A group of college women came out last weekend for a little horseplay at HerdWise. After getting present, they explored boundaries and were astonished to discover how much they were ignoring what their bodies were telling them. The horses offered valuable feedback and confirmation of what the women were thinking and feeling.
They “tried on” different ways of walking by mirroring each other and were surprised to be able to feel into, to embody, the qualities of another person. Two of the women remarked that the person they were modeling walked taller and straighter than their own walk. When they made those adjustments, their back and neck pain was gone.
Next, the women played with leading and following– and transitions between the two, paying special attention again to the sensations in their bodies. Interestingly, they all preferred leading to following. Was it because they trusted their followers to have their back and support them? Was it because following someone else’s “vision” was more challenging than executing their own? Did they feel more comfortable being “in control”?
A little later they made a request for Isaac to join them in their walk. It was all about energy and intention for him. How much was too much? What was too little? Where were they focusing and what were they feeling in their bodies in the moment he joined in? Here you see him turning to walk with them. Can you see the smiles on their faces–and in their bodies?
They left being much more aware of their own boundaries and the power of intention, for themselves and others. One woman noticed specifically what it felt like to be present in her body instead of getting ahead of herself. That’s a very useful skill to have.
Why is this important?
Ignoring messages from our body and nervous system has consequences for our health and well-being way beyond the physical. All our patterns, experiences, and emotions are stored in our tissues. In order to heal, we need to learn to pay attention to and value our bodies again.
“This experience allowed me to focus on how my body feels and reacts to different things. It allowed me to reconnect with my body and step out of my comfort zone. I’m looking forward to focusing on this in my everyday life.” ~R.C.
Curious and want to learn more? I’m hosting a live webinar about why it’s important to connect with your body on Wed, May 31 at 12 Noon CENTRAL time via zoom. Join here.
Feel like a little horseplay for yourself or your organization? Simply send me a message.
