Jane says I’m too serious, and need to play more. She told me I should relax and enjoy life. I used to think she was crazy. I have lots of work to do, and I didn’t think I should waste time playing around. Dressage is serious business, ya know, and I have to be PERFECT. But Jane taught me that dressage should be FUN first and serious second.

I’ve heard Jane tell visitors that I’m very wise, like a Socrates with four legs. There is an old record that says Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that an essential part of himself had been neglected. So, I thought, perhaps I should learn to dance, too! Jane loved that idea. She cranked up the music and off we went!

To really dance well, you have to let go of the habit of looking at yourself through other people’s eyes. You have to stop that feedback loop. You have to risk looking silly. To dance you have to take a bit of the athlete in you and mix it with the artist in you. Unrestricted movement, without too much thinking, is the key. Shake, rattle, and roll, and you have a dance!

Do you like to dance? When was the last time you really let go and let your body move to the rhythm of the music? I suggest you try that today. Find a quiet room, close the door if you’re shy, and turn up the tunes. Release your mind as you release your body to move with the beat. Let go. Feel the freedom of movement. Close your eyes and really feel it.

There is nothing better for relieving stress than a good, powerful, free flowing dance. Give it a try! You can do it! Even if you’ve convinced yourself that you’re not a good dancer, you can still dance! Everyone can. You just have to be willing. You might surprise yourself, how good you really are!

Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

I’m a song and dance man. I howl in B-flat. I love to tap dance on the tile in the front hall, though I do my best dancing in front of the cupboard where the dog biscuits are stored. My best singing is done late at night when the coyotes stop by our place. We have a nice quartet performance at least once a week. Occasionally we’re even on key!

Jane isn’t fond of my nighttime serenade. For some reason she and Rhett like to sleep at night, all night long. They don’t doze off and on the way I do. I try to keep quiet, but sometimes I just can’t help myself and I have to join in the song of the wild! Rhett’s getting Jane earplugs for their anniversary.

The other day at the barn, Jane put on a tutu and danced for me. I was laughing so hard I was howling! I didn’t realize she could be that silly. But it sure looked like she was having fun. I joined in and we danced all the way down the driveway. It was hilarious! All the horses stopped what they were doing and stared. She was a big hit!

When was the last time you did something silly? Was it fun? Did the people around you laugh? How did you feel afterward? Maybe today would be a good day to let yourself go a little and have some fun! See if you can make someone laugh! It will feel good to both of you.

A sense of humor is aspirin for the aches and pains of living. Have you had your dose today?

Love, Indy

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602
Jane’s Website
DressageMentor.com