self-care, and to strive for a balance that keeps our batteries charged, so that we can experience flow, have more constructive than destructive interactions, and radiate joy and positivity. It's not about being perpetually high-energy but recognizing when our reserves are low and taking proactive steps to replenish them.

As we journey through life, in whatever capacity, let us carry the lessons from our equine teachers. Let us be mindful of the energy we project and its impact on the world around us. After all, we have the power to be a force of positivity, shaping a brighter, more compassionate world, one interaction at a time.