Power Stance

Adventure is part of my personal process. When I'm doing something new my senses awaken and I'm more open, creative and inspired. I also find that nature is a potent catalyst for clarity. So, twice a year I take my mastermind clients on a day retreat. We do something that stretches them, something that helps them grow as individuals, and then we discuss ways to apply that to grow their businesses.

Two weeks ago, we had one of these days working with horses and an equine facilitator on the theme of leadership. I want to share with you one of the moments from that day that has been sticking with me.

The task at hand was to get the horse to follow you, without a lead, leash, bridle or tool of any type. It sounds simple, but to get an animal that values freedom about all else to follow you on it's own free will is not so easy. As one of the women stepped into the ring, our instructor encouraged her to assume her "power stance". He explained how so much of our power comes from our center, and that being connected to this would help her harness her energy more effectively, and the horse would feel that.

She assumed the stance. She built trust with the horse. And then, she began to walk forward. The horse did not. Over and over. There was a reason this was happening, but she didn't know it was. All of us watching could see that as she stepped forward there was a moment of hesitation. It was almost imperceptible, but it was there. This split second was enough for the horse not to follow. Once this was pointed out to her and she focused on her decision to walk forward, she moved with determination, and the horse followed. In fact, she could make a hard left and the horse would follow. She could stop and start again and the horse did, too. It was a beautiful thing to watch.

It make me think of all the places in our lives and businesses where we may be hesitating. Where we are not standing firmly connected to ourselves, to our own power centers. What places have you not yet fully committed to a decision? If you don't know where that might be for you, I wonder if someone around you can perhaps see something you're not?