I have always wanted to fly. Maybe that is why I am so addicted to horses. I flew in my dreams almost every night as a child and often still do. And I have always wanted to fly on a trapeze. I have willingly come to this warehouse to fulfill this dream not expecting to learn so much about learning and how much this would help my own riding and teaching.

When I started riding horses many moons ago, I was NOT a natural at all. In fact, in the very beginning, I was terrified of horses, but there was something in me that wanted to be with horses. So, I kept taking riding lessons. My first lesson horse and teachers were patient and fun. But, when I went on to learn to compete, my teacher and the learning environment was about as bad as one can be. This ‘teacher’ humiliated me and the other students.  He told me one day that I should just give up because I was so bad. Obviously, I succeeded in spite of my ‘lessons’.

Now, here in this drafty warehouse, I am taking new kinds of lessons. We are directed to begin with the lyra; an iron hoop about the size of a hula hoop hanging from the ceiling about 6 feet off the ground. I’ve ridden bucking horses, rearing horses, scared horses. I’ve had horses fall on me and I’ve gone for unsolicited blaring wild rides across acres of land. I am not easily intimidated but looking up at this ring of steel is intimidating.

Flying Lesson 1: Have a beginner’s mind.

Beginner’s mind is a concept in Zen Buddhism  that refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would. We do ourselves no favors in the learning environment by putting all of our past experience ahead of the present moment. Put aside all you think you know that may or may not be relevant so your mind can be clear to receive. I find it is hardest to teach a student when they come and insist on showing me everything they know during a lesson instead of just being open to what the horse and I have to offer.

Check in next week for your next flying lesson.