Petroglyph Horses

The panel near Wolfe Ranch shows figures on horseback, which tells us these petroglyphs were created after the mid-1600s when the native people in this area acquired horses.

In mid-February, a dozen people will join me in Moab to explore such significant figures - but that is only part of the story. We are always in the process of rewriting our own story. 

Life challenges us in big and subtle ways each and every day. Problem solving suddenly is built into our daily rituals like eating and bathing. The last five years have pushed me in ways that left me uncomfortable in my own skin. I’ve shed too many tears with the passing of friends too young and of those I wished to live forever.

In my most recent surroundings, I’ve witnessed ethical practices of others that have challenged my moral compass leaving me with the desire to escape their company. As others slowly awaken to this same skewed imbalance, I modify my own behavior and listen to my heart; the injustices may continue - but I don’t have to be in their presence to do something about it. 

There is always a story to tell. Telling our story helps us reorient ourselves. 

How do we return to the essentials of living in harmony? We can begin by looking at our environment and then feel within ourselves by asking the question, what is our environment communicating to us? We can even look to ancient peoples on how they told their stories about their environments, offering glimpses to their inner world.  

Why are petroglyphs so important?

Petroglyphs are ancient pieces of artwork that have been etched into rock walls and are protected around the world for their archaeological richness. These early etchings, which involved the ‘artist’ scratching or removing the top layer of the rocks surface with a sharp instrument, depict any number of possible items. Many petroglyphs are images of animals and anthropomorphic figures. Some also depict what is assumed to be the artists’ immediate surroundings including rivers, trees and other aspects of local terrain.

 October 28, 2012 by Kenton Hemsing

In many past and present preliterate societies, rock art has been used as a means of communication to convey ideas, beliefs, ancestral knowledge, traditions, identities, rules, stories, social behavior or laws.

Teaching, whether it be a student who struggles with reading or how to throw a ball, I’ve learned that the power of teaching lies less in the realm of how one is taught, 
but rather how one learns. 

New experiences can ignite our curiosity, especially when establishing relationships with the animal world.

What is Natural Horsemanship?

By "natural", we mean a natural approach to the horse. This means that the human engages with the horse and undertakes to see things from the perspective of the horse in order to better understand natural equine behaviors. 

The invitation is to be open to learning new things, risking new experiences, changing the monkey mind, and experiencing awe. Telling stories is one way to learn. 

As we witness the subtleties of other living beings in our world - we feel the changes  slowly impress upon us. Perhaps the complications don’t need to be so complicated. What we can find is that engaging with the nonhuman makes us more human. 

So, what does Yoga have to do with this?

When I practice yoga, I am aware of my thoughts through productive practice. Instead of perseverating on my feelings of injustice and frustration, I am able to focus on my mental wellbeing. 

Yoga has been dated to exceed a 5000-year ancient history; it is a practice focusing on breathing, flexibility and strength to boost mental and wellbeing. It is composed of a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. Allowing the practice to anchor within gives way to allowing life to live through us. 

The evolution of writing a story.

As we learn from the petroglyphs, they tell the story of a more universal and understandable manner for communication between people; it sets a new standard for communication and eventually opened the doors for the creation of entirely phonemic based language, as demonstrated by the creation of the 19th century Cherokee language, sounds rather than abstract symbols.

A story evolves that we may, at one time, be too fearful to feel. And then, suddenly, as if a band of warriors vows to protect you, the story begins to tell itself … and you find yourself with the realization that you survived it then and you can survive it again; especially if it helps even just one other person. Survive then evolves to thrive as you become reoriented to your life and connect with others. 

Petroglyphs, Horses, Yoga, Writing … “Oh My!”

All the stories we tell are inspiring if told from the heart if we are open to learning.Now, how wonderful is that?!