Getting Out of Our World Of Words

Temple Grandin says often, to get along with animals, we have to get out of the world of words-

One of the things I value so much about my time with animals is the simplicity in communication, and the way I’m drawn in to details. Breathing, footsteps, the space in between other sounds, the movement of an ear, eye and tail: those say more than words ever could. While I can’t call it silence, because there is an entire symphony going on all around us at any given time, I enjoy the non speaking communication whenever I get the chance.

People talk: but they often don’t say much. They talk to soothe themselves, to entertain themselves, to fill in spaces. Their chattering away can become so mindless their mouth runs off without bringing their brain along, and worst yet, without attention to what’s around them.

There’s of course, nothing wrong with talking, especially when we have important things to say to each other-

but - if we’re going to get along with horses , we have to get out of our heads and into the sensory world: listening, feeling, and seeing. We have to tune into that beautiful music ongoing all around, if we want to make our own with the horse.

This means not just mouth noise but mind chatter, and the two are so deeply connected - to really observe and get into the flow that riding allows us, we have to get out of our heads and into our bodies- and often, this silences the mouth, because the body is busy feeling.