Horses are large, social, emotional, flight-prone and yet connected animals. Tundra likes to come into my space when she’s insecure about what’s going on. Much like kids or adults who may be relying on our security to co-regulate theirs, this can be hard to counterbalance, effectively. It can get dangerous, fast, given how suddenly she can react, and how big she is, relative to me.

This walk and talk is demonstrating how slowing down, backing up, and becoming hyper-aware of balance challenges (for both of us) can help my horse find her own strong centre, without it threatening mine. For those of you who work with people who sometimes lean in a bit suddenly, aggressively, or even thoughtlessly, this might spark some thoughts as to how to proactively help them keep their balance alongside you, instead of on top of you!

…and yes, I did the whole walk with her again after, without a phone, and she was able to really figure out those scary, scary stumps. While staying in her own balanced and secure space. But, it took time, respecting her need to figure it out with my presence and support. Just not my “carrying her!”

One Hard Thing Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thanks for reading One Hard Thing Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.

A big part of safer means not just objective safety, but the perception that I’m safe. Or at least, safe enough. Fight or flight (or freeze, or fawn) are states of being that can solidify into days, months, years, even. They lock us up. They feel immovable, and can feel hopeless.

Spring does come. We can thaw. But the magic moment when ice turns to liquid and flows again happens only after degree upon degree of warming. Even though nothing looks different, change is coming. Even though chronic and unrelenting stress may have a deep hold of your heart and mind and body, little caring actions (by others, by you) matter. Don’t give up if the ice doesn’t break right away.

Spring does come.

Thanks for reading One Hard Thing Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Lee-Anne and I have worked closely in the area of inclusive education for the last 8 years. Here Lee-Anne is able to describe how she views inclusion through the lens of teaching a very full Functional Integrated Program. For Ministry of Education (Saskatchewan-based, of course) guidelines, see this link here.

We talk briefly about the differing terms of segregation, integration, and the contrast with aspirational inclusion for students. We are referencing primarily Shelley Moore's great work on this whole topic in B.C. She has multiple YouTube and other online resources to tap into, but a good book is One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion (2016).

Lee-Anne also mentions Jody Carrington, author of Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting with Those we Teach, Lead, and Love, (2020) and many others.

This podcast is also sponsored by nature, water, trees, and other spaces that transform us so we can continue to do the hard work of making our spaces welcoming to everyone. I hope you all enjoy this interview as much as I did!

Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusic
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/acoustic-folk-instrume...
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/YKdXVnaHfo8
Other music by soundcloud.com (creative commons, royalty free) https://soundcloud.com/twisterium?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing