Name: Mindy Tatz Chernoff
Occupation: Founder, CEO: The Resonant Horse
What do you do? I wear several hats. I am the owner and Manager of Chunk of Heaven Horse Farm, with over 17 animals, that keeps me busy! I operate The Resonant Horse out of my farm. I host retreats, workshops, and one-on-one sessions where I partner with horses to facilitate change and transformation within many demographics. In addition, I speak and offer lectures and offsite training in the Wisdom of the Horse. I am the upcoming author of “From Muck to Magnificence: How Cleaning Stalls Leads To An Astonishing Life.”
How did you get into your profession? I have been involved with horses since I was 5 years old. Riding, showing, training and instructing for many years. My more intentional work with horses came after I received my Dual Masters (Holistic Spirituality and Spiritual Direction) and after a personally transformative life shift. (Divorce after a 34 year marriage.) In addition, I have years of experience in continuing education in my chosen field, that of Equine Facilitated Learning. I am an E3A Practitioner, as well as an Eponaquest Apprentice. My years of involvement with horses shifted into sharing the wisdom they have taught me in a more concrete manner.
What does a day in the life look like for you? It begins with a good night of sleep! I require 8-9 hours, to be fully rested for the new day! I begin my day usually around 8:00 am. I get up, let the dogs out, and then have a time of quiet, where I am still so I can listen. What am I listening for, one might ask? I am listening for the invitation of the day, which usually involves gratitude, a sense of purpose, and an openness to what will unfold in the day. I have a quiet breakfast, and then I head out to caretake the critters. I have seven horses, two rabbits (one is a Flemish Giant- 20 pounds!), one goat, 3 chickens, two potbelly pigs, and two cats. Barn work has its own routine and rhythm-it usually takes around 1 and 1/2 hours to feed and clean stalls. If the weather is nice, and the horses are outside, then the time frame is lessened. After the morning feed, I may have a session or two with a client. If the weather warrants, I may head out on the trails for a ride. Mid-day, you can find me in the house, working on marketing…Spreading the word of how Horses Can Heal, Empower and Transform. Perhaps I have a radio show scheduled, or possibly I am discussing my upcoming book with my designer. The day fills up quickly! Any errands…to the store, bank, etc. would also come during the daytime hours. The later afternoon finds me again out at the barn for the evening feed. This is a delightful time where the emerging dusk offers a quietness, a stillness as the day nears its end. The evening feed occurs, horses are brought in if need be, and darkness sets in. The evening hours for me are varied…hosting a house concert in my home, at a movie with a friend, or staying home reading by a welcoming fire. I often have phone calls to make, to further connections with clients and/or friends.
What is the inspiration behind your work? I would have to say that the horses are the Rock. They are the inspiration. Horses are the ones I partner with to foster connection…with them, with ourselves, with others. Their authenticity, congruence and genuineness woo us to exhibit those same valuable traits.
What is your mission? To show how the outside of a horse can transform the inside of us. To allow horses to lead us to greater freedom, gratitude and awe.
How do you ground yourself? Working in the outdoors, with animals all the time, I feel grounding is just what is. It comes with the territory of how I live my life. That being said, there are times when I need to re-orientate myself… slow down, stop, notice. I would say that pausing can be a large part of my day. Viktor Frankl has this great quote, (which is on the back of my business card): “In between the stimulus and response is a pause, and that pause leads to your freedom and power.” I need to stop moving, pause, notice and resume my day. It brings me back to the moment and being present to what is unfolding. And gratitude. Pausing seems to bring me back to that.
What’s your life motto? Just say “yes”. Don’t resist. Say ‘yes” to the invitation being presented to you in the moment. And another one: Be like the horse…Open, curious, and non-judgmental.
Do you have a mantra? Mother Teresa’s quote:”Kindness it the greatest religion.” And, courtesy of Father Richard Rohr: ” If I do not allow God to transform my suffering, I will transmit it to everyone around me.”
What inspires you? OOH…Good quotes, like the ones above! Connection-Deep, heartfelt connection. With horses, with myself, and with others. I see inspiration when the horses bring one to a place of stillness-it can be such a sacred moment. The learning can be so deep, it goes beyond words. That fires me up with thankfulness and awe!
What is the best advice you have ever been given? People who wield the greatest power of intention are those who have a deeply grounded sense of self and have no need to exert that self on others. To learn more about Mindy and her work: http://theresonanthorse.com |
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