Description
Book SynopsisIn this fascinating book, dancer, choreographer, and visual artist Paula Josa-Jones combines her two greatest passions — movement and horses — in order to help us develop somatic awareness: Consciousness of breath, integrated and coherent motion, and development of movements and touch into sensitive channels of communication. Through stories and exercises, Josa-Jones demonstrates how connecting with the horse can develop this awareness. The body and mind of the horse and the human, she writes, are connected at the deepest levels — anatomically, energetically, psychically, spiritually, and emotionally. And because horses are authentic beings — their inside feelings and intentions match the outside expression and behaviour — our interactions with them can help us become more aware of our inner emotional landscape and its relationship to what we are expressing outwardly. Horses offer us the opportunity to become more trustworthy and more comfortable in our own skin. By listening inwardly, feeling the connections between our mind states and our expression, we become more attuned to the currents passing among us, more able to blend, empathise, and act with balance, sensitivity, and kindness.
Trade ReviewThrough stories, strategies, and over 65 meditations and gentle exercises, Josa-Jones shows how we can develop greater somatic awareness away from the horse, as well as how being with the horse can help this consciousness continue to evolve.
Done well, the connection between horse and rider evolves into a dance between two equal partners. Force is never part of this. Paula Josa-Jones reminds us of this in her beautiful book. She offers a dancer's perspective on the process that transforms training into art. -- Alexandra Kurland, Author of Clicker Training for Your Horse
Paula Josa-Jones shares a unique perspective on how we can create a more intimate relationship with our horses and ourselves, and it is a joy to see how awareness of the deeper connections between horses and humans can blossom. Her approach is truly that of a Compassionate Equestrian. -- Allen M. Schoen, DVM, MS, PhD (hon.), Author of The Compassionate Equestrian; Kindred Spirits; and Love, Miracles, and Animal Healing
Our Horses, Ourselves is a deeply moving journey into the landscape of our authentic self, reflected through the great love, respect, and understanding Josa-Jones has for horses as companions and creators of harmony though movement. -- Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Bestselling Author and Founder of Body-Mind Centering(R)
A breath of fresh air...where any one of us with a true desire to really be with horses, to partner with them in work, pleasure, or competition, should begin. -- Linda Tellington-Jones, Bestselling Author, Founder of the Tellington Method (R)
What Paula Josa-Jones has done...is to bring each aspect of the combined arts of equitation and dance into new and sublime focus. -- Carly Simon
A beautiful, spiritual and touching look at our great love and need for animals. Brilliant and heartfelt. -- Jon Katz, New York Times Bestselling Author, Former Executive Producer of CBS Morning News
In her new book
Our Horses, Ourselves: Discovering the Common Body, world-renowned dancer and choreographer Paula Josa-Jones explores how horses help what needs helping, and the role our bodies, their bodies, and movement play in our sometimes complex relationships with them.
An intelligently observed, beautifully rendered collection of experiences and inspirations detailing her artist's journey of learning to be more fully present in the world.
Josa-Jones' book is an essential bible for equestrians, artists, and spiritual seekers alike. Her poetic aspirations to develop authentic relationships with equine partners provides a heartfelt road map for each of us to connect more deeply to others, and ultimately to ourselves.
Table of ContentsForeword by Linda Tellington-Jones Preface Introduction The Common Body: Sharing Breath, Body and Earth The Heart of the Matter: Connecting and Centering The Limits: Opening the Gates The Space Between Two Minds: Touching the Body The Glassblower's Breath: Falling Toward the Source The Flight: Finding Earth and Sky The Third Walk: Breaking it Down, Learning the Steps The Mirror: Seeing Ourselves, Seeing the Other The Dance: Improvising and the Language of the Herd The Wild Arena: Taming the Body The Landscape of Delight: Savouring the Body Endnotes Bibliography Special Thanks Index
