Home sweet home

This marks the end of my Home on the Range blog. I have returned to the island, my home and all of my lovely animals! Thank you all for following along...it has been quite the journey...

Heading Home

Well, my trip at the ranch is coming to a close. It has been an amazing journey, bringing me closer to my mare Diva and stronger in myself and making many friends along the way. As hoped, I have developed my skills as both a healer and a teacher and have developed a further sense of love and respect for the animals and the earth and what they have to share with us. I am ready to be back on the island and together with my friends, family and clients, and am so excited about the time to come. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Riding through fields of lupins!

Do you ever have one of those moments that feels completely surreal? Like there is no way that it could actually be happening? And yet somehow you are in it, and it is absolutely magical...
Today's ride felt a bit like that...we rode out behind the ranch into rolling hills that have been calling me since I arrived. Said hills, on closer examination were blanketed in fragrant blue lupin, setting everything, including the horses, in a purplish haze. The phrase "Where is my camera?" came to mind! What a thrill to gallop through these beautiful vast spaces filled with wildflowers on Diva. The sun was shining, the wind blowing and it was if my senses couldn't quite take it all in. I guess this is what it feels like to be blissed out!
Needless to say, tomorrow awaits as do those hills and so many adventures.

Opening the communication lines

Well, today marks the end of a great animal communication course with Marta Williams! The untapped potential of the human mind continues to baffle me...
It is as if we often completely neglect certain key functions, which, studies say, were in use up until about 8,000 years ago. These include our 6th sense (knowing), as well as the subtle senses, which allow us to intuitively gather accurate information from each other as well as plants, trees, animals and other beings. It seems now like not having this information at my fingertips would be akin to missing a limb, they are that crucial to my understanding of my inner and outer worlds.
And yes, we all have these subtle senses, even though they might be covered with generations of conditioning. It's all a matter of letting them rise to the surface. Often, the first step is moving out of our own way. Our beliefs, mostly negative, might hinder our progress. As Marta explains, you've just got to move right through, and if you don't feel like you're getting anything from an animal or a person, start by making it up...just guess what might be happening. It may not be accurate, but its a great way to move yourself of the bench and onto the playing field.
I would strongly encourage every animal owner to look closer at their animal with the help of your subtle senses. Also, know that everything you think or say they understand! Talk with them about what you are doing, where you are going or what you would like them to do.
And as always have fun!

End of an Era

Well, the workshop is officially finished! The satisifed, albeit slightly soggy, participants are on their way home. From as far as New Zealand, these woman came to experience the powerful way of the horse and this land. I am looking forward to a day of quiet although I'll miss everyone. Rain is still soaking the land (so important in a year of little snow) so it's a fire and a good book for me. Perhaps some work with the Parama BodyTalk System as well.
Until next time...

Rain on the roof of my tent.

It really is the most peaceful sound, especially when your tent is a completely waterproof wall tent with a woodstove, power and internet access! It's been a very relaxing couple of days, not that things ever really get stressful around here. The horses decided not to come in today, probably sensing the rain would curb our enthusiasm on hanging out with them. So they came to visit us at the Gatehouse instead, checking in on what we were up to, and also last night at the Spirit Lodge (quite interesting to hear horse beats on the roof of the building you are in!). The herd here is very unique, as the majority of its members are from four original foundation mares, so some of the horses are 4th generation. There are 17 members altogether (18 with Diva), including 2 ponies and the trusty steer, Tesoro. They are quite a sight to behold and they roam near and far on their 320 acres of freedom!
May tomorrow bring clear skies...

Feeling fine!

Well, the workshops have officially begun here on the ranch and the sun has come out over the ranch. There is a truly wonderful bunch of women here participating, all so interesting to connect with. I am halfway through my first adventure here at the Gateway 2 Ranch, heading back to the island on June 11th for some exciting workshops and some full days of sessions on the road and at the Cowichan Bay Studio. I'm looking even more forward to the collaboration workshop with Stefanie Travers now that I have had the opportunity to learn from the herd here. It's just fascinating to watch these horses interact and communicate with one another.
Diva is busy teaching her chosen few how to ride bareback with a halter. It's wonderful to watch her take people under her wing and show them the ropes, literally.
Anyways, off to dinner! Take care until next time...