“The apex of perfection in equestrian art is not an exhibition of a great deal of different airs and movements by the same horse, but rather the conservation of the horse’s enjoyment, suppleness and finesse during the performance, which calls for comparison with the finest ballet, or performance of an orchestra, or seeing a play by Racine, so moving is the sight of perfectly unisoned movements.”

~ Nuno Oliveira

Imagine having a such a sense of self-awareness in mind, body and spirit that you are able to transcend that connection to another living being. This is the ultimate achievement in Classical Dressage.

When watching Nuno Oliveira in the above video, the communication between rider and horse is virtually invisible. Together, these two creatures have learned the nuances, strengths and weaknesses of their dance partner. It is this true sense of beauty and grace that exemplifies the potential that each and everyone of us have within ourselves.

Self-awareness is the key to being able to develop confidence, kindness, and humility. One must begin looking inside for confirmation of our sense of self. Recognizing what strengths and weaknesses one has, and taking action on maximizing these attributes will create a strong being.

Being able to dance through life, also requires a strong physical presence. Think in terms of an athlete. Nothing happens overnight, and becoming effective with one’s body requires hard work, discipline, and the willingness to suffer setbacks. They will inevitably happen. It’s the ability to pick oneself up, dust it off and continue down the path of strengthening. But physical prowess is dynamic, there are ebbs and flows of strength and once a good base has been established, a continual effort must be made to maintain that level.

Being adaptable to your environment will allow you to be able to mold more around the people you interact with. Recognize that each person that you know has their own challenges. Accept them for who they are, encourage them to follow their dreams, and let the less important things pass to the wayside.

The spirit of being open to see and receive the gifts each living creature offers will lead to a sense of serenity and appreciation of life around you. Keep your spirit bright and happy. See the joy of interacting with others. They will sense that happiness and react accordingly. Others know when your spirit is bright, or when your spirit is dark. Your experience in the world can be deeply influenced by which one you choose.