In Trafalgar Square, London there is a ‘spare’ plinth that various works of art rest upon. These pieces change on a regular basis and I always keep an eye out to see what is current. In a previous blog there was a picture of a large bottle with a ship inside. On this occasion I saw the rocking horse with young boy in the saddle. (There is also a bird on his head taking a rest or a higher view – usually this would be a pigeon as the Square is well known for these birds. On this occasion I can confirm it is a seagull.
Anyway, bird aside, I was caught by the image of the boy on a rocking horse which reminded me of the term ‘rocking horse general’. I live and work in a world that seems to be spinning ever faster – some research which I don’t know the source wishes to make us fearful that this is getting worse and predicted that we will be 4 times busier in 2020.
One of the things that does strike me though is that some people seem to be very busy being busy, often with questionable results from all of their activity. A lot of momentum with little progress – much like anyone on a rocking horse.
Perhaps a good question to ask ourselves is – how much activity are we creating, and is the distance travelled good economy for our efforts? Or are we still where we started, just more tired and more frustrated? And potentially more irritable with those around us. Mixing my transport metaphors – are we spinning our wheels in the mud?
When would it be good to get out of the saddle for a while, to review the terrain and see where we are heading? Also to review the method of transport – is our horse capable of travelling the distance, or just supportive but going nowhere? Or are we playing safe by wanting to remain on our rocking horse, as it gives us a power base over the people on the ground, but little real ‘risk’ of movement?
Often we think staying safe is the best place – more frequently it is not the safe place we think it is.
My suggestion – get out of your comfort zone and stretch your capabilities. If it were a real horse we would have the wind in our hair, the rush of the scenery passing by, the need to hold the reigns and point the horse in the right direction, the feeling of worthwhile tiredness when we have reach our next post.
Something to consider? I do hope so.
Or are you a rocking horse general who likes the activity but is not achieving any distance!
My best wishes,
Peter
