Blogging In The New Year

Seems like forever since I blogged! Happy New Year to everyone. Personally I am thrilled to start a New Year and look forward to good times.

I journal a lot and have done so for years and years. Only occasionally do I re-read my older entries. My heart and soul is poured onto paper and sometimes it's better left there, than to dredge up what was seemingly going on in my life at the time.

I want my journal entries to inspire me when ever I read them or write in them. I've looked back at some blogs and have been encouraged.

So what is the difference in Blogging and journaling for me? The horses!

Equine Assisted Activities at its best. My time spent with the horses, whether training or with a participant expands my world. As I instruct the participant to breathe deep and relax, I too take a deep breath. When I suggest to take in peripherally the open pasture and soften our eyes, we begin to see more of our surroundings, hence seeing more of the world.

At the ranch when I look with soft eyes and broaden my horizons so to speak I can be more at one with the land, hear the birds louder, see the breeze move the leaves, touch the horses and feel as part of their herd. When I re-read this I think it sounds a bit like I'm thinking I'm floating on a cloud. I'm more convinced it is a form of meditation or therapy of some kind. It can take on more of a spiritual sense.

Often participants cannot quite put into words their experience. Folks with limited vocabulary can be seen smiling more, relaxing and moving with more intent. That is the reward — knowing they experienced the peace and joy the outdoors can offer.

Just this past week, I was outside and had to say out loud how thankful I was for the folks that have given their own heart, time and talents working to get Prospect Riding Center open as a PATH International Member Center. I was thankful for the Spirit that drew them together.

I like to challenge those of you that read my blog. May I suggest, you challenge yourself to soften your eyes, breathe deeper and see the world around you. If you'd like to have this experience with a horse, find us at the ranch.