Are You Following Your Passion?
By
Last month I facilitated the first Passion, Purpose and Your Path with Horses program. Over the course of four days, each participant gained insights about her path with horses. One woman decided that creating a center to explore the connection between horse and human is her purpose, another feels passionate about helping riders with fear, and one is drawn to the Apprenticeship program. One woman who has struggled with cancer almost all of her life decided, after experiencing the round pen sessions with horses, that for the first time in her life she felt she truly wanted to live. Yes, live. No longer would her health run her mind. It was a great honor to facilitate with my herd of horses and to know that each participant received a greater sense of who they are on their life path.
Several times during the weekend I heard myself say to the group, “Instead of focusing on what your end result would be –instead what would be your next best feeling step?” “What keeps coming to you?” Each time I offered these questions, I realized these were good questions for me too.
My thoughts had been moving towards getting a new canine friend. In fact there was a puppy I had in mind—a little wire-haired Jack Russell. Before the program, I had decided to be logical and practical and found all sorts of reasons why I should not get her. Through out the program I noticed how my boyfriend’s Jack Russell—Mickey was glued to my side, in fact, one day he opted to stay with me instead of going out for a trail ride. Was he was trying to nudge me along with my decision?
The third day I when I got home I emailed about the little female pup. She was still available. Even after a 30-minute discussion with the breeder, I could feel about 15% of me holding back. I asked my final questions about her parents. The breeder told me all about her dad and then she mentioned her mother – Sookie (sounds like Suki). I was stunned. My last canine friend was named Suki. She was with me 24/7 for eight years. I shared the story of her passing in my book Hope. As you can guess—the deal was sealed. How could I NOT take action with that level of serendipity!
It is two weeks later and the today I am experiencing such joy and laughter with my new pup—Inkie. Her first day with me she swam with the big dogs in a pond, chased balls, and tried very hard to get right under Corazon’s hooves. She is a little spitfire of a pup with lots of love. As I write this she sleeps in her basket, her tail is wiggling and her nose is twitching, legs mimicking a little run. I think she is dreaming of her first day in her new home.
The day before I picked up little Inkie I visited my friend who is struggling with brain cancer. It gave me a huge wake up call that life is short. Life is too short not to live fearlessly—to take great chances and to follow our hearts.
I would be alone in my home tonight if I had followed my logical head that was filled with limiting thoughts and excuses as to why I should wait before I get a puppy. I may have felt mentally more secure or safe in this current unpredictable world, but my internal being would have lost a little spark or light. I would have missed the chance to experience this bundle of joy that makes me smile and laugh. It is each moment of our life that determines the whole life. Each day, I too, commit to living my life, and in living it to the fullest.
What is your heart’s calling?
If you had only five years left to live—what would you do?
What is the cost for you in your life when you don’t take chances?
The way of the horse is not logical and linear—it engages the heart, ones instinct and intuition, and the unknown. Access your inner wild horse and make the choices that will help you to feel the freedom!
Warmly,
Kathy Pike
Upcoming Programs
The Dance of Authenticity Through the Wisdom of the Horse
October 16-17 , 2010
Longmont, Colorado
Join us for an evening of discussion on Friday, or for the whole weekend. A portion of the proceeds will to benefit the Colorado Horse Rescue. Contact Stacey Couch at scouch@chr.org or 720-494-1414 ext. 2202 to register.
Click links below for:
Program Description
Downloadable Flyer
Register Online
2010-2011 Apprentice Program– Coming Right Up!
United States and Europe
The available spots for the next Apprentice Program are filling up quickly. If you still want to take advantage of this opportunity to be a part of this special group trained personally by Kathy in the Mind Body Method and in Equine Facilitated Learning, be sure to email Kathy right away.
Click links below for:
Program Description
Program Dates
Level One Training Week in Tucson
October 29-November 4, 2010
Tucson, Arizona
We already have five people signed up and we limit this group to ten total. Are you wanting to step onto your path with the EFLC work? This is the program for you. Register today to hold your spot!
The first level of four to complete the EFLC Apprenticeship program with Kathy, Level One has strong focus on emotional awareness and integration through on the ground interactions with horses. The EFLC Level One is taken by anyone (therapists, riding instructors, counselors, coaches and/or individual’s on a path of personal growth) with an interest in how horses teach us about presence, strength and awareness. Participants learn tools and methods to immediately apply to their business or life.
Click links below for:
Downloadable Flyer
Register Online
Wild Women Desert Retreat at White Stallion Ranch
November 7- 14, 2010
Tucson, Arizona
We already have five women signed up for this program too! I am so excited about this program and what we will be doing. We will blend the EFLC work, ground work riding sessions and of course getting clearer about who you are and your passion in life. Located among the cactus of the Sonoran desert at the famous White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.
The riding section of the program will be assisted by Cathy Schereiber. Don’t let your fear or lack of confidence hold you back from experiencing this truly delicous retreat!
Cathy Schreiber gives riding instruction to all ages and levels of riders. She focuses on beginning with correct position and aids ands helps the rider understand how to communicate with their horse. After earning a B.A. in Equestrian Science at Lake Erie College and becoming a British Horse Society Certified Instructor (BHSAI), Cathy became more serious about Dressage training. She competed on the Florida/Michigan circuits and attended the Violet Hopkins seminars where she refined her Dressage knowledge.
Click links below for:
Downloadable Flyer
Register Online