In this episode of the podcast, I’m reading Chapters 6 and 7, The Decision – Sort of, and Imbalance is a Good Thing. As you will hear, at this stage of the journey, I’m somewhat flailing. Looking back on it, I’m still surprised that I took the path I did. Some part of me saw the promise of taking the more difficult path – something that was typically not my norm.
It has been fascinating for me to go back and read these chapters several years later. I typically can’t remember what I wrote last week, much less four years ago. In that way, it’s fresh. It’s also a little bit like reading a personal journal. I’m reminded of what I went through.
I hope you enjoy these chapters – they will keep coming every week until we get through the book, and then my podcasts with guests will resume.
Topics:
Chapter Six: The Decision Sort of Barely a Baby Step
- Lynn reflects on her journey and the decision to take a more difficult path, which was not her norm.
- She discusses the traumatic experience of being thrown off a horse and how it shattered her confidence.
- Lynn encounters the World Equestrian Games, which reignites her interest in horses, particularly in the discipline of reining.
- She describes her first encounter with reining horses and the awe-inspiring performance of the riders and horses.
- Lynn visits her friend Janice's barn in Oklahoma, where she meets reining horses and experiences the thrill of riding stallions.
Chapter Six: The Decision Continued
- Lynn recounts her first ride with a stallion at Janice's barn and the nervousness she felt.
- She describes the process of getting back into the saddle and the emotional and physical challenges she faced.
- Lynn shares her experience of riding at Cedar Creek Stables, including the challenges of riding Ben, a draft horse.
- She reflects on the differences between being able to get on a horse and being able to ride one effectively.
- Lynn discusses the importance of learning to control her fear and anxiety while riding.
Chapter Six: The Decision Concluded
- Lynn describes her trail ride at Cedar Creek, including the uphill and downhill challenges she faced.
- She shares her thoughts on the difference between being able to get on a horse and being able to ride one.
- Lynn reflects on the importance of learning to control her fear and anxiety while riding.
- She discusses the impact of her past experiences and the lessons she learned from them.
- Lynn concludes with her determination to continue riding and overcoming her fears.
Chapter Seven: Imbalance is a Good Thing
- Lynn introduces the concept of balance and how it relates to her journey of learning to ride a horse.
- She discusses the importance of balancing attachment and self-expression in her life.
- Lynn reflects on her experiences in the corporate world and how they shaped her approach to work and life.
- She shares her realization that balance is a constant act of calibration and recalibration.
- Lynn emphasizes the importance of dynamic alignment and the role of the mind in maintaining balance.
Chapter Seven: The Balancing Act of a Lifetime
- Lynn discusses the metaphor of walking a tightrope and how it relates to her experiences in leading change initiatives.
- She reflects on the balancing act of focusing on the short term versus the long term in her business leadership.
- Lynn shares her insights on the importance of balancing challenge and support as a coach.
- She introduces the concept of attachment and self-expression as fundamental human needs.
- Lynn discusses the impact of unmet attachment needs on self-expression and authenticity.
Chapter Seven: The Balancing Act Continued
- Lynn reflects on her experiences with addiction and how they relate to her journey of self-discovery.
- She discusses the importance of addressing attachment needs to be true to oneself.
- Lynn shares her realization that balance is a constant act of calibration and recalibration.
- She emphasizes the importance of dynamic alignment and the role of the mind in maintaining balance.
- Lynn concludes with her determination to continue learning and growing through her experiences.
Chapter Seven: The Balancing Act Concluded
- Lynn discusses the importance of finding one's center and the role of the negative pole in maintaining balance.
- She shares her experiences of learning to find the middle of the round pen and the lessons it taught her.
- Lynn reflects on the difference between the conditioned self and the true self.
- She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner guidance and using it to navigate life.
- Lynn concludes with her determination to continue using her negative pole to guide her actions.