What wonderful weather we are now having in the UK! At long last the ground is dry enough to plan the gardening, the small-holding maintenance and spending lots of beautiful time with the animals. After a long winter of frequent rain, the land here is still boggy and I can’t get into one of the summer shelters for the ponies and our dear donkey yet, but there is so much to be grateful for. This blog is inspired from a four day clinic with like-minded souls and kindred spirits, and plenty of gorgeous horses too. My time spent in Devon last weekend reminded me of what it was like to really smile from the heart.
A fairly large group of people were gathered, because they chose to come and had similar passions for, and it won’t just be horses, it’ll be love for animals generally. We all had that in common. There were smiles on faces every way I turned and it was a real tonic. What a joy, and actually nurturing to be a part of this ‘tribe’. For me it was also the land, the woods, the stream, the birds and I also watched a barn owl sitting on a fence post, sunning itself one morning! That was a special moment for sure. We were in Devon, the county of my birth home and I was in my sparkly element watching the amazing horsemanship and smiling was abundant. Some people had brought their own horses and took part, which I found hugely inspiring and on the fourth day I was actually ready to come home and be with my herd. There were friendships formed and support being shared as people got to know each other with much united interests. There was a warm and caring atmosphere that was like a little woodland fire-pit, with bits of stick and timber being added from time to time to keep it alight. A good place for shifting stuckness and finding direction as we listened, watched and learned. About horses and ourselves.
All of this healing energy has been flowing around, inside of me and as it’s moved to the surface, it’s brought enlightenment, helping me see what areas of my life need some attention.
I felt my happiness also glowing from inside, and it felt like bursting out, through smiles. The general energy of all the great stuff happening was mutually shared in that common ground companionship. This was a true therapeutic experience for me and highlighted the benefits of therapy outside in nature. I am already planning to spend more time with like-minded tribes, my herd and enjoying the magic of happiness.
This is where I mention I am reducing social media time to walk, breathe and smile in nature more frequently than ever before. If you would like to come for some nature-based enrichment sessions here with the animals, please do get in touch. My counselling therapeutic services are at http://www.claireryallcounselling.com
Dove Retreat 