“Show me a completely smooth operation and I’ll show you a cover up. Real boats rock.” – Darwi Odrade from Frank Herbert’s Chapterhouse: Dune
It has been quite a few years since first reading these words of wisdom, but they always spring to mind when unexpected events disrupt my neatly laid plans. You see, I love neatly laid plans, and when something happens to my neatly laid plans, watch out! My right brain kicks into overdrive, spitting out worst case scenarios, while on the surface I appear like I’m taking it all rather well (I’m sure you can tell by now that I’m a Right-Brain Introvert!).
In September of last year, I made some nice, detailed plans to further my dreams of becoming a horse professional. I even started a second job, working from home teaching online in the evenings, in order to pay for my plans. Everything was going great. I was happily, calmly rowing along over a placid ocean following my plan. And then, all of a sudden, I was reminded that real boats rock.
Panic was my first reaction. I’m going to have to give all of this up: my horse, my lifestyle, my friends, my dreams. Thanks to my Humanality report, I’ve learned that this is not the time to make decisions (Had you told me I was a Right-Brain Introvert before I got my report, I would have totally – and quietly – disagreed with you!). After many deep breaths and a few month’s removal from the situation, I still haven’t made any big decisions. However, I am okay with that. Allowing myself time to process has given me more options. Real boats rock and I can take my time to recover.
Learning how to be fluid and flexible while playing with my horse has also helped me be more creative when my plans collide with the real world. With our horsemanship, we always have a plan but are ready to meet the needs of our horse. We have goals, things we want to achieve, but we put our timeline in the horse’s hands. If one strategy doesn’t work, we have a quiver full of arrows to try until we get it right.
Real boats rock all of the time. Audio systems fail that should have worked perfectly. Old misunderstandings erupt in new settings. Our partnerships with our horses stall or feel like they’ve taken 10 steps backwards. Those things remind us that we are humans beings, trying to live authentic lives. How we move on, how we handle waves, says more about our success than the waves themselves.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Fantastic. Talk about timely. Am just heading out to sleep with 1 of my horses, an RBI who is proving to be very challenging. I’ve just reread Andrew Booth’s article in Savvy Mag Vol 2 Issue 4, Natural Zorse*Man*Ship. Consulted Russell Higgins, PP, invited Pat out, hasn’t replied yet. I’m as ready as I can be, & I know I need more savvy. Real Boats Rock ignites my fire, yet is balm to the spirit, an absolute delight. Makes me want to sing. Thank you Jessica.
Hi Helen,
I’m so glad you could find some inspiration in my blog. Good luck with your challenging horse. I have had one of those horses, her name was Roxie. I’ve written several blogs about her, including making the decision to part with her. Keep searching for the write answer for the two of you and you will find it! If you’re on Parelli Connect, I’d love to follow your story. Please send me a follow request.
Jessica
“It’s not the burden you carry that drags you down…It’s the way you carry it”….Lena Horne
That is a pretty good summary! Thanks for the great quote.
“Chapterhouse: Dune” – I just finished rereading the entire series this past weekend – Fancy that! Just seeing the title of your post took me straight back.
Chapterhouse: Dune is my favorite book from the Dune series
Did you just read the Frank Herbert books or did you read his son’s books too? I’m a big fan of the original cannon, myself.
I’ve just read the original series. Plenty enough to keep me thinking there – no desire to go beyond those.