A horse runs best when it runs free, with the full benefit of its senses.

Blinders or blinkers cut down the scope of a horse’s vision, forcing it to look in one direction and sometimes impede its side vision too. This helps the horse focus because its vision is restricted. Wagon horses usually wear blinkers because it helps them focus. This benefits the wagon driver because the horse does what they want it to. Does it benefit the horse, though?

Blinders work as a good starting point but are viewed as a temporary solution by those who train the best horses. Nature created horses with a keen sense of smell and sight. Their eyes are set in the sides of their head and help them see almost everything behind them except anything directly behind them. Blinders curtail this panoramic vision, the reason why many trainers prefer to take the blinkers off their horses once they are put through basic training. They want their horses to get the benefit of their full vision. A horse runs best when it runs free, with the full benefit of all its senses.

Those who put blinders on their eyes should remember that the set also includes bridle and a whip. – Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

Unlike horses, humans can think, choose, and handle their lives the way they want. Yet, we prefer to wear blinders instead of understanding what our true needs in life are. For instance, we know by now that material acquisitions, after our basic needs are met, offer little by way of deep fulfillment and joy in the process of life itself. Still, we spend considerable time comparing ourselves with others and measuring our worth against theirs based largely on the value of their material possessions. We then attempt to run the race like them rather than celebrating our lives and running the race which best suits us. Isn’t this a recipe for misery?

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Every life is unique, and the race is yours alone to run. Blindly following a horse in front without any awareness of where you need to go and find your own joy can be frustrating. What works for another human being need not necessarily work for you. Make your choices based on what your inner voice is telling you and you will be far more fulfilled than you ever will be chasing another’s dreams.

“When in doubt, choose change.” – Lily Leung

You can – and should – take guidance from informed sources as you improve your self-awareness. Choose your guides with utmost care. Would you go to an architect if you want to lose weight? You would seek a nutritionist and a fitness trainer. Well-meaning but inexperienced guides will share advice that may not work. Are you seeking advice from someone who is going the same route every day without attempting to seek new paths or ways of looking at life? Are they qualified to provide guidance on how you can evolve while they have restricted themselves to the same environment for ages? Remember, you deal with the choices you make, not them. Choose wisely.

“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” –John C. Maxwell

Fearless guides grow throughout their lives, tinkering it to suit their needs as they evolve. They have mostly made their own way by continually tweaking how they perceive life and do so right until they reach the finishing line. They are aware that their preferences and needs change over time. They don’t expect life to remain static. They tinker and tweak the guidance they receive until they customize it to suit your life needs.

The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them. – George Bernard Shaw

This process also teaches you that you cannot seek happiness by imitating someone else’s way of living or by listening to the blinders inside your head. Once you understand this, life becomes an expression of your own joy and not one of seeking it through someone else. You then start sharing your joy rather than making it your life goal to find someone who is expected to make you happy. You share your joy without expectations. You delight in watching someone you love and respect run their best race even if you cannot participate in it.

Life throws up different situations and every situation demands different ways of thinking. If you continue to look in a single direction or live the way others expect you to live, life becomes unbearably heavy. Life is not about surviving in a fearful way. Remove your blinkers and learn to see in all directions. Then sit and enjoy the scenery while you assess a situation from all angles to find new solutions. Train your mind to look for solutions that work well for you. You are more in control of your life with every conscious choice you make.

A conscious life is lighter and more joyful, unburdened by fears. The free and fearless life you have always wanted is right under your nose. Why don’t you grab it and revel in the process of life?

“Instead of thinking out of the box, get rid of the box.” – Deepak Chopra