The Practice of Presence: Insights from Divine Equines
By Beckie Boger
Introduction
In our fast-paced, endlessly distracted world, presence can feel like an unattainable goal. But when we slow down and tune in, something remarkable happens. At Divine Equines, the core of everything I offer is rooted in the practice of presence—learning to be fully here, now, with ourselves, the horses, and the world around us.
Presence isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of being. And horses, with their natural attunement to the moment, are some of the greatest teachers of this practice. Let me share more about how presence can transform your life and why it’s at the heart of all we do at Divine Equines.
What Does It Mean to Practice Presence?
To practice presence is to bring your whole self into the moment. It’s about listening deeply—not just with your ears, but with your body, your heart, and your spirit. It means letting go of judgment, releasing expectations, and simply being.
As Belden C. Lane beautifully said, “I have longed all my life to be able to listen as wild things speak.” This is the essence of presence: the ability to attune ourselves to the subtle, sacred voices all around us.
At Divine Equines, presence isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we embody in every session, every retreat, and every Circle. It’s the foundation of healing and connection.
How Horses Teach Us Presence
Horses live in the present moment. They’re not weighed down by the past or preoccupied with the future. They respond to what’s happening right now—what they see, feel, and sense. When we’re with them, they invite us to do the same.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from horses is how to let go of mental chatter and connect with the wisdom of the body. Horses don’t care about what you say or think; they respond to your energy, your intention, and your presence.
When you stand with a horse, you’re invited into a kind of stillness and authenticity that can be both challenging and deeply healing. As Anna Twinney said, “For me, gazing into the eye of the horse is looking into the eye of God. I am looking at the divine presence in us all and it is staring right back at me.”
The Role of Connection and Attunement
Presence isn’t just about being mindful in the moment—it’s also about connection. Horses are relational beings, deeply attuned to the energy of their herd and their environment. They teach us that connection isn’t about words or actions; it’s about being seen, felt, and understood.
In sessions at Divine Equines, this attunement becomes a powerful mirror. The horses reflect back what we bring into the space—our emotions, our fears, our hopes. This reflection helps us see ourselves more clearly and connect with what’s true within us.
Mindfulness in Practice
Through mindfulness exercises, somatic awareness, and quiet reflection, we practice presence in ways that feel both accessible and profound. Here’s how we explore this together:
Breath Awareness
The simple act of noticing your breath brings you into the moment. With the horses nearby, their rhythmic breathing often becomes a calming anchor.
Body Listening
Horses are masters of somatic awareness. They teach us to tune in to the messages our bodies are sending, helping us release tension and ground ourselves in the present.
Non-Judgmental Observation
Just as horses observe without judgment, we practice noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations with kindness and curiosity.
A Story of Presence
One day during a session, a client arrived feeling scattered and overwhelmed. She spent the first few moments talking rapidly, her energy spilling into the space like a rushing river. The horse she was standing near moved away, clearly sensing her inner chaos.
I gently invited her to pause, take a deep breath, and simply stand still. As she did, the horse turned back, its body softening. Slowly, she began to mirror the horse’s calm presence, her shoulders relaxing, her breath deepening.
By the end of the session, she said, “I’ve never felt so seen. The horse didn’t need anything from me—they just showed me how to be.”
Why Presence Matters
Presence is more than a practice—it’s a doorway to healing. When we’re present, we can truly listen to ourselves, to others, and to the divine. We can release the weight of the past, quiet the anxieties of the future, and find peace in what is.
At Divine Equines, presence is the foundation of everything we do. It’s how we connect with the horses, the land, and ourselves. And it’s how we begin to heal.
Your Invitation to Practice Presence
Whether it’s through a private session, a retreat, or the Monthly Meditation and Prayer Circle, I invite you to step into a space of presence and connection. Together, we can explore what it means to truly be here, now, and discover the peace and clarity that comes from simply being.