This morning, I woke up, put my housecoat on, and wandered outside to feed the horses, like every morning. It quickly became apparent it was not the usual AM! The first difference was that the minis were already eating breakfast. Their wheelbarrow had been tipped over, and the two cuties could reach a generous serving of hay. Next discovery was that most of an entire bale had been feasted on, and the rest scattered about – just out of reach for Bandit and Kaleb. After feeding the boys, I marched up to the covered arena where the three girls were supposed to be. I found two rails down, and the gate hanging on one hinge. Also, another wheelbarrow of scattered hay, poop all around, and no mares! I turned around to see them all gathered in the outdoor arena, looking like they belonged there – even if Fancy looked somewhat bewildered. (Probably a too hectic night for an elder.) The gate to the outdoor arena was open. So, they obviously put themselves in there, which I appreciated! Despite Oreo being the matriarch, it felt like Pie had been the evening’s ring leader. The young one had led the way. Looking at the three of them together made me think of the child/adult/elder trio. It seems positive that the three busted out of the confines of, symbolically speaking, traditional boundaries. ( Let’s say those set by the dominant culture for women.) They apparently partied for several hours, and then decided themselves on the boundaries they wanted, which included an opening to freedom, the open arena gate. How many of us truly set our own lifestyle boundaries + give ourselves permission to ‘run away’ for a few hours/days/weeks? To do this, we would probably need our child part to lead the way. She hopefully knows how to play like Pie does. As for our adult self, she will be refreshed by the adventure. Oreo certainly was visibly relaxed – all day long. As the boss mare, she holds much responsibility, like most adult women do. If we don’t ‘run away’ consciously for a bit each day, exhaustion sets in. I have noticed my entire being longs for even 15 minutes of doing nothing, or ‘running away’ by sitting with a cup of tea, and watching a sunset. While those who have reached elderhood know we have to better manage our energy levels, a bit of galivanting is good for the soul, and spreads joy throughout the body. After her night of playing, Fancy had a quiet day, with more nutrients to support her aging body. She knows the importance of having fun. She has allowed her inner child to play as often as possible her whole life. She is the perfect role model of how to fill out your personal space in a way that is congruent with your personality. While she lives in her own way, she also knows how to collaborate. She works hard, and she has lots of fun too. When I am as old as her, I want to be as well balanced as she is. Pie, Oreo and Fancy invite you all to play, consciously.