Horse Wisdom: Rest

Happy New Year to you! I realize that I say that 3 weeks into 2026, but the truth is that the last few weeks I have been living into my 2026 word of the year. Rest. I received it during our Equine Reflections Vision Board retreat and it came through quick, loud and very clear. The horses were all modeling rest in addition to the voice in my head and clear knowing I had.

I'm taking more naps during the day and when I'm not able to sleep, I simply rest and unplug for 15 minutes. When I don't feel inspired to "produce," I have sat on the couch looking outside, read a book, or watched a movie with my wife. It's been a shift and not always easy.

On Wednesday I gifted myself a day off after a minor car accident that could have been major the night before. I knew I simply needed to be at home, get quiet, and allow my whole self to recover. While I didn't have any physical injuries, I know that trauma lives in the body and my nervous system was on overdrive. I ate a good breakfast and lunch, went for walk with Harley, took a long nap, spent time with the herd, listened to wonderful sound meditation, and generally took it slow and easy. After the meditation I felt a huge shift.

In years past I would have powered through, gone to work as if nothing happened, hustled through the day. Being with the horses has invited a different rhythm and it is no accident that my word of the year is Rest. When I arrived home this morning from my walk with the dog, both Clyde and Anu were lying down resting in the paddock. Clyde was sprawled out and Anu's chin rested on the ground. Sweetie and Bonnie both stood nearby, heads low, back hoof cocked, relaxed and chill. They were all resting in their own way. What beautiful models for me and all of us. (I attempted a photo, but I was too far away, sorry!)

In the constant buzz, endless news cycles, work, family and life responsibilities, I'm finding it is more important than ever to find times of rest. It is not a luxury meant only for some. Rest is for everyone and a needed break to recharge so that we can continue on our journey.

I am curious what Rest has to teach me this year. I'll keep listening, keep watching and learning from the herd, and stay open to what unfolds. I'm sure to find some gifts in Rest.