The Subtle Energy of Core Breathing

Are you even aware of your breathing patterns and energy?

“The breath is the essence of all life and connection.” – Jenny Rolfe

All life is energy. We live in an era where the natural forces of our planet, such as the wind and the waves, are being harnessed to produce much needed energy.

If we become more aware of how our personal energy can be used to connect with our horses, a much deeper empathy can be built over time. Much of our present day teaching relates to technical knowledge but my experience, working daily with my stallions, has taught me the significance of a further dimension. The power of breathing and energy exchange between people and horses remains almost unexplored. This dimension offers a future of revelation for the student who becomes conscious of personal breathing patterns and energy.

When we are fully aware of our thoughts, body language and breathing, we can communicate with our horses in a most profound way, connecting with their world. Our busy, overactive thoughts can become more tranquil as we allow our mind to stay in the present moment. In this way we learn the personal power of just feeling, being and allowing. We can let go of our more stressful thoughts and the demanding expectations of our normal lifestyle.

Where the Mind Goes, Chi Will Follow

Within Eastern culture, controlled energy is known as ‘Chi’ energy, which can be used as a vehicle for healing. In China there is an old saying: “Where the mind goes, the chi will follow.”  This energy of chi can have a huge impact on our relationships. Often when we feel on the same wavelength with another, it is created by a connection of chi.

Chi energy can be used to enhance healing normally through a state of meditation. This allows the healing energy to flow through the hands and fingertips. It is good to remember these possibilities as we caress our horse’s neck to help him to calm and release tension. If we are capable of healing and giving out therapeutic energy, the horse will immediately receive this and it can become part of our day-to-day relationship with him. This type of energy awareness will help to build a very deep bond of security and connection. We can use the power of a gentle touch to settle a horse who has suffered either physically or mentally.

An invisible aura of energy surrounds every living creature, including human life. For centuries, Eastern cultures have placed more importance on the practice of deeper breathing to expand personal energy to support good health.

Once we make a decision to take time out to focus on our breathing, we become empowered to create an environment where we can flourish mentally, physically and spiritually. This decision will detach us from the pull of past events and the concern for the future. We can become aware of the present moment and how we feel physically as we re-connect with our inner spirit. Once we allow ourselves time to connect in this way, we can feel a depth of harmony and oneness with creation. The horse will instantly feel an attraction as we create a place for focus and communication.

The connection is similar to a meditation, a communion of souls. The gulf between human and horse is bridged as all our senses are brought into that one moment in time. The horse feels our complete focus and energy as our true personality can flourish. We are not suppressed by concerns for either the past or the future.

Our Breathing has a Potent Effect on the Mind of a Horse

Each day working with different horses I find a connection with the horse where he seems to feel secure and comfortable. As the horse really begins to connect with my breathing, I sense his focus and attention are directed more toward me, which brings the relationship together.

My stallions have taught me the power of this subtle energy but I have also spent time reading books to enlighten me as to why and how these techniques gain such profound results.

I have learned that our thoughts and emotions influence the energy signals from our heart, which can actually be felt several feet away. The expressions “good vibes” and “bad vibes” are a result of receiving energy signals that mirror the emotions of a person.

Subtle Energy

We are all capable of receiving and transmitting the subtle energy exchange that can occur between all living beings. I believe horses are very highly tuned to receiving such signals, which could in fact save their lives in a natural environment. The fear and flight instinct is based upon these signals, together with a keen awareness of body language in the herd.

Horses will respond immediately to any variation within their energy field as they are highly sensitive to any change, however subtle. This explains why the awareness of our breathing to connect with the horses can gain such amazing results.

Awareness of changes in breathing and emotions is the language of the herd. It is the key to understanding the horse. We become part of the comfortable energy zone where the horse will find a connection.

This is the beginning of a journey of discovery – to connect through our own breathing, where both human and horse come together in a moment of time.

Jenny Rolfe’s clients come from all over the world and include those professionally involved with horses, among them BHS trainers, physiotherapists and natural horsemanship instructors. She is the author of Breathe Life Into Your Riding and Ride from the Heart book and DVD. Jenny teaches with her Iberian stallions at: www.naturallyclassical.com