When emotions come through.

Have you ever had emotions come flooding up as you practice this light touch on your animal friend? It can happen, and it's a beautiful part of this work.

I was invited to give a demonstration to a group of young girls who had spent their summer volunteering as counselors at an equestrian camp for kids called Annie’s Answer here in Kentucky. This last week was just for them - to unwind, hang out, and enjoy the horses on their own. They were very familiar with the horses we worked with and loved sharing their stories as I guided them to try three of my favorite light touch holds. 

As they practiced, I notice one of the girls feel a wave of emotion pass through. She held her breath and got a bit teary. Instead of pretending I didn't see what was happening. I took it as an opportunity and spoke with her and the group as it was happening.

Anger and sadness are two of the emotions we're taught to hide - to push back in - to hold down so no one sees them. Especially young girls. I encouraged her and everyone to exhale and sigh deeply, over and over if needed, to let the wave pass through when it happens.

When we work with animals and this happens, the wave isn't always ours - it might be there's. But sometimes it is ours - something from our past or our present that's gotten stuck in the energy system of the body.  What an opportunity to let it go, whether we know what “it” is or not. I don't think it matters.

This light touch practice is a natural way to help the body balance what doesn't serve it - physically or emotionally. To let go in perfect timing.

You can see a couple of the girls working with the horses here. Learn more about Annie’s Answer here.