Tis’ the Season To Have A Horse Brain
“There is enough in the Universe for everyone.”
My mentor, Rayna Granger, told me this several years ago.
I wish I could believe this and never worry again - but my brain doesn’t seem to work that way.
Sigh. It’s that time of the year again. The time that Nate’s work slows down and often stops for several weeks. In December everyone is busy spending money on Christmas, and in January everyone is out of money. So yeah; a handyman is just not a priority during those months.
Recently, I began substitute teaching. I love the opportunities I get to show value to students and take little moments to inspire and empower them. I told Nate and Jenna that I was an undercover “Zebra” coach. 🙂 It brings me so much joy to find ways to spark their curiosity and encourage them to think outside the box.
Being a substitute teacher isn’t a high-paying job though, and I knew that beforehand, but during this slow season for Nate I sure wish I was bringing in more money.
While doing the animal chores this morning, I stopped momentarily to gaze at my gorgeous, blue roan mare, Skye. She stood peacefully dozing with a full belly from being on the grass pasture all night. I reached out with my hand toward her head. Curious, She perked up, stretching out her neck to sniff my hand. Her soft muzzle and black whiskers brushed my hand. A sense of peace trickled into my body. I found myself exhaling as a smile spread across my face. I looked into the eyes of this majestic yet incredibly gentle creature and saw nothing but contentment. Not a trace of worry invaded Skye’s body. Only trust; trust that right now, in this very moment, all was well.
This meaningful interaction happened in less than 30 seconds - yet it was enough to leave me wondering. “Does Skye ever worry? Surely she doesn’t worry about money because that has no place in her world… How can she be so peaceful? Surely she could find plenty of things to worry about that would apply to her life - like what will happen when all the grass is eaten and they have none left?”
Now maybe I am weird for wondering why my animals don’t worry about things, but it never fails to amaze me how much they freaking NEVER worry.
For years it’s been believed that our amygdala, the small almond-shaped part of our brain that handles our emotions, was solely responsible for fear and anxiety. However, the more that scientists study the brain, they discover that it’s less of a one-way system and more of a complex communication between different brain regions.
The amygdala focuses on keeping us alive by alerting us of any potential danger. Horses also have amygdalas, except theirs is quite large. Their amygdala also has a really cool short-cut feature which allows them to react with lightning-fast reflexes, before surveying the scene. This explains how horses can spook so dang fast and leave you lying in the dust, wondering what the hell happened. This special function is what has kept them alive for millions of years.
But there is one thing that horses lack: a prefrontal cortex. However, this is an integral part of the human brain.
This incredible section is the problem-solving part of our brain. It’s how we find cures for diseases, navigate sticky situations, and manage to manipulate others into doing what we want them to do. Yep. Our prefrontal cortex has some badass qualities, but can often become the suspect for trouble. Like worry.
Our advanced human brain has the capacity to fret about the future.
This, my dear, is what horses do not possess. Their less-evolved brains are not designed to solve intricate issues. They cannot plan for the future. And while I am grateful for the ability to build a life I want, sometimes I can’t help but wish I was a horse. Sure, they can’t plan a vacation, but to be honest, they don’t need to. They live in the moment constantly, without worrying about what they will eat tomorrow, or how they will pay their bills. That sounds like about the best vacation ever.
So what now? Am I doomed to a life of anxiety and stress?
Maybe. If I so choose to be. You see, our prefrontal cortex has many functions. Yes, it can worry about the future; but it also gives us the ability to make cognitive choices. We have the advantage of being able to weigh the options, evaluate the consequences, and make solid choices that lead us to a life we love. This is a gift.
Just now, I looked up and saw a sign on the wall. It says, “If tomorrow feels overwhelming try your best to stay in today.”
Horses don’t think about tomorrow. They don’t need to. They just need to be able to stay alive right now, in this very moment.
My evolved brain helps me plan for substitute teaching and how I will execute the day. That’s pretty cool. And while I don’t love the fact that I constantly have to manage my worry, I realize that I also have the ability to choose to NOT worry.
I can be like Skye. I can just stay in this moment right here- not because my brain doesn’t have a care in the world, but because I have the option to choose what I will focus on today.
Here is what I am going to do:
Every time worry comes knocking, which is quite often right now, I will remember those few seconds with Skye. I will recall the contentment she exuded and the peace that filled my body. I will take hold of that feeling and wrap it around myself.
Worry doesn’t feel good.
Anxiety can wear us down like no one’s business.
This season can be stressful to humans for a variety of reasons. I hope you find some time to get out in nature. Nature is incredibly grounding. Please take a moment to remember that you matter. Your mental health matters. Do whatever brings you peace and helps you find your breath.
Life is hard. Let’s do our best to stay present. Right here. Right now.
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