THE FIELD OF HEART CONNECTION
Connecting the Equine and Human Heart through Movement
By: Gabriela Ostendorfer
The stillness in the arena is almost palpable as though time has stopped.
We are a group of strangers standing together in a circle with an unfamiliar sense of intimacy.
We have come to explore the magic of music and movement, in the presence of horses.
We have come to deepen our understanding of human/horse Heart connection within a field of energy.
We are a group of strangers standing together in a circle with an unfamiliar sense of intimacy.
We have come to explore the magic of music and movement, in the presence of horses.
We have come to deepen our understanding of human/horse Heart connection within a field of energy.
The stage is set: two round pens await our presence. We are invited to embody a beginner’s mind to set our intention for the session. Can we let everything we know fall away and surrender to what is? Surrender to what may happen? Can we allow Curiosity to lead us?
As meditative music reaches our ears, the words of the facilitator begin…
“Slowly finding your place - either inside the round pen or outside of it. There is no decision to make, just begin walking and your body will let you know when you have arrived. I invite you to ground yourself beginning with your feet, rooted to the earth. Sense that feeling of being connected to the earth in more than just a physicality. Connected with all your senses and intelligences…mental, emotional and spiritual. Be generous and give yourself the time you need. Move your awareness to your breath, the partner who is always there for you, with you. Just notice its rhythm: the inhale, turning point, exhale and pause. No need to change it. Just notice. When you are ready, bring your awareness to your heart. Check in with its beat, its emotions, its messages. You may wish to actually touch your chest to create a tangible connection to your heart, perhaps using a tender, loving massage motion. Be curious. Is your heart ready to receive your breath? Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Take a few steady, deep breaths. Exhale through your Heart, through your belly and finally exhale through your feet into the earth. What are you experiencing in your body right now?” The facilitator’s voice is soft and I notice my own body soften.
We move deeper into the session, inviting a beginner’s mind through curiosity and openness. Finding our own presence through physically grounding into Mother Earth. Exploring our breath through noticing its rhythmic flow. Opening our heart to what message is there.
The music changes its tempo and my body wants to move, to explore the space within this field of energy. I begin to notice the horse presence within the round pen and its steadiness arouses a sense of safety within me. A gentle nicker.
Wait, I hear a message in my heart from the horse, ‘It is safe to move and open your energy channels. Let go of thinking.’
The horse’s behaviour is loud and clear. Ears flickering this way and that. Body turning, slowing taking one step, then another, then more, then standing still. Head turning toward me, ‘I feel you and I feel your energy. Listen to your heart. Can you hear it? I do. Can we make a heart connection?’
As meditative music reaches our ears, the words of the facilitator begin…
“Slowly finding your place - either inside the round pen or outside of it. There is no decision to make, just begin walking and your body will let you know when you have arrived. I invite you to ground yourself beginning with your feet, rooted to the earth. Sense that feeling of being connected to the earth in more than just a physicality. Connected with all your senses and intelligences…mental, emotional and spiritual. Be generous and give yourself the time you need. Move your awareness to your breath, the partner who is always there for you, with you. Just notice its rhythm: the inhale, turning point, exhale and pause. No need to change it. Just notice. When you are ready, bring your awareness to your heart. Check in with its beat, its emotions, its messages. You may wish to actually touch your chest to create a tangible connection to your heart, perhaps using a tender, loving massage motion. Be curious. Is your heart ready to receive your breath? Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Take a few steady, deep breaths. Exhale through your Heart, through your belly and finally exhale through your feet into the earth. What are you experiencing in your body right now?” The facilitator’s voice is soft and I notice my own body soften.
We move deeper into the session, inviting a beginner’s mind through curiosity and openness. Finding our own presence through physically grounding into Mother Earth. Exploring our breath through noticing its rhythmic flow. Opening our heart to what message is there.
The music changes its tempo and my body wants to move, to explore the space within this field of energy. I begin to notice the horse presence within the round pen and its steadiness arouses a sense of safety within me. A gentle nicker.
Wait, I hear a message in my heart from the horse, ‘It is safe to move and open your energy channels. Let go of thinking.’
The horse’s behaviour is loud and clear. Ears flickering this way and that. Body turning, slowing taking one step, then another, then more, then standing still. Head turning toward me, ‘I feel you and I feel your energy. Listen to your heart. Can you hear it? I do. Can we make a heart connection?’
The research conducted by the Institute of HeartMath suggests that the heart’s field is an important carrier of information. Our hearts have an electromagnetic field that not only envelops all the cells of our body but extends out into the space around us. The Institute of HeartMath has released research that shows the heart is the most powerful generator of electromagnetic energy in the human body. The heart’s electrical field is 60 times greater in amplitude than the brain. The heart’s magnetic field is 5,000 times stronger than the brain. “The Heart radiates an electromagnetic field affecting each other’s moods, attitudes and feelings - whether we are conscious or not.” (2008 Global Coherence Initiative, Institute of HeartMath)
My entire body is now moving with the flow of the music. My arms are reaching out into space and I am overcome with a sudden feeling of joyfulness. The horse is coming closer and I, too, move closer with a cautious intention. My arms and hands make caressing motions along the horse, no physical touch but within the horse’s energy field. I see the horse’s eyes soften yet its ears signal a friendly alertness. ‘Ahh, this flow feels wonderful. I am dancing with you.’
The effects of music on people may not be fully understood on a scientific level, however studies have shown that when people hear music they like, their brain actually releases a chemical called dopamine which can produce positive effects on mood. Music can move us. It can make us feel strong emotions, such as joy, sadness, or fear, and according to some researchers, music may even have the power to improve our health and well-being. Studies have shown the benefits of music are numerous: reduces stress, lessens anxiety, improves mood and can create happiness and relaxation. (1)
My entire body is now moving with the flow of the music. My arms are reaching out into space and I am overcome with a sudden feeling of joyfulness. The horse is coming closer and I, too, move closer with a cautious intention. My arms and hands make caressing motions along the horse, no physical touch but within the horse’s energy field. I see the horse’s eyes soften yet its ears signal a friendly alertness. ‘Ahh, this flow feels wonderful. I am dancing with you.’
The effects of music on people may not be fully understood on a scientific level, however studies have shown that when people hear music they like, their brain actually releases a chemical called dopamine which can produce positive effects on mood. Music can move us. It can make us feel strong emotions, such as joy, sadness, or fear, and according to some researchers, music may even have the power to improve our health and well-being. Studies have shown the benefits of music are numerous: reduces stress, lessens anxiety, improves mood and can create happiness and relaxation. (1)
The tempo of the music changes again with a faster beat and, mysteriously, it becomes easier to express my emotions through movement. I am moving around the horse feeling its eyes follow me. What is that sensation of weight in my torso? My hands join together and slowly rub my torso with kindness. What if I let my thoughts go and explore this weight with curiosity? A tinge of sadness arising, perhaps? I recall the facilitator’s words, to feel the emotion fully, to use the breath to explore what is there. The horse presence remains strong and solid and gives me confidence to feel the sadness. At times the horse may move and then stop. A signal for me?
‘Pause. Pay attention to your feeling. Is there a message for you?’
The horse may adopt certain positions or may even lie down.
‘I am vulnerable…won’t you be vulnerable, too?’
Combining music with movement can bring a new aliveness and interest in our bodies. Movement opens the flow of stagnant energy within our body - it wakes up our organs, our tissues, bones and fluids. Movement also has numerous benefits for well-being. It can reduce stress, it is good for heart health, it enhances the immune system, and is good for most medical conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, digestive issues, bone strength, sleep, memory and it supports stability. (2)
When we are open, we can receive the messages of our heart through the horse and use intuition to connect with our higher self. This is the authentic voice that is spiritual and allows access to a state of higher consciousness, a collective wisdom that holds infinite knowledge and a deep inner knowing.
I notice the sensation of wetness on my face. I taste the saltiness of tears with my tongue. I trust my breath to guide me. I feel the earth below me. I am cleansed.
The music is slowing down inviting a heartfelt, meditative quality. My breath begins to slow. My movements also slow to a softer, more gentle flow through the space. My awareness returns to the round pen, the horses, the other participants. I sense the temperature of the air on my skin. I sense the embrace of the ground holding me. I hear the soft sigh of relaxation emanating from one horse’s nostrils. Then the horses licking and chewing. A smile slowly transforms my face.
‘I am so present with you now. I am calm and content. We are One.’
Our bodies are always speaking to us. We often have not learned how to listen or we just aren’t always ready to listen. Music can invite opportunity for direct experience. The use of movement, presence and breath can open pathways of energy to explore and experience a deeper, embodied presence within the energy field of the human and equine Heart.
‘Pause. Pay attention to your feeling. Is there a message for you?’
The horse may adopt certain positions or may even lie down.
‘I am vulnerable…won’t you be vulnerable, too?’
Combining music with movement can bring a new aliveness and interest in our bodies. Movement opens the flow of stagnant energy within our body - it wakes up our organs, our tissues, bones and fluids. Movement also has numerous benefits for well-being. It can reduce stress, it is good for heart health, it enhances the immune system, and is good for most medical conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, digestive issues, bone strength, sleep, memory and it supports stability. (2)
When we are open, we can receive the messages of our heart through the horse and use intuition to connect with our higher self. This is the authentic voice that is spiritual and allows access to a state of higher consciousness, a collective wisdom that holds infinite knowledge and a deep inner knowing.
I notice the sensation of wetness on my face. I taste the saltiness of tears with my tongue. I trust my breath to guide me. I feel the earth below me. I am cleansed.
The music is slowing down inviting a heartfelt, meditative quality. My breath begins to slow. My movements also slow to a softer, more gentle flow through the space. My awareness returns to the round pen, the horses, the other participants. I sense the temperature of the air on my skin. I sense the embrace of the ground holding me. I hear the soft sigh of relaxation emanating from one horse’s nostrils. Then the horses licking and chewing. A smile slowly transforms my face.
‘I am so present with you now. I am calm and content. We are One.’
Our bodies are always speaking to us. We often have not learned how to listen or we just aren’t always ready to listen. Music can invite opportunity for direct experience. The use of movement, presence and breath can open pathways of energy to explore and experience a deeper, embodied presence within the energy field of the human and equine Heart.
My Heart beats out its message of unconditional love for myself. I savour it like a warm hug and hold it close to my chest.
The sigh of relaxation becomes a gentle breathing sound. I sense the horse standing next to me holding space for this moment of deep connection.
We are One in a Field of Heart Connection. ~*~
The sigh of relaxation becomes a gentle breathing sound. I sense the horse standing next to me holding space for this moment of deep connection.
We are One in a Field of Heart Connection. ~*~
