Transforming Anger into Trust: My Journey with Brylant and the Symbolism of “Protector”
Transforming Anger into Trust: My Journey with Brylant and the Symbolism of “Protector”
As an equestrian and artist, I’ve learned that horses mirror our inner selves, and my horse, Brylant, has been no exception. He came into my life with a history of aggression and misunderstanding, and together, we embarked on a journey of healing that challenged us both. This is a story not just of Brylant, but of transforming my own pent-up anger into understanding, trust, and ultimately, happiness.
The First Trail Ride: A Lesson in Patience
I remember our first attempt to go out on a trail ride. I was excited, believing that this would be a moment for us to bond and explore the world together. But Brylant had other plans. As soon as we left the familiar confines of the stable, his anxiety turned into resistance. He became agitated, pulling against the reins, and eventually refused to move forward. I felt a rush of frustration and disappointment, thinking, Why is he acting out like this? Why can’t he trust me?
But as I stood there, trying to calm both him and myself, I realized something deeper was at play. Brylant’s resistance wasn’t a refusal; it was a cry for understanding. He was showing me his fear, his distrust of the unfamiliar, and his need for reassurance. His reaction mirrored how I often felt in my own life when confronted with new challenges—defensive, resistant, and unwilling to move forward.
I had a choice to make: I could force him, pushing my agenda onto him, or I could listen, approach the situation with patience, and let him know that it was safe. I chose the latter. We didn’t complete that trail ride that day, but the lesson was invaluable. Sometimes, the journey isn’t about pushing forward; it’s about pausing, understanding, and building trust.
The Painting: “Protector” and Its Symbolism
This experience inspired me to create a painting called “Protector.” Painted in hues of yellow and gold, the artwork symbolizes the transformation of anger and fear into trust and understanding. The warm, glowing colors represent the light of empathy and the safety that comes when we choose to listen and nurture rather than react with force.
In the painting, Brylant stands as a guardian figure, a representation of my younger self—an embodiment of misunderstood emotions and untamed spirit. The gold tones symbolize the strength and resilience that come from confronting one’s fears with compassion. Just as I acted as the protector Brylant needed, I became the nurturing guide I had once longed for in my own life.
The Biochemical and Emotional Journey
Anger, both in horses and humans, is often a defense mechanism. On a biochemical level, anger releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. When Brylant and I first attempted that trail ride, his body was telling him he was in danger. In that moment, his aggression wasn’t a sign of defiance; it was a signal of vulnerability.
By choosing to listen instead of react, I helped him move from a state of fear to a state of trust. Slowly, as we worked together, his nervous system calmed, shifting from a place of survival to a space of connection. In turn, this process taught me to do the same. By treating Brylant with the understanding and care I wished someone had given me, I allowed myself the same grace and space to resolve my own pent-up anger.
Mirroring Our Inner Self: Transforming Anger Together
The horse-human connection is deeply emotional. Horses mirror our emotions, and Brylant reflected the anger and frustration I had buried for years. But as I learned to approach him with empathy, he taught me the power of patience and presence. In acting as the nurturing figure he needed, I essentially re-parented myself. I began to see Brylant’s fear and resistance not as a flaw but as an opportunity for growth—for both of us.
Our continued work together transformed how I perceived his behavior. The aggression I initially saw became an invitation to connect on a deeper level. I no longer saw it as something to fix or suppress, but as a pathway to understanding. This shift in perspective allowed both of us to heal, building a bond rooted in trust rather than control.
Creating a Space for Healing: The Art and the Lesson
Brylant’s story, captured in “Protector,” is a reminder that anger, when met with patience and understanding, can transform into something powerful. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a horse resisting a trail ride or a person struggling with their past; the process is the same. By creating a safe, nurturing space—whether through art or connection—we allow healing to take place.
Today, Brylant and I are able to ride the trails we once struggled to explore. Each step we take is a reminder of our journey from anger to trust, from fear to freedom. It’s a testament to the power of empathy and the transformation that happens when we choose to understand rather than react.
Conclusion: Transforming Anger into Growth
Our story is a reflection of how anger, if met with patience and understanding, can become a catalyst for growth. “Protector” symbolizes this journey, reminding me of the importance of nurturing, both in my relationship with horses and within myself. By giving Brylant the space to trust and grow, I allowed myself that same freedom.
If you find yourself struggling with anger—whether it’s in your relationships, your work, or your own life—remember that it’s an invitation to look deeper. It’s a chance to transform, just as Brylant and I did, and create a life built on understanding, trust, and happiness.
