The relationship we humans have with our expectations is a complex one.  Expectation can be beneficial, but only when there is BALANCE and flexibility.  When held too tightly, our expectations can lead us to a myriad of unpleasant states: disappointment, resentment, fear, worry, perfectionism, low self-esteem and conflict with others.

Expectation comes in many forms – the expectations we have about a certain outcome for the future, the expectations we have placed on others in our lives, the expectations we have for ourselves and our own success as well as those we imagine others have for us. When we are in expectation, our focus is on the future.  Planning for or at the very least considering the future is a necessity in today’s world,  but too much time dwelling in the […]

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Horses and donkeys continue to teach us the value of being in the present moment. As prey animals, they can’t risk getting caught up in expectations, like we humans often do. This sort of behavior would pull them out of the present, where they need to be in order to remain safe. Even though they don’t become as entwined in them, horses do still have some expectations. For example, they expect that they will be hunted and they use this information to color their actions. But rather than dwell on the multiple possibilities for their demise or create unnecessary suffering, horses stay true to the present moment and what is actually happening around them. Because equines are so connected to and aware of the now, relating and interacting with them […]

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Feeling frazzled?  Late on a deadline?  Stuck in LA traffic?  Consider how often stressful situations leave you feeling irritated and drained.  How we manage our energy when faced with a stressful situation can have a far-reaching effect on our performance, health, and overall quality of life.

One key way to manage energy and keep from loosing your cool is to mindfully notice your energy and focus on being present. Equines are masters at being in the present and managing their energy– they have to be in order to survive.  Through working with them we can learn a lot about how to effectively use and manage our energy.

Margret, Chance, and Piper* were standing in the middle of the arena, exhausted from running behind the herd of equines. They were visually […]

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It’s very easy to get set in our ways. Even when it is obvious that something isn’t working, many people continue to try the same thing over and over again. So often, we remain closed to new ideas, new possibilities, and new ways of thinking or doing things.

When we are open to possibility, we instantly create the opportunities for new, different and often better outcomes than we could have ever imagined.  The first step to growth, change & evolution on any level is to be open to options. Once we open our eyes, minds and hearts to possibility, we become instantly aware of what is available to us.  It may seem simple & obvious when we actually stop to think about it, but so often that’s just […]

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Meri*, 36 y.o.,  came to Stand InBalance because she was having a hard time figuring out what she wanted to do with her life. Her relationships felt superficial and she was uninspired about her work. She was stuck and needed help to get out.   In her third session, Meri set up an Obstacle Course that represented her desire to break through to creativity.  She connected up with a horse she named “Ruby” and easily walked her around the arena and through the beginning of the obstacle course.  However, every time she brought Ruby to the last obstacle (a raised pole placed between 2 barrels) Ruby would plant her feet and refuse to move forward.  Meri grew frustrated as she kept trying to pull her over the obstacle. […]

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