2014: Section 3

When we think of horses we often think of their power (vehicles: horse power) and their strength (pulling wagons, carrying lodes, carrying riders). For this section we look at a very important attribute of the horse: gentleness. For without its gentleness, the horse would be seen as just a beast. Even with its strength and power, horse shows us that at its core, it is a sweet, gentle being.

The obvious way to go with this section would be to look at ways in which we are, or need to be, gentle with others. And while that’s important, it’s far more critical to look at the ways in which we are (or fail to be) gentle with ourselves. BECAUSE…when we know how to be gentle with ourselves, we will NATURALLY be gentle with others.

Take are of the inner and the outer takes care of itself.

Section 3 encourages us to be very aware of how we treat ourselves, both in thought and deed.

• what’s our inner dialogue like? supportive? or destructive?
• are we forever beating ourselves up?
• do we deprive ourselves because of our supposed lack of worthiness?
• do we deny ourselves for fear of coming across as selfish?
• what actions do we take that translate into self-sabotage?

While coloring this section, let’s take look at ways in which we can turn this around so that we are more gentle to ourselves…treating ourselves the way we would treat our very best friends.

It’s time to be our own best friend

How can we do this?

• take care of our needs.
• question the authenticity of the inner criticisms and judgements; are they true or false representations?
• say “no” when we really want to say “no”.
• say “yes” when we really want to say “yes”.
• acknowledge our fears; tap into our inner power to help us with moving forward through them. How would we help a best friend who is struggling with fears?
• acknowledge our positive attributes…remind ourselves often.
• acknowledge our perceived negative attributes…decide which to keep and which to change

When all else fails, remember this:

We are the Light of God; whole an complete just as we are.

joyfully,