Perfect Practice: A Philosophy for Living an Authentic and Transparent Life

I've never highlighted and tagged a book more in my life and I have a library of horse books. Mary may be ahead of most all of us on the path but she reaches out her hand to bring you along if you are willing. She spent 35 yrs with one of the most enlightened horseman ever and shares her perspective on that time and you hang on every word. And at least for me I get stopped in my tracks and re-read and consider almost every line.

Perfect PracticeThis book is about horses yet not at all about horses.It is strewn with nuggets by well-known mentors Tom, Dorrence and Ray Hunt and the wisdom they shared with Mary that influenced her during the time they spent together.There are lessons taught through the lens of being with horses that can be successfully applied to our daily lives improving the quality of our relationships and our lives in general.She is a beautiful writer, and I could really identify with her thoughts and stories.It felt at times as though she was talking directly to me.This is a meaty book full of wisdom and profound truths.My copy is dogeared and liberally underlined.It is a book I have returned to and will continue to reread again and again.It is for those who embrace a journey of self discovery and deeper connection with themselves and their horses.

I bought and read Mary’s book while my husband of 35 years became gravely ill and died. In this time of grief, her book spoke to me and comforted me. Why did it touch me so? Part of it were the lessons she had learned from the horse, who is always authentic and transparent and requires the same authenticity and transparency from its humans. Those stories rang true from my own life experience. Mary took those lessons to levels I had never considered before. “Life is what lives through me. It is not what I do or where I do it. It is how I feel and what I learn.” Her lyrical prose examines life’s challenges and disappointments and extracts lessons of how changing perception can help to gain confidence, trust and opportunity. Life and love are endless, form dies, but life persists and love persists with it. This book is a gift to those who want meaning in their lives because it helps show how we can let go of our fears and discover the life we want to live.

The Perfect Practice is one of the forever books. Using the direct experience of working with horse and growing from a painful life, Mary weaves beautiful meaningful analogies of stepping through the fire to one authentic self. Moving from a fear based routine life, to a truly authentic life.Mary is greatly influenced by Ray Hunts work with horse and make wonderful connections between horses and people.I love this book Mary has done an outstanding job, thanks Mary

I am constantly looking for descriptions of the Inner Path that are fresh and authentic. So much of what is available are predictable rewordings of "spiritual" concepts. Even the best of inspirational literature can be repetitive and filled with religious terminologies. This book is far from that.Mary has, in the recounting of her journey in life and in particular her journey with horses, demonstrated a depth of spiritual Illumination and Realization that few have experienced and even fewer have described without ever using the hackneyed spiritual jargon of the day.~Matthias Indra

I recently purchased this book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I've enjoyed reading it so much I've ordered two more copies as gifts for friends. It explains how our thoughts really do create our life that we live. I found the author very knowledgeable to help me understand how my thoughts can help me build a better life not only with horses and humans but all things. One day later I practiced what I read and had a successful experience building my confidence by controlling my own thoughts.

Mary S Corning is an amazing author. The work she does with horses translates into everyday life. Fear is such a part of our lives and letting go of fear is a huge step. Learning how to “Let Go, Trust Ourselves and Love” will make moving forward in our life much easier. I gave a copy of this book to my son, as he has horses and my granddaughter is working with a mustang. Everyone who owns horses should have a copy of this book. I also gave a copy to a good friend as she needs empowered to love herself unconditionally.R Willis

I rated this book high because she put very conscientious thought and work in this book of her personal growth. It is well written with wise, fair and kind words that resonated with me and I am sure with many others.

Not simply a book but a wonderful companion to accompany us and to draw from time and time again as we progress on our journeys.