Calm to Chaos: Wisdom From The Herd

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) training in Cottonwood, CA. The workshop was led by the 'OG' (original Greg) of EAP, Greg Kersten. This three-day event focused on instilling confidence during crises and demonstrated how horses can be instrumental in finding calm amidst chaos. Greg introduced us to the idea of pressure and pain. Horses, as expected, move away from pressure but, interestingly, move towards their pain. After experiencing a crisis, horses regroup with the herd and then cautiously approach the source of the initial chaos. What can humans learn from this behavior and how can we emulate horses? We can move toward our pain and strive to understand it from a different perspective. However, it's crucial to first regroup, seek resources, and approach it from a new angle. Imagine the joy and peace you could experience if you confronted your pain and transformed it into something less intimidating. Could you heal from what caused you pain? The herd would affirm, "yes".