In today’s world, terms like “self-awareness” and “mindfulness” have become buzzwords, often used interchangeably about personal growth, mental health, and well-being. Although while they’re related concepts, they aren’t the same thing. I wanted to share how they are different and how they can be used in the world of performance horses, to better you’re riding and bond with your equine partner.
Self-awareness is the ability to reflect on and understand your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s essentially an internal mirror, the capacity to observe your emotional and mental state and recognize how your actions affect those around you. It also includes your 5 senses. Sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. Where are you in space and time in reference to your 5 senses? It is highly important to include the body when we are in self-awareness. Being in tune with your inner world and understanding your own emotions, motivations, and behaviors can be a big help in understanding how you are growing in your riding or bond with your equine partner. Self-awareness allows you to reflect upon the details of your body’s timing in the saddle as well as emotions that may arise as you are riding. When we become the observer of ourselves, then we can make changes accordingly. This space should be neutral, it’s not to get down on yourself, it’s a tool for growth. Next thing you know, by simply being aware of something you want to change, it starts to change automatically. Let’s say you notice as you glance in the mirror while riding by, that your shoulders were more rounded than you thought, and your neck jutted forward a bit. Now you can take that awareness further by finding exercises that strengthen your upper body and central core. You even stop while riding and take a profile look at yourself and play with positioning yourself in a way that is in alignment with your riding discipline and then see if you can hold that position while trotting and cantering. This may further point out a weakness that could be addressed with some simple exercises. That awareness has now led to a mindfulness that led to self-improvement exercises. As days go by, you notice that your position has gotten better every time you glance in that mirror. And your riding got easier with your horse feeling more in balance because you are.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the practice of being in the present moment without judgement. I’d like to add that it means being in the present moment in your body. Not just your head thinking you are in the present moment. The moment you do that; you step out of the present. This means referencing your 5 senses puts you in a moment of space and time, creating mindfulness. The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. As riders and owners, applying mindfulness while we are with our equine partners can not only keep us safe but connect with them in a very natural way. It can help us understand the finite details of what our hands are doing as we are riding or that left leg that likes to go rouge on occasion. The key is focused attention and awareness without distraction. We certainly don’t want to have our thoughts on the to-do list when we are trying to perfect that half-pass out of the corner or take that jump more efficiently.
Although self-awareness and mindfulness are distinct, they can work beautifully together. Developing mindfulness can enhance self-awareness by helping you notice and accept your thoughts and feelings as they arise, without judgement. Conversely, being self-aware can make your mindfulness practice more effective. Understanding your patterns and triggers can help you focus your attention more precisely during mindfulness, allowing you to address specific emotional or mental states that may need attention, including bodily habits while riding.
As self-awareness and mindfulness complement each other, we can greater understand ourselves while working with our equine partner. Both practices are essential for emotional well-being and personal growth. By cultivating both, you can navigate your thoughts and emotions with greater clarity, resilience, and compassion.
