Sit loosely in the saddle

“Sit loosely in the saddle.”

—Robert Louis Stevenson, 19th Century Scottish Novelist

Image of a galloping horse and rider

Image from Unsplash by Sergiu Vălenaș

Have you ever ridden a horse? If so, what was it like if you were walking, trotting, or at a full gallop?

Given our fast paced lives, most of us operate at a full gallop. Sitting tightly in our life saddles can be brutal, as if we were riding a rodeo bull.

If you were to seek horse-riding coaching, you would learn that you’re never really sitting at a gallop. You’re more or less standing, and letting the saddle come up and caress your rear end. Your legs get a significant workout as you use them as shock absorbers.

EXERCISE:

What strategies can you use to relax and pull yourself up from the bumpy aspects of life?

Where can you shift from a gallop to a trot, or a more scenic stroll, to enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable ride?