On the last episode of MOTHERLANDS with Paula Mallis, you may recall us talking about the philosophy of space and how we occupy physical and emotional space. In this episode I am very excited to be sharing the conversation I had with Cassandra Ogier and her enlivening practice with horses called The Reflective Horse.
Cassandra supports people by providing opportunities to encounter horses in a strikingly unique way. I met Cassandra a number of years ago and was able to experience her teaching firsthand. It is difficult to describe just how meaningful her work is, but I will try my best to articulate it.
We discuss how fear is an emotion that is more often derived from our thoughts but is not necessarily supported by our intuition. While fear can be useful at times, it can also disrupt or hinder our inner knowing. As an example Cassandra explains the dynamic within a herd of horses and how the leading mare is often a female that has given birth. She is responsible for guiding and directing the herd, particularly when there is danger such as a predator approaching. This example highlights a healthy and intuitive response from the horses. When there is no immediate threat to the herd the leading mare can often be found exploring independently, on the periphery.
The Reflective Horse allows us to examine our own nature. When I think back to my private session with Cassandra, I remember how I practiced my approaching a horse with calm, inner confidence and how leading with this energy subsequently “moved” the horse. I learned that I would not receive the desired response from the horse if I appeared sheepish or unsure. My thoughts essentially were getting in between me and the horse. It made me wonder how many times a day I disconnect from my inner nature (my intuition) and how this impacts my ability to move and make decisions with clarity.
Cassandra shares her experience of becoming a mother to three sons, what it was like to navigate early motherhood and how she learned how to trust and allow her children to develop their own sense of boundaries through exploration.
Even if you have no interest in horses, there is still something to learn here… As human beings we are always in direct communication with Mother Nature. To be brave enough to look at the mirror that Mother Nature provides can be both life affirming and life giving.
Cassandra and I are toying around with the idea of cohosting a one day retreat in Malibu for women. If this interests you, please leave us your email and we will send updates as they become available.
To learn more about Cassandra’s practice, you can visit her website or follow the Reflective Horse.
3:47 Cassandra’s background
10:00 Letting children develop their own boundaries
14:44 Choosing how to give birth
17:36 Navigating feelings of loss of self (the “death” of being a Maiden) after birth
23:36 Making choices that feel right, not just what “should” be done
27:04 What we can learn from horses about taking up space and energetic presence
37:22 The neutral energy of the female lead mare
39:35 Fear is a thought, not your intuition
41:50 Grounding and realizing you won’t have an insight through thinking more
44:15 Facing the idea of letting go and the pace of change
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