Little Man Finally Gets a Real Name!

Little Man had been here maybe 2 months and still he didn’t have a proper name. I feared that his nickname would forever be his calling card. This was especially troublesome since he’s on course to be our biggest horse. He should reach 17 hands- nowhere close to little!

Worse, I wondered if my previously high-functioning naming ability had left me high and dry. What else could I conclude after a series of less than innovative names like Squeaker, Big Kitty Kitty, and Little P?

But I needn’t have worried. Because his perfect name was just waiting for me to discover it.

Late one night, right before bed, I picked up a book I had previously read (and marked all up). Looking for some general inspirational guidance for my life, I employed a handy technique I have been using for awhile after learning it can be a more concrete way to access your intuition.

Holding the book’s covers between my hands, I asked, “If there is anything that would be helpful for me to know right now, please show me…” Then I flipped through the pages, allowed the book to open to a random page and started reading.

This time, within the first paragraph an unusual name was circled: Jaren. By the time I read the following sentence explaining it’s meaning I actually had tears in my eyes and I really didn’t know why.

I let it settle in that Jaren is the Hebrew word for “outpouring of joy.” And I immediately had a knowing that it’s the perfect name for Little Man.

Then I was startled into the present moment by noticing that I had previously circled the name over a year ago, for no good reason that I can remember. I chuckled at the serendipity of it all.

Yet, on a logical level, I still couldn't decide if it’s the totally perfect name for him. Heck, when pronounced the way it looks, it’s awfully similar to Seren, what we call my mare Serendipity. Yet, it does conform to my tradition of naming my horses after something that’s full of happiness.

So, I played with it for a few days. I started pronouncing it with a sort of French twist on the J, and a Spanish twist with a rolling of the R- more like Ja’ rrrren. Now, that I was more excited about. It’s fun to say. And it reminds me of a sexy Frenchman, which definitely fits a part of Little Man’s vibe. Except, I have no talent for rolling R’s and have to ask my husband to pronounce it the way I intend it to sound!

So I took it out to Little Man. I figure it’s supposed to be his name so he should get final approval. Over a bucket of hay, I asked him what he thinks of Jaren, letting him know that we’ll still use his nicknames that include words we know he likes such as Manly Man, and Handsome Man. With all of the munching going on, I didn’t feel like I could hear his answer.

I made a note to ask him soon during some quiet 1 on 1 time.

I never did get a chance to ask again- because about a week later Little Man found a way to let me know.

It happened after 3 days away from the ponies for an intense emotional workshop. The first day back, I took some time to connect with each of the horses, starting with Little Man.

He seemed eager to share something with me, but I couldn’t tell exactly what. He was pushing me around a bit with his head and neck. After a minute, I guessed he was trying to position me in front of his chest, with easy access to his heart charka. So I stood there and placed my hand on his chest. I got quiet and took a deep breathe and a lovely feeling of joy suddenly welled up into my heart, and came out as a few tears. I smiled and thanked Little Man for sending me such love. I thought he was just trying to reconnect with me after my absence.

So what I heard next surprised me. “Well, that’s my new name isn’t it?!” I giggled as I recognized that indeed, yes! Jaren meant an outpouring of joy. And here he was, sharing his outpouring of joy as a way to confirm acceptance of his new name.

How very clever indeed! And totally joyful and loving. The perfect name for a horse with a heart of pure gold. Thank you Universe for dropping it right into my lap! Literally.

Readers: How did your favorite pet get his/her name? How did the inspiration strike you? Please share.