Heartfelt Gratitude: Living a Magical Life

Photo by Author's husband. 

The weather has been very warm, for February, in our part of the world. I have had many opportunities to play with my horses over the last few weeks. So many that I have been living life, rather than writing! 

I felt called to play with my horses, a lot, while the temperatures were unseasonably warm. The arena has been dragged several times, which is not normal for this time of year. Usually I don't get to drag the arena until mid April or play like this until after the bugs appear in April or May. I am not a fan of biting bugs, LO, so, I have been taking full advantage of the weather and loving life. 

Onyx offered to pick up the cone. I rewarded it, knowing that I may have created a cone eating monster, LOL. My coach mentioned that she taught one of her horses to stack them up. That might be in Onyx's future, as he loves to help with closing gates, he may enjoy picking up and stacking cones, too!

Finding what our horses, dogs or loved ones are passionate about, is so important. It isn't really about what I love to do, when it comes to my horses, as much as it is about what they love to do? How can I shape what they love, into something we both love? 

I was playing with Ollie yesterday, before a cold front came in last night. It was another absolutely beautiful day. It was close to 70 degrees, today it is 8 degrees F. It was his first time in the arena for maybe a year and a half. We had been playing together a lot in the hoop building before we moved him to a new stall in the main part of the barn last fall. This new spot is next to the outdoor arena, so it is easy to bring him into this space to play. 

Photo by Dan, my hubby!

Ollie has been watching me play with Onyx a lot. In fact, I always give him attention when I am close to his fence line while playing with Onyx. With a little nudge from my husband, I decided to bring Ollie out yesterday! At first Ollie was disappointed because he could not get to the grass on the other side of the fence lines. OOPS! He ran and ran, snorted, and showed off for Onyx... If he could have put his thumbs in his ears and waved his fingers with his tongue sticking out at Onyx, he would have. 

I was laughing at him while I waited for him to ask me a question or notice that I might be fun to play with, since I had treats!!! It took him about 10 minutes, maybe more before he was all sweaty and breathing hard. I thought, "I wonder if I can shape this exuberant energy?" I started to steer him from a distance. I looked at his tail and asked him to trot to the left. When he noticed me, he trotted to the right, OK, we can go right. My arena is huge, but he knew I was playing with him, now. We were doing what he wanted to do, but then it changed. The look, the snort and the question came shortly after that. 

He connected to my heart and came to me from across the 200 foot plus square arena. I smiled when he did. He was on adrenaline, so we played with walking into the round pen at liberty. We played with walking together, backing up together and figure 8's together. 

When I asked him to move on a circle, he left me. He went to the gate to his barn, all by himself. He didn't bolt fast, but he bolted just the same. He let me know that he needed me to stay closer to him. I needed to stay connected. He was unconfident and I had a choice to make. Do I work through his lack of confidence online, or do I stay at liberty? 

I chose to stay at liberty. My body has been struggling with back spasms, so I knew if I got into trouble online, I wouldn't be able to move and help him through it, the way I might need to, so we stayed at liberty. Dan, my husband, offered to video us, which was perfect. I am so grateful, because what happened next was lovely. 

I went to Ollie at his gate. I knew he was asking to return to the barn, so I told him, we would return to the barn together, but first, will you come with me to the round pen? He came with me, he trusted me not to push him past his threshold, because I told him that I would respect him. We walked together to do the figure 8's. We walked both ways together in a circle. I did not ask for a trot, we just walked. We danced together. It was beautiful, it was magical and it was magnificent. Our connection was strong. 

As I had promised, we walked side by side, back to the barn. We were one. On our way back we passed through the trees. I had set up several white barrels under the trees a few days ago. I asked Ollie if he would be OK with doing figure 8's with me around the barrels. He agreed, he could do that, so we did.  Each time I changed directions, I asked him to back up, so I could switch sides. He stayed with me the whole time we danced around the barrels. It was sweet and special. 

We walked together again. This time back to his gate. The one he went to alone when I asked for more than he could do earlier.  I thanked him for trusting me, to only ask him to do what he was comfortable doing. Next time, we may be able to do liberty circles or we may not, but I promise, I will only ask him to do what I believe he is ready and able to do. If he isn't, I will back off a little bit, until he is. 

It was a magical dance between hearts. I am grateful that I can feel him and respect his ideas, as much as I respect my own. 

Can you feel and respect the ideas of another, while also respecting your own ideas, too?  

Are your hearts magically connected while you dance together? 

When a loved one lacks confidence, can you adjust your expectations, connect with your heart while you do something together that restores and builds confidence instead?

Manifest a magical day!

Heartfelt Gratitude: Winter Magic

Photo by author

Working in and enjoying the woods, is one of our favorite things to do together. We have wanted to cut down a few dead trees for a year because we enjoy driving the trails with our Can-Am. The Can-Am is a little bit wider than our Ranger was, so we have a bit of work on some of our trails to do. 

Non-members may read the full story here. 

Since we also burn the dead trees we log, it becomes a win-win! I don’t like to cut trees during the nesting season, though. So this is the perfect time of year to do this type of work. It was fun, too!

Photo by author

Not only will we be able to drive through the Black Walnut trees, but we can also walk, ride or long-line the horses through the trees as well. Dan, my husband, found another short path we can add to the mix. This will create a nice addition to the trails through the woods. 

Please take a moment to slow down. Connect to the magical energy of winter. Stay there, in that lovely energy for 30 seconds. Breathe in and breathe out…

Since there is one dead tree at each end of this short section, we will remove them to access this new path. We will cut them down within the next few weeks, so we can access this short lane and add it to our frequent excursions to the woods.

Photo by author

Dan, finished cutting the trees down with a used saw blade. He cut them low so we could easily mow the trails. 2 of the trees we cut were alive, so we piled those logs in the woods. They will dry there, to be used in a year or 2 to warm our home.

Only one tree hung up on the trees around it. Fortunately, we were able to pull it out of the woods with our winch. Usually, we use the tractor to drag them out, but the trails are very wet, we didn’t want to tear it up with the tractor. The winch on the Can-Am worked perfectly.

Photo by author

Being out in nature, calms my soul. Working in the woods, with my partner, fills my heart with joy. It also uses muscles I want to keep strong and flexible. I don’t need a gym, when I spend time creating, maintaining trails and harvesting the trees we cut down.

The woods are still, this time of year and very quiet. The birds have not returned from their long journey south. The frogs have not emerged from their long winter nap. The leaves have not emerged to rustle in the wind. It is a quiet, calm and peaceful time in the woods. I find winter, this winter in particular, to be a personal season of reflection, peace and simplicity. 

I am grateful to be enjoying a magical winter experience. I have time to notice the peace within my heart, experience the simplicity of my life and reflect, as well as, look forward to the next chapter of my life.

Living life at a slower pace, has allowed me to experience life, at my core. I have connected to the energy of our earth through my heart and my soul. I am once again connected to my inner voice and wisdom. I am strong and confident. I am loving life and being who I have always wanted to be, but couldn’t be, because of the beliefs I had about what others would or did think.

I listened to the messages my friends (ex’s included), colleagues, students, children, parents and society stated, subliminally or out loud. These thoughts all created a framework in which I lived. I lived that way in order to fit in, to remain employed and connected to the people I cared about. I was not confident in myself, most of the time. I lived a great deal of my life within the confines of fear. Fear of rejection and fear of disappointing others.

Not only has retirement allowed me an opportunity to heal from trauma and burnout, I have discovered me at a whole new level. I don’t have to please others. I am gifted, creative, strong, independent, and at times a loner. 

Yes, a loner!

I am confident and happy with who I am becoming. I am also completely OK with myself, just as I am today. I am OK knowing that tomorrow I may decide to pick up a new hobby or activity, but for today I am using the gifts I have and the new ones I have discovered. I have grown to love my gifts and I am not afraid to use them. I have time for my horses, my writing, my land, my husband, my close friends (family included), my hobbies and most importantly, myself.

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Do you listen to your wisdom or the wisdom of others first?

Are you feeling trapped or free to be yourself?

Can you experience the magical energy of winter at your soul level?

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Manifest a magical day.

Dragon or Dinosaur Images

I have been sent many dragon or dinosaur images from my, Magic Glass. These were taken between 11/11/23 and today, 2/12/24. I have been researching the spiritual meaning of Dragons because of these and because the group has seen them, too. I have not started to research the Dinosaur. I had a vision of a personal story that occurred in my life this morning about my first year of teaching. I need to figure out if that story actually goes with any of these pictures. It may go with one or 2 of the ones from 20-24. I numbered then to make it easier to talk about, if you feel called to any of them. 

1 I remember this one appearing in November

2

3

4

5

6

7 it may not have a dragon or dino image. 

8

9

10

11

12

13 this one is pretty interesting. I see lots of images in it 

14 different view of 13

15

16

17

18

19

20 today

21 this one looks like a swimmer... and a bird, I added because it is interesting. Also from today! 

22 this morning. One of my favorites. I started researching in earnest when I saw this picture. 

23 I see a face at this angle in the middle

24 this morning. Different angle of 23

Heartfelt Gratitude: Organization Gems

Photo by Author

As I was organizing my photos I found this sweet gem of a Magic Glass image. Interestingly, I have not been gifted many new images of late. I felt drawn to organize my pictures today. Honestly, I have been drawn to organize them for some time, along with my teaching materials, our bathrooms and the infamous junk drawer. We actually have two junk drawers that we need to organize. 

I have been pondering organizing so much the last few days, that I actually dreamed about moving and organizing a new home last night. I was with my mom and we were putting up shelves. My mother was the queen of organization. My husband was helping from time to time, too. He is always organizing his tools and is excellent at organizing. Me on the other hand, I am not the best at organizing unless I can tap into my creative energy, too!

Finding gems along the way makes it fun, though it can distract me from the job at hand. For example, this morning I was archiving pictures and sorting them into different folders. I found the one above before I had edited it. It called to me, which caused me to ponder why. What is it about this image that pulls me in? 

Photo by author

I can see a horse's head in the center of the image. It reminds me of my Unicorn Stick horse, which was my companion last year as I cantered into retirement. I kept this unicorn. She rides in our truck. She makes me smile as I remember the magic she brought to my students and myself during the quarter I traveled from class to class with her at the head of this cart.  She helped me through the long days before I turned in my keys. 

Photo by author

I can also see a bear that wraps around the horse's head, in this image. It reminds me of the bronze sculpture my dad loved. It is called 'Spirit Of The Grizzly. by c. burleson.  It brings me joy that the sculptor is a woman. She is also my age. She has been following her creative passion for 40 years. I am grateful that I am following my creative passion now, too. 

I feel as though the Magic Class image, which led me from the unicorn to the sculpture my dad loved, was sent by my dad. My dad is now a loving member of my angelic team. I believe that he is telling me that he is proud of me for following my creative passions. He loved my writing and he supported my dream to write long before he crossed over. I believe that he, with the help of the rest of my angelic team, had something to do with my lovely scamper down memory lane today as I followed the magical breadcrumbs. 

Photo by author

My heartfelt gratitude is for finding gems while organizing. Today I organized my photos and discovered an image that led me down memory lane. I wonder what other gems I will discover as I continue to tap into my creative energy while organizing the bathroom, my teaching materials and the junk drawers?

Do you like to organize or do you put it off until you feel drawn to it? 

Can you stay focused on the job at hand, or do you get distracted by the gems you discover?

When organizing do you tap into your creative energy, like I must do? 

Manifest a magical day! 

Heartfelt Gratitude: Physical and Emotional Balance

Photo by author

I have been spending more and more time sitting on my Balance Rider It’s purpose is to build up the core muscles and stretch the hip flexors. This exercise is important because these muscles are needed to keep me balanced on my horse if he zigs or zags unexpectedly. I can feel that I am improving each time I practice. I can feel my core muscles working as I sit on it. I can also feel that my balance in general is improving, too. Balance is an important part of life.

I spent an hour and a half listening to a zoom meeting with Mavis Karn (she is amazing, look her up on youtube) recently.

My take away from this week’s gathering, was that I could listen deeply to others and learn from them. I did not have to share a personal experience this week. I was ok being ‘invisible’ and quiet. Not that she asked me to be, not at all. In fact she encourages stories and collaborative teaching. I just followed the feel and was completely OK with just being an observer. Simply soaking in the wisdom from others, was what I felt drawn to do, during this particular large group experience.

During a breakout room session with just 3 of us, however, I was forced to experience that feeling again, partly because my camera would not connect. (I figured it out later, I needed to download an app). I had sound, but no camera. The people in my group were talking to each other. I truly was and felt invisible, but this time it was uncomfortable. I felt abandoned and ignored. I realized, that this feeling was a result of my thinking. If they did or did not intentionally exclude me, it did not matter. What mattered was how I felt and how I could regain my balance. I used this 12 minutes of time, as an opportunity to practice my emotional balance. While they were talking to each other, I focused on the feelings I was experiencing in my body.

I listened deeply to myself. I started to relive several painful moments in my life. Moments when I was controlled, not heard and forced to be invisible. I let these thoughts flow. I felt some pain or discomfort in my chest, my shoulders and my arms. Another memory, a thought, about being ignored during my life, appeared. I felt it in my heart and my throat. I focused on each of the physical feelings as they were rushing through my body.

Yes, the physical feelings were becoming painful, but I am grateful that I felt them when I did. I caught them before I relived them entirely. Noticing the physical sensations, allowed my emotional state to become balanced. I became calm and centered again.

Our time in the breakout room was coming to a close. One of the ladies asked me a question about my experience. Fortunately, I was able to say something wise, from a calm and centered place. I was able to speak from my heart. There was not enough time left to share my personal story, but I was able to share something positive and comforting.

From this experience, I realized, it was also OK to be invisible when it was not my choice to be. When another took control and didn’t see me, it hurt. However, I didn’t need to share my story. It didn’t matter if they saw me. What mattered was my ability to recover my emotional balance because I was uncomfortable when I felt ignored and invisible. 

I am so very grateful that I was able to find my balance once again. I wasn’t bucked off. I didn’t land in the muck and mire of a low emotional state. The physical sensations notified me when I was starting to tilt sideways. I was about to lose my balance. I was in danger of being bucked off. I remembered to acknowledge my physical sensations, which allowed me to move from a painful thought, to a more comfortable thought.

When I ride the Balance Rider, I am becoming very aware of my core muscles as they contract, stretch and relax. My muscles respond to the Balance Rider as it rocks side to side and to and fro. This keeps my center of gravity stable on the ever moving seat. I am physically stronger because of this practice.

Maintaining emotional balance also takes practice and awareness. Noticing and feeling my muscles contract, stretch and eventually relax as a result of my thoughts, is what keeps me emotionally centered, while life moves from side to side, and to and fro. Knowing, feeling and practicing staying emotionally balanced, is a life changing practice!

Photo by author

My heartfelt gratitude for today is for physical and emotional balance. When life happens, I know that I have practiced. I have taken the time to strengthen my core muscles. Thus, increasing the odds that I will, in fact, remain centered. Confident in myself and my core, to carry me through the difficult moments. 

Are you physically balanced? 

Can you remain emotionally balanced when life moves from side to side and to and fro? 

Are you aware of the physical sensations your body sends you to help you find your balance?

Manifest a magical day!

Heartfelt Gratitude: Magical Connections

Photo by author 

My heart was as content as Onyx and the rest of the herd was, as he rested in the warm sun, yesterday. The herd takes turns resting, while at least one of them, keeps watch over those who are resting. 

Fortunately, my angelic team watches over me, just as my herd watches over each other. 

How is it that the horses know to do this for each other? Instinct and connection? Maybe because they were watched over, as young foals, by their mother and the herd. Maybe because they were watched over,  they continue that wonderful habit! I don't know for sure, but I feel their magical connection, when they gather together like this, after they have enjoyed a meal or enjoyed a good play. 

I can feel my angelic team's vibrational signatures, too! I can feel when they are watching over me, not just during meditation, but throughout my day and night. I feel protected as well as guided. The enchanted breadcrumbs glow and guide my way. I am grateful that I can feel, and at times see magical fairy dust floating all around me. I can hear their voices as they whisper loving thoughts to my heart. 

Photo by author

Onyx and I are connected through our hearts, too! He checks out what I am doing to see if he can offer assistance or wondering if the dirty cat litter box hay was for him? No, buddy, I can do this job on my own. This is not safe hay for you. I love that you checked in with me though. 

The temperatures were amazing yesterday for February. Our snow has completely melted and the arena footing was amazing. I told Onyx that I would invite him to play, later in the day. He made me promise, that I would. Which I did. 

Photo by Dan Kirchner

I kept my word. I invited him to play in our 50 foot round pen. It has 4 openings, which can be closed, but I rarely close them because it is so much fun to go in and out and all around when we are long lining.  Long lining, is similar to driving a horse, though it is done without a cart. 

We played at liberty, though! Which means we did not have a physical connection. We had a heart connection, which was beautiful. This was the first time I had taken him into the round pen at liberty. He could choose if he wanted to play or not. He had a choice if he wanted to stay in the round pen or not. He chose to play. He chose to follow my lead. In fact, we were circling a little bit too close to each other. I wanted him to move farther away from me. So I did my best to visualize and show him where my bubble was. He was so funny. He went out the far opening and circled way out away from me. I asked him to stop at the second opening. He did. YES, we were still connected. 

I called him  back toward me, but I asked him to stop just inside the opening. He did. I visualized the circle a bit better this time. Let's stay inside the round pen, but keep your outside shoulder next to the white tape. Let's use the whole round pen. 

Screenshot from a video Dan, took. 

I cheered and threw my hands in the air, when he understood and was able to circle me, just as I visualized it. The joy I felt was incredible. I can just imagine, that this is how my angelic team feels, when I receive their heartfelt connections and understand the magical breadcrumbs they send for me to follow, if I choose to. 

Onyx had free choice to connect to me and follow my heartfelt suggestions, just as we have free choice to listen to our angelic team and spiritual guides through our heart. Listening to each other's soul vibrational signatures, is so very important. The ability to communicate through our heartsongs, is our birthright. It is a gift we all receive, however, we need to practice and feel our way, as we learn how to use this  magnificent gift. 

It is important to know that we each have our own unique soul vibrational signature. Our furbabies, our human companions and our Angelic Team members all have their own unique energy. Recognizing that energy, is an important first step to finding and sharing a joyful moment, like I did with Onyx yesterday!

My heartfelt gratitude for today is for these magical connections. 

Are you using your birthright, your magical gift?

Can you recognize the unique vibrational signature of your furbabies, and human companions?

Are you able to tune into the vibrational signature of your angelic team?

Manifest a magical day. 

 

Heartfelt Gratitude: Cherished Moments

Photo of author taken by her mom many years ago. 

Chiquita and me. I was about 6 years old in this photo. I spent hours and hours in this little 50 foot round pen, riding Chiquita. She was a sweet Arabian Welsh pony cross, she taught me so very much. My mom walked and walked with me around and around, in the white round pen, until she knew without a doubt, that I was safe to go it alone. She was always close by, usually weeding the flowerbeds and watching over my busy brothers!

Photo by author

This morning, I was drawn to take a picture of our 50 foot white round pen. As I took it, I heard my angelic team whisper, "You live an enchanting life! Your life is far better, than the life you grew up in, cherish it!" 

I felt the powerful energy of this message. It is true. My life is magical. I may not have the fancy house and barn, but I live a peaceful, loving life with our land, our horses and each other. I am not living a life to impress anyone or have the best of anything. I live life from my heart and I am content. 

Photo by author

Yesterday, a beautiful Red Tailed Hawk was soaring in large lazy circles over the land we call home. We were spreading gravel on Ollie's long lane to his track. The frost is letting go and the dirt was muddy around the corners. We wanted to give him good traction for his huge feet. While working, this hawk drew me in, as it kept soaring closer and closer to us. I felt peaceful and content as I watched it. I felt like it, was watching us, too! Hawks, are powerful spiritual messengers.

Hawks represent freedom, wisdom, strength and spiritual growth. Trust your wisdom and your insights. As I watched this lovely bird flying majestically, I could not help but feel its strong focus and incredible wisdom. I wondered if it was searching for a nesting sight, food or simply enjoying a beautiful day. The sun was bright. The clouds were gently swirling, there was very little wind and we were all enjoying very warm, spring-like temperatures. 

My heartfelt gratitude is for these cherished moments. I treasure my life, I cherish today. I cherish the memories I am open to reliving, not just retelling. I heard some very sage advice from a mentor recently. "It is ok to retell your story, but you don't have to relive it if it brings you pain!" It took me a long time to learn or maybe I could say, relearn, that I can choose which memories I want to focus on. I can also choose which memories I want to discard or retell, not relive!

Which moments do you cherish?

Can you retell a painful memory without reliving it? 

Do you listen to your wisdom, as you live an enchanted life?

Manifest a magical day!

Heartfelt Gratitude: Playfulness and Curiosity

Photo by author

When I saw this seal playing with something on his nose, while the whale swam nearby, watching, I knew that I would be writing about playfulness and curiosity. Today, this Magic Glass image, is calling to me, to do just that. When I noticed the soul light connection between them, my heart heard this message from my angelic team. 'Playful energy connects to and creates curiosity within others.'

I know this is true for many in all kinds of situations. Children laughing and playing draws the attention of others. The connection is heartfelt and changes the energy of those who are nearby. We feel a little lighter and happier when we connect our hearts to playful souls.

Photo by author

My herd of horses draw me in, on a daily basis, when they are playing. They run, kick, and dance with each other for long periods of time, sometimes for hours. I feel them calling to me. Their soul energies draw me to them. Our soul light connection is so very strong, that I know when the play is commencing. I feel it in my heart. I am drawn to the window or to look at them from wherever I am. I am drawn away from the task at hand and pulled to watch their antics. A smile and a light hearted energy moves across my soul. I become curious, as the playfulness and fun continues. 

Can I bring this level of playfulness into my life? Can I dance with the herd, as they run, rear, play and dance in the air together? How can I join in? How can I stay safe? How can I be as playful as they can be? 

I connect to the whales watchful curiosity. Can he move as quickly. Can he balance the ball on his nose, too? Can I be a horse or a seal instead of a human or whale? How can I be me, but take on the energy of the horses or the playfulness of a seal, dancing in the sea? 

Today my heartfelt gratitude is for playfulness and curiosity. May we all become more curious, as we are lifted to a higher vibrational energy through playfulness. 

Are you curious when you see children or animals playing? 

Does a smile and a lighthearted energy move across your soul, when you are near playful souls? 

Do you connect to the whale's curious energy or to the seal's playful energy?

Manifest a magical day.