The first horse is the best horse.  He is responsible to the driver’s will without even see the shadow of the whip.  The second best horse will respond quickly to the sound of the driver’s voice or, as soon as he sees the shadow of the whip.  The third horse will run when he feels pain from the touch of the whip against his skin.  And the fourth horse won’t move until he feels the pain from the whip penetrate to the marrow of his bones.  When it comes to action, which type of horse are you?

Realistically, you’re probably a different horse in different situations, but most of us wish we were the first best horse, no matter what situation we are faced with.  Not only do we want to take the right action at the right time, be we want to do it mindfully, gratefully, competently and without being distracted.

So by now, you may be thinking, which horse really is the best horse?  I can tell you right away, it isn’t the first horse.  Here’s the paradox: it’s the fourth horse, the one who feels the most pain, who has the truest spirit.  The fourth horse has the biggest heart, has very little pride and arrogance, and also has the most compassion for other horses who are struggling, because struggle is the thread of that horse’s daily existence. Most of the time it takes pain to get the other three horse to move. Most of the time it seems like it takes some type of painful situation to get us to do something different, to move. (Gregg Krech. The Art of Taking Action: Lessons from Japanese Psychology)

Wishing you peace and wellbeing as you figure out how work with your life – with your circumstances, your feelings, your family members, your challenges, your dreams and your disappointments.

PS: Remember to hold the one’s you love just a little closer and tighter this week (without expectations).