Stop Horsing Around!

“Mindfulness” from the Connection Collection

When preparing my photography choices for my new e-shop print galleries, I was reminded of a wonderful weekend I spent in the Horse, Spirit and Play workshop at the Ravenheart Farms Equine-Assisted Learning Centre and Retreat in Saskatchewan.

I’ll admit, I’m a personal growth workshop junkie. I’ve taken so many and now teach some of my own.

I believe self-awareness is a great tool for navigating through life in a more unconditionally loving way, and I’m open to exploring new ways to achieve that.

My training as a professional dog-trainer and behaviour therapist (although I wouldn’t hire me as I’ve yet to share my home with a dog) taught me as much about myself as it did about dogs.

For example, I learned that as a lifetime dog lover, I used to approach them in the park with such overpowering joy mixed with neediness that it was sometimes too much for them. I hate to think that I might have approached dating in the same way at one time…

If you’re not sure what I mean, take a look at this scene from the Celestine Prophecy movie. It has stayed with me for years. I try not to be this way – with people or animals, but the reminders are always good.  I may not actually see energy like some folks I know, but I certainly sense it.

If you’re into energy and haven’t seen “The Celestine Prophecy” or read the book, I recommend it.

Horses have been much less humanized than some of our household pets. They’re more authentic in a way.

During this Horses, Spirit and Play workshop, we never actually got on the horses.  We learned to be with them.  We learned how our energy impacted them.

This was not about horsing around!

Were we coming on too strong? Were we trying to manipulate them? Were we respectful of their space and subtle communication? Did they mirror our fears? Were we in the present moment authentically?

“Horses help us bring focus and attention to the present moment. Engaging with horses requires clear and consistent communication. Horses pick up on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and they respond to these when we interact with them. Therefore, with the help of an equine assisted learning facilitator, being with horses can help us understand ourselves better and gain valuable insights inspiring change.” Carol Marriot, Ravenheart Farms

“Miracles” from the Connection Collection

I took a lot of photographs when I wasn’t participating in the Horses, Spirit and Play workshop. These three were part of the Connection Collection no longer available in my shop.

At the top is a layered photograph of Sugar, a Quarter Horse/Paint mare, and her tail. This is Lacey, a Welsh Pony mare, superimposed with a sunset shot also taken on Ravenheart Farms. The wall preview below is of Raven, the namesake for the farm. I photographed this wise Welsh Cob and then the sky above it, combining them in Photoshop.

There are so many ways to connect to our essence – to re-learn to how to be real. In a way, it’s an unlearning of the protective and reactive emotions and behaviours we’ve taken on in our lifetimes.  

What kind of workshop do you enjoy?  Which images remind you of such experiences? Feel free to comment below.