As an equestrian, one is often reminded to “be more elegant,” “sit up straighter,” “put your shoulder blades together,” or “make yourself taller.” In general, equestrians are called to walk a higher plain, both figuratively and literally. Charles deKunffy espouses the idea that equestrians are called to live a noble life, and should aspire to live in an elite way. Not elite as in entitled; rather, leading a noble existence where one’s lifestyle has meaning and elegance because one has an obligation to one’s horses, fellow equestrians, and the greater world. An obligation to strive to improve, to seek knowledge, and to live in such a way that adds beauty and meaning to life.
And then there are dogs. Who themselves are noble, and all of the above striving still applies. The thing is, part of the vernacular with dogs is not automatically a call to stand up straight nor make yourself taller as it is with horses. Indeed I find myself stooping, crouching, bending over much of the time time, and looking down at my dog to make eye contact or deliver treats and pats.
I am making a concerted effort to maintain the idea of moving like a dancer, walking and being tall, and being more elegant. Even while lying in bed at night I’ve noticed my back feels more hunched lately, and that can’t be healthy. Also as I sit in front of a screen, I remind myself to keep good posture. While out walking the dogs, I walk tall and keep my shoulder blades together. In an effort to stay fit and trim, I’ve increased my exercise routine. While I have to look down at my dogs, and bend over often, I still want to maintain good posture to the degree that I can.
And I love the idea that animals call us to a higher purpose in life, and certainly subscribe to that ideal personally. First, do no harm. And then seek to be kinder, more graceful, more knowledgeable than I was yesterday, last week, a month ago. To grow.
“What is the house of Rohan, but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek, and their brats roll on the floor with their dogs?’ I don’t know, sounds like a pretty good Saturday night to me…
Rolling on the floor with the dogs sounds fun
Pearls:
- Animals inspire a noble life; we have an obligation to them. I personally owe a debt of gratitude to the horses and dogs in my life
- Staying fit and trim is important
- Primum nil nocere. Then act on our obligation to improve
