Last week, just before I stepped out of the car and walked into the barn, I paused. Closed my eyes. And said softly, “Spirit, I’m coming. Let’s check in.”
That moment — not more than five minutes — has become one of the most powerful parts of my daily rhythm with my animals. A quiet time to ground, to listen, and to open the door to true connection.
So often we rush in with an agenda: feed, groom, ride, repeat. But when we carve out a small, sacred pause before entering their space, everything shifts. I call it the Five-Minute Check-In, and I often teach it in workshops because it’s so simple — and so transformative.
Here’s how it works:
Sit in your car or outside the barn.
Breathe. Feel your feet on the ground.
Picture your animal in your mind and say, “I’m coming. Is there anything you want me to know today?”
Then listen — not for words, but for feelings, images, sensations.
You might not “hear” anything at first. That’s okay. It’s like visiting a friend’s house regularly — they start to expect you, trust you, and open the door more easily.
I believe these small practices are the seeds of deeper connection — and we grow them together.