As I sit in the grass under a tree in the southern Indian jungle, I stare off into the body of water in front of me. I get lost there for a moment as the many dragonflies go this way and that just above the horizon.
I contemplate life…
A horse to my left stares off in the distance across the lake, with ears propped forward, curious and alert. Yet, this horse’s eyes are soft. No tension exists in her body as her trusty herdmate stands slightly behind, foot cocked and relaxed.
Their lives weren’t always painted this way though.
While I don’t know the specifics of their stories, one could say they found themselves here by a brush stroke of grace.
Why do some endure torturous lives until meeting their imminent deaths and some are whisked away to a much better place?
My contemplation continues…
Earlier this morning, I had the pleasure of meeting another beautiful equine soul. Besides perusing the Instagram profile and website of this equine haven, I knew very little about it or its beneficiaries. The Backwater Sanctuary is located on the backwaters of Kabini on the border of Karnataka and Kerala. It shares property with the beautifully unique Bison Resort which provides a very deep-in-the-jungle, bush-like, glamping atmosphere for adventurous travelers.
As I type that out, awe is the only word that comes to mind. I’m completely in awe and amazed–not only by this place and its inherent beauty–but also because I’m actually here.
I suppose today is a day for contemplation and reflection…
When I arrived yesterday, I was introduced to some of the residents of this equine sanctuary and was granted permission to interact with them. If I recall correctly, there are around 23 or so rescues onsite.
Prior to my arrival, I had seen a particularly disturbing video Backwater shared about one of their recent rescue ponies named Zephyr. It was such a heart wrenching video, the imagery of which reminded me of the American wild mustang stallion who was shot to death after enduring an excruciating run for his life. With a rear leg completely shattered, this amazing horse endured an over 25-minute pursuit until this brave stallion met his death at gunpoint. Ya, this was all courtesy of Uncle Sam’s bureau of land management’s so-called wild horse population control process…but I digress…
More contemplation…
As I moseyed around Backwater this morning after an amazing south Indian breakfast served up by Bison Resort, I turned the corner to find a small pony in a holding pen looking out of the front gate. I paused and asked this incredible equine if I could approach. At this point I did not know anything—who this was, its gender or story. I didn’t recognize the pony from the videos I had watched.
I took a deep breath and released. Some may try to describe what came next as animal commination, telepathy, or even woo-woo nonsense. I don’t need to have an explanation or any sort of human validation. All I know is that—like many times before with my own herd, Codie especially—this pony not only allowed me to, but requested (in a crying out sort of way) that I connect energetically.
My breath softened and I immediately fell into a meditative trancelike state. Seconds later, I began experiencing pain—physical and emotional. A flood of energy opened up. I cycled between closed and open eyes. With eyes open I focused my attention on my breath and opened my heart space. This pony shared with me his deep-seated trauma. When my eyes were open I could see him releasing physically through jaw stretches, yawns, head and body movements.
At that moment we were one.
I didn’t realize his handler was standing by to take him for feeding. I got out of the way and couldn’t hold the tears if I wanted to. Sometimes it seems to be the only way the body knows how to flush the emotions.
I’m okay with that. Tears flowed…
Moments later, I found out this pony is Zephyr.
More contemplation. Deeper still…
Here I am. It’s been a couple years—give or take—since I began moving out from my own internal and external miseries to a life I never thought possible or thought I deserved. I get a good feeling Zephyr is on the fast-track to experiencing something similar in his own way.
Tranquility
Step into the realm
Known only by
your soul
Feed on the manna of
Calm
Be still and
Know
I am
You