Peaceful Chaos

The other day I went out to feed our six horses for the day. This can be a hectic task due to the horses becoming overwhelmed with excitement as they hear me enter the barn. They come sprinting from the pasture and enter their lean-two where four of them are fed. The other two horses are taken out of the field as they are older, slow eaters who require senior grain. While ensuring each of them are getting where they need to be and consuming the correct grain, I can feel myself becoming overwhelmed by their excitement.

The horses settle and I step back and watch them eat. Taking the chaos in as I stand in the cold barn feeling the chilled wind against my face and listening to the horses eat as fast as they can. I stand back and breathe. I can feel myself inhale, exhale, and breathe in the sweet aroma of horses.

It is moments like these that I enjoy. This is my escape from reality. This is the chaos that takes away from the chaos that occurs in our day-to-day life’s. This is my peace. Although my peace includes chaos, this is the type of chaos I look forward to. Here I can care for these creatures and as they run into the barn chaotically, they nicker at me with excitement, which in turns allows me to feel appreciated. Such a small task can mean so much, especially to an animal who counts on you daily.

For those that have horses, instead of feeding and immediately focusing on another task, step back, breathe the air, listen to the sounds around you. Become part of the atmosphere. Observe what makes you feel appreciated. For those who do not currently have horses, try this with your kids, your spouse, or while completing a task around the house. Allow yourself to find your serenity within these chaotic moments, and allow yourself to breathe them in.