Hibernate to Find the Seed

Father Winter is now fully upon us and the urge to slow down, reflect or full-on hibernate is hard to avoid. So, why shouldn’t we? We are still in the cycle of winter. Though winter solstice has passed and each day is starting to grow longer, we still don’t feel fully energized just yet. True, we may have experienced moments of great joy and socializing through the celebrations of December, but yet still feel sluggish or low energy here in early January.

On these dark, January days, I watch my herd. I often go out and stand with them. For the most part, they are more quiet and reserved in the winter, saving energy in their bodies for the cold night to come. When the temperatures dip below 5 degrees, they become more expressive at feeding times. They buck and kick; knocking each other off their feeding piles, run willy-nilly all around and eventually focus on a pile of hay and begin to fill their stomachs. Wise Moon, as the elder of the herd, does not get caught up in this nonsense and waste of energy though. He has better things to do. He simply walks to the field, finds his pile and tends to his meal.

In winter, my time with the horses is shorter, just like the days. When we are lucky and the sun is shining and the days are warm, I often kneel next to my Moon as he sleeps. I remove my gloves so my bare hand can stroke his caramel colored coat and detangle the dark black mane. Warm and soft, my fingers burrow into the thick hairs of his winter coat, pulling up the warmth of his spirit from his massive, solid body.

He soaks in every bit of heat and light from the low January sun that he can get, while I soak in every bit of the “deep essence of his being” I can get.

My herd restores themselves in the winter months. They have fewer demands on them for teaching and playing with me. They have time and space to reflect and play with each other. They stand a lot, they sleep in the middle of the day and they eat as much as they can. They don’t resist the changing of the seasons. The herd follows the natural flow of what nature is presenting to them. An important thing for humans to remember.

The other day, I was on the phone with my EFLC Certification group. This collective of women, located all over the world, have entered into the year-long program to learn the ways of Horse. As the group checked in, one by one, they shared how they currently felt low energy, unable to focus on the work with Horse and not feeling very inspired. I had a feeling they probably expected me to “crack the whip” and tell them to get off the couch and get going. “Time is a wasting!”

Instead, I told them that they were right on track with their process. I expressed to them: “Not only are we in the middle of a very transformational program, a program that shifts so many deep limiting patterns of thought, behavior and emotion, but we are also in the middle of winter– the time in nature to hibernate, hole-up, rest, eat heavier foods and reflect on our past year. It is a time to release those aspects of the past that no longer are serving us and move into creating the seeds we wish to plant come spring.”

I wish to extend this message to each of you. Be easy on yourself. If you wish to take some time alone, if you are conserving energy, if you want to hole up, this is your time to do it. Take some time to meditate– pull in the spirit of Horse and ask for guidance on your path as this new year begins. Have curiosity and amusement as you see and experience a lovely horse, or herd of horses, emerge in your mind’s eye, beckoning you to the Way of Horse. Ask this horse: “What message do you have for me at this time?” or “Offer me one word for insight or reflection?” Notice the demeanor, essences and energy of your horse and how that mirrors your own emotional and spiritual well-being.

I predict about mid-January, you will feel an internal shift. At that time, your body and mind will want to get back into action. Take the time now to gain clarity before you move forward into that action.

And, of course, as always, my horse calls for you and extends an invitation for growth and spiritual awakening through their wisdom and work here at the farm. Consider one of these lovely programs:

Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC) Certification Program
Our most comprehensive training program for incorporating Horse as teacher, guide, mentor, and healer for humans.  We are currently in the process of interviewing applicants.
Click here to read about the Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC) Certification Program and complete the blue box to download the program information packet.

Special Two-Day Equine Exploration Program
New to the work and want to experience a powerful session with Horse? The savings are significant for this program.  Only four spots left.
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Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC) Level One Training Program
Designed for individuals already in helping professions or considering becoming a facilitator of the EFL work.  Come away with the confidence and tools for enhancing the human-horse connection.
Read About the EFLC Level One Program
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Dance with Horse: Harmony and Connection in Movement with Horse
Experience this most sacred dance of intimacy and connection.  (For those who have experienced Dance of Authenticity or EFLC Level One.)
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Dance of Authenticity through the Wisdom of Horse Workshop
Rich in tools and processes that will dramatically shift your body-centered consciousness and connection with intuition and higher self.
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