the reins

hold the reins

oh so so softly my love

so gently, love, my mind

that a feather's touch would be too harsh.

you are the master and rider, yes,

but too often you are startled and rattled

not trusting the ride

offered to you by your faithful

horse.

Too often you hold on tightly

yanking on the reins hither and thither

afraid of the ride

afraid of the death

because you do not yet trust

the wisdom of your horse.

hold the reins so so gently, my love.

so soft there is no touch

so soft there is no sound.

direct your own ride, yes

but not with yank and whip

not with rush to escape the dangers

or to soothe your budding fears.

direct with clarity, mind.

know the aim, see the aim, and send it

lighter than the butterfly's touch.

so light you virtually do nothing

but hold your aim before you,

trust your horse to know the way,

and enjoy the ride.

micromanage not

coerce not.

send your clear direction upon

the currents of subtle thought

and see it bloom before your eyes

through the fluid actions

of your trusted vehicle.

Practice the art of enchanting yourself

with your will alone.

It trains it to be clear and to focus

through continuous consciousness.

traits too seldom used

for we have learned to rely on

fear, excitement, and spontaneous reaction

to take us where we go

even when these motivators

rarely have an aware goal

other than "scratch that itch", "soothe that fear",

which riles up

excessive stress.

Peace, instead, and build up

good trust between the two

your horse and your rider,

so the first is free to serve

and the other free to see.

Think/direct. Then wait/allow.

Patiently observe the mysteries of your own self

be revealed.