Shockingly in love

I’d like to share with you something I experienced regularly with my white mare, Josi, who- with her buddhalike attitude despite all challenges- was truly one of my masters in presence and who changed form in October 2024 at the age of 26.

I share it because I believe it is essential.

Because it speaks to something that—if we’re lucky—can happen when we spend time with beings who don’t belong to the human species.

Stamp of approval: deeply meaningful!

LOVE AT FIRST SHOCK.

Even at the risk of sounding a little unhinged—I was madly, shockingly in love with this white, wise being. She didn’t do anything to earn it. I didn’t either. We were simply ourselves. Raw, unfiltered, just as we were in that moment.

Her curiosity, her trust, her openness, even her obsession with treats—it brought me to my knees. To love. To beauty in simplicity. To the unspeakable vastness of simply being.

I had that with Lenny, my dog—every single day, for 17 years. And Josi, my mare, was that embodiment in white. 500 kilos of essence, presence, soul.

That depth was always there with her—especially with her, but also: With her herd. With the smells and sounds around the stable. With the quiet pulse of nature. It was utterly, effortlessly natural.

And here’s the beautiful thing:This connection doesn’t stay confined to the horse.

It spills over into everything. It opens the capacity to experience moments like this—infinite, rich, all-encompassing—even with complex human beings (myself included).

Being with her strengthened a capacity we all carry:

To be present.

To be open.

To see beauty in unlikely places.

I was incredibly lucky that this horse found her way to me, despite the challenges that came with it. Lucky to share moments with birds flying in and out of the stable, chattering wildly. With a cloud formation. With the light breaking through. With people I dance with. Cry with. Even in moments of pain or anger. With people close to me—and those who seem fleetingly encountered. In a touch. A glance. A thought.

It is always possible. Always available.

Maybe it’s simply the opening toward all that is alive. And the connection to animals opens a door to what matters most—To our own essential being.

And yes—being with her, contributing to her life, showing up for her happiness—filled my heart with joy.

In Loving Memory of Josi

Where human language dissolves

into the immeasurable—

into nothingness,

In that tender stillness

where laughter and weeping,

form and formlessness,

visible and invisible

are one—

we are.

Always.

I bow to you, my beautiful companion,

I bow to your unspeakably vast soul.