My son Luke performed his Senior Music Composition and Piano Performance recital last night, and tomorrow we celebrate my wife Pam’s 61st birthday. It has me thinking about celebrations and the role they play in our journey.

So often, we think of celebrations as concentrated blocks of time and activity. We organize a meal, offer flowers or gifts, or throw a party. These moments and occasions serve an important purpose for us. They mark an accomplishment or passage. They are our way of offering appreciation and recognition for effort, hard work, or achievement. In this way, they are satisfying to most of us.

Today, we awoke at our Airbnb. We made coffee, shared breakfast, joked, and teased. I found myself taking it all in. I felt a deep sense of love, pride, and gratitude for my family. I realized in that moment that, as fun as a party might be, the true celebration was in the appreciation of each and every one of my family members. I began thinking about how connecting to those feelings—and giving them life in our attitudes, actions, and words—may be the truest form of celebration.

I wonder if, and how, horses celebrate. I wonder what they think of our treats and “special things” after an accomplishment or successful competition. I have to imagine that these celebrations are really more for us than for our horses. And while I don’t see the harm in meeting our needs in this way, I wonder if a quieter, more connected, and grateful style of celebration might better serve our horses’ needs.

I will continue my quiet celebration for the next few days. I will breathe life and action into my love and appreciation for my family. I will also allow myself this same style of celebration when I am with my horses in the coming days and weeks.

How will you celebrate those you love… human and equine?

~ Paul

PC – Erin Gilmore Photography

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