The Utter Joys of Horseshit (Part 3)
On My Own Trail
On my trail, I touch my own heart, as does each step I take. The vibration moves from earth to foot and all the way up to my chest and head. I can feel the path below me, and know this terrain, this terra, this terroir connects me to millions of others, an unbroken landscape walked and hiked on by so many different humans.
I taste whatever the wind delivers as I breathe deeply, inhaling every image of this beautiful landscape.
And I smell the horseshit. The utter joy of horseshit.
It lets me know I am in a good place, a special place. It is an escape. It is the present, where time and pain and everything stops and stands still.
The gate to the ranch is a landmark in more ways than one. It was exactly a mile from my front door, as was the hill on the other path, that gave me my different vantage point. It was something to look forward to, an accomplishment of sorts, but more importantly a destination, a path to get out my head, become one with nature, and see the majesty of G-d’s creations. And even if I don’t get to see the horses, the smell lets me know I am… well… home.
When they are out, I will just sit or stand and stare. I think of them as friends, even though they don’t approach. There was a white one who once started walking towards me, but never close enough. And that is a whole other fascinating story for another time. But I will take their pictures, and say hi and talk to them. I will tell them how beautiful they are. And I will be happy.
For me, the lesson is clear. Things change. Our perceptions change. We evolve. Things that were once unpleasant can become pleasant. And yes, vice versa. It’s all about timing and context and what’s going on in life at any particular moment, a specific moment in time. And this requires us to be fully present in that moment, in all moments. This requires us to open all our senses, as well as our minds and hearts and souls. It requires us to breathe in life, and yes, breathe in the horseshit. For if we do, everything changes. We can see the world in a different, brand-new way. We can redefine the old, and chart and blaze a new trail. And then, then… we’ll get to all experience the utter joys of horseshit.