Similar to human relationships, successful relating with horses requires compassion, patience, kindness, and clarity. Not only can we increase our capacity for compassion by caring for them, we can develop a deeper, more loving connection with ourselves through their love and acceptance of us. Tom’s* experience is a moving reminder of their powerful ability to help us heal.  As soon as Tom* walked into the round pen, the light bay horse moved away. Each time Tom took a step towards him, the bay pinned back his ears and tossed his head — “get away, I don’t trust you, don’t touch me!”  As a veteran with PTSD, Tom came to Stand InBalance because he had been struggling to re-connect with his family.  He was torn between wanting to find a way to break free from his self-imposed guilt and isolation and the strong belief that he was morally bad and deserved the physical and emotional wounds he carried. Read More →

“Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer.” ~ Rachel Joy Scott

Compassion is the act of opening our hearts to others, acting out of kindness, understanding, and a desire to do something positive for another. Most would agree that compassion is an important quality to have.  Yet, during the daily struggle of stresses and disappointments, it can be easy to forget just how important it is.  Compassion is a simple and potent gift we always have the power to give – we need only choose to do so. Giving, helping, caring and listening are common ways to express compassion. Other more subtle acts of compassion are receiving, acknowledging, appreciating, sharing, considering and including. Compassion has many benefits, 5 of them are below along with some tips to get […]

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Most people think of self-care as something you do before or after work.  But considering how many hours we spend at work, our well-being and the health of our relationships require that we also practice professional self-care.  This is important at all levels of business and studies have shown that when leaders practice and promote health, authenticity and self-care there is a positive impact on the bottom line. The effects are cumulative, so one small change, such as actually taking a relaxing lunch break, creates positive momentum.  Read on for 7 steps to better self-care at work.    This starter list, created by Dana Gionta, Ph.D., of 7 recommended steps to better self-care at work can be applied in any order:   #1. Set and maintain professional boundaries.  This includes respectfully setting […]

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“Self-care is not selfish. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown

Have you found yourself struggling to keep up with the rush of the world around you? Are you stretched thin by work and family or drained by your personal goals and endeavors.  In the overwhelm of modern life, it can be easy to forget how important it is to take care of ourselves.

Think about the lead mare.  If you watch a herd of horses, you may not notice the lead mare right away.  She usually isn’t very flashy, she doesn’t micro-manage, and she is often the one quietly eating or observing. Because she is responsible for the safety […]

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The holiday season is notorious for adding a little extra stress into our lives. Rushing about, traveling, harsh weather conditions and pressure to meet expectations can pull us into a frenzy! Learning how to be present during harried times can help us stay grounded, connected and calmer.  When we’re not being present, we become out of touch with our authentic selves, the world around us, and the moment we are in. Finding a sense of presence brings you back to the moment and back in alignment.

 

At Stand InBalance, our HERD members are experts at being present! Here’s what they had to say about how to stay present in the moment:

Condina: WHOA! Be sure you take time to stop, breathe, and take in your surroundings. This will help […]

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