Giving Healing Some Horse Power - part 2

Connection with the moment

In order to achieve the full self awareness I talked about in my previous post I need to ensure that I am fully present.  In other words, am I fully in this moment, or am I thinking about something that has happened (for example the stressful car journey) or something that might happen in the future (is it going to be just as challenging on my drive home?).

As horses are very sensitive to the energy of others, and their body language shows their emotions in the moment, they are a great barometer and mirror to what is going on within us.  They soon let me know if I am bringing any baggage to our connection!  This has helped me to become more aware of my own body and emotions and has also required me to learn ways to release any unhelpful energies.

There are several techniques that can help with this.  Personally I use mindfulness, the Trust Technique™*, breathing and grounding exercises.  These can also help to release any energy or emotions that would be unhelpful in a session with a client or horse.

* You can read more about the Trust Technique™ here.

Connection with the client

In order to create a safe space for my client - horse or human - it is important to connect with them.  To do this I need to establish trust, empathy and rapport (more about this in part 3).

This connection is in itself very healing.  When we experience trauma of any kind and we are unable to deal with it in the moment - if we are unable to run away, to fight back or to speak up for ourselves - then, as a coping strategy, we go into the 'freeze response'.  (This can be either the severe 'Big T' traumas such as abuse, or the more everyday 'little t' traumas such as feeling hurt by someone's comment).  This can be a very isolating experience. For example we can feel shame and/or fear that leave us feeling distanced from those around us.  Also trauma is subjective.  What is very upsetting to one person might have little or no impact on another which can mean that we are nervous of sharing our feelings in case they are dismissed or ridiculed.

Offering a non-judgemental connection can in itself be very healing.  It opens up space for the person to be able to explore their feelings more objectively, allowing for acceptance and self-forgiveness.

If you would like to know more about the power of being present, or if you would like to develop more self acceptance then please contact me:

            email:              robyn@equnergy.com

            phone:             07980 669303

You can also see more on my website: www.equenergy.com

Taken from Giving Healing Some Horse Power.  You can read the full text here.