Comments on: Creating Champions – It’s All in How You See It

By: michelle

michelle — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:28:43 +0000

Sally Swift is pretty amazing. I first learned about the concept of soft eyes from my coaches – I can still hear “Soften your eyes!” in my sleep!! I tend to get really focused and intense when I’m concentrating. =) It wasn’t until years later that I learned about Sally Swift and read her books. I never cease to be amazed by how much control you have using only your intention. And you are right: riding is such a metaphor for life in so many ways. People that don’t ride can’t believe how impactful these animals are.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:15:54 +0000

Definately. The soft-eyes concept for me does so much to soften my body in general – I also like to do this off the horse. It has made it easier for me to notice little things and adjust my body to my surroundings (eg the horse). I read Sally Swift about 8 years ago and she had so many wonderful ideas – not just about riding, but about life in general. But then, there is so much of ‘riding’ in ‘life’ that I sometimes get all caught up in it.
It’s a wonderful sport and way of life.
Thanks for the great post

By: michelle

michelle — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:12:35 +0000

Yes, it does, Jenn. Another place it’s easily demonstrated is on a bike.

By: michelle

michelle — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:11:57 +0000

Which magazine was it? I’d be interesting in reading.

By: Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen

Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:57:25 +0000

That is really interesting! I never really thought of it before, but it makes total sense!

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:44:43 +0000

Interesting timing. I just finished a magazine article that features Sally Swift’s soft eyes very prominently. It’s not just a riding technique–it’s a way of life.

By: michelle

michelle — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:59:15 +0000

Emma, I think Abby is all over the place because she is SO excited to be ridden again!!! Woo Hoo – the countdown to our next trail ride is on. And please, keep that horse in bubble wrap before she wrecks herself again!
Thanks, Arlene! This concept works for all sorts of things…I was actually thinking today about using hard eyes when bowling. It’s amazing how much you can control your body by controlling your eyes.
Juliette, I had to figure something out besides the singing! Tiny threatened to go on strike if I did it ever again while she was in earshot! Then she started bleeding from the ears. =)

By: juliette

juliette — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:09:11 +0000

Great post and super great idea. Way better than singing if you have a voice like me!!!! lol

By: Arlene

Arlene — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:32 +0000

Good exercise. I never thought about it before. This is neat.

By: emma

emma — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:22:11 +0000

lol now I know why Abby is all over the place, Im looking at too many different things all at once. : )