how sensitive is sensitive enough? and a free class

Two important parts of horse training are desensitizing the horse and sensitizing the horse.

Desensitizing to objects, sounds and places so the horse does not literally fear for it’s life, freak out, and accidentally kill you.

Sensitizing to your commands so the horse knows when you are talking to it and asking it to respond in some way.

Both pieces are equally important. You don’t want an over-sensitized horse who spooks at every rock, whistle and gesture; nor do you want a completely dull horse that is half asleep and won’t move when necessary.

The big ball

Last week Cowboy and I worked on desensitizing with a giant red and white ball.

Cowboy saw the ball as a big round predator. He was anxious and would not stand still when I rolled the ball toward him.

Eventually, though, he decided it was worth checking out.

After a few more minutes I was able to rub the ball on his legs. He was skittish and uncomfortable at first, but became more relaxed the more I did it.

By the second day of working with this (there’s no rushing a horse), I was able to pass the ball underneath his belly to the other side with no upset.

If you have a horse and a ball, all it takes is patience, love and some sweet talking.

Might we do well…

What if there were de/sensitizing exercises for humans?

Well, I believe there are.

Having an honest conversation with friend, family or lover.

Receiving constructive criticism.

Exposure to new people, places and sounds.

Stepping out of routine and comfort.

Getting lost.

Being injured or sick.

Learning something new: knitting, guitar, French.

And of course, meditation and yoga asana practice.

Sensitive enough to respond appropriately; desensitized enough to not be alarmed by every new thing.

All it takes is self-directed patience and love. A little sweet talking doesn’t hurt.

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Want to jump right into sensitivity practice? You can download two yoga classes for free. These are live, as in unscripted, there are um‘s and sooo‘s, references to the room, student questions, etc. Practicing along would be a great desensitizing exercise!

Both classes start with the story about the horse. Both classes are focused around hip work. Right click the link and “Open with” iTunes.

This is a 75 minute, lighthearted, beginner-friendly class.
Blanket or towel padding for the knees and blocks (if you have them) will be helpful.

Sensitize – Beginner Yoga Class

This is a 75 minute more intermediate flow class.
Blanket or towel, blocks, a bolster or blanket roll, and a golf or tennis ball are all referenced. If you do not have these things, just interpret the poses without them.

Sensitize – Intermediate Yoga Flow

In any yoga practice, I believe we hit at least 95% of the human de/sensitizing exercises listed above: it’s like a very honest conversation, you’ll probably be out of your comfort zone at some point and you might get completely lost.

But, like Cowboy, I hope you aren’t spooked by the shadows and shapes out on the trail. Have a safe ride!

reward the slightest try

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu

My imagined time line with Cowboy is not becoming reality. By now, over a month into our relationship, I saw us riding the trails, communicating seamlessly, impressing all our barn mates.

But no. He’s had a hoof issue that’s prevented us from riding or working. And before that, the second time I did ride him it was clear we needed a little more ground work to establish which one of us is the leader.

Horse trainer Clinton Anderson has a saying: reward the slightest try. Your horse won’t get exactly what you’re trying to teach him all at once. It’s the small advances that eventually yield a large result. Reward and reinforce those small steps.

This is completely obvious as a yoga teacher. Of course a student isn’t going to glide into Bakasana on the first go. Start by making the general shape, play with putting some weight into the hands, cruise up to the edge and pause. This process may take months, even longer until the feet float. As a teacher, encourage and celebrate even the smallest markers.

Nothing comes all at once. Even if it seems like it does, it’s probably been growing, preparing for a long time.

My ego clock has different ideas with Cowboy. Alas, nature and Clinton Anderson and Bakasana teach me to pause, exhale, be grateful, take the long route and relish in small steps. Today I will reward even the slightest try.

How ’bout you? Is there a project or part of your life where you’re appreciating the slowness? Rushing along? Do you sometimes have other ideas for the time continuum?

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Other random facts:

He got a jacket. A plaid blazer. He looks quite handsome in it, and being a skinny dude, it will keep him warm and toasty through the winter.

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Sometimes I tease and call him Rhinestone Cowboy (or RC for short). With the diaper and duck tape he’s had on his hoof, he’s been quite the twinkle toes.

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Our bond is getting stronger, even if I am just The Treat Lady. My mom took this sweet picture of us.

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Remember, there’s a new website coming soon and you may want to subscribe so you know when and where things move (“Sign me up” at the top right of the page). It will be a refinement of Blogasana with the same types of yum (yoga, stories, poetry), along with more fun and ka-pow. I’m working with Copylicious Kelly, so you know it’s going to be awesome!