Connection and Attunement weekend with Warwick Schiller and Christine Dickson
🌟 We are thrilled to introduce Jenny Lee, an ardent advocate for equine well-being and a cherished new addition to the Wild Voice team. With a discerning eye for identifying imbalances and dysfunction, Jenny is wholeheartedly committed to nurturing harmony between horses and their human companions.
In her illuminating blog, Jenny generously shares the wealth of knowledge she acquired through an immersive residency at the Journey On ranch with the renowned horseman, Warwick Schiller. Join us on a captivating journey through her words as she unveils the behind-the-scenes experiences with Warwick himself. Imagine staying at his house, collaborating with his wife, and having the extraordinary opportunity to be taught by their own horses. What an enriching and unforgettable experience! Dive into the details and soak up the wisdom—read on for an insider's perspective into Jenny's extraordinary journey. 🐴✨
Radiant smiles at the Journey On Ranch
“I confess I still can’t pin point exactly what is was about this weekend that compelled me to travel across the world to get there but I did have an unshakable belief that it was exactly where I was meant to be! I was a little nervous about travelling solo, staying in strange places and meeting new people so didn’t really have the capacity to worry about the horrors of the ice bath scheduled for day two! As it was I had a uniquely smooth travel experience with planes leaving on time, connections running like clockwork and a half empty plane so I could sleep across three seats. I even got to grips with the amazing Uber system. I saw my bag appear on the baggage reclaim, pressed the button on the Uber app and a taxi driver pulled up at the airport four minutes later. Not just any taxi driver either but an experienced dressage rider! I had a day in Paso Robles before the course started so got to explore the local shops and restaurants and even squeezed in an early morning run to the local park. This helped justify a visit to the ‘Brown Sugar Cookie Company’ later in the day!
I was sharing accommodation with two of the other attendees organised by Jane who kindly picked me up and we headed to Journey On Ranch for the afternoon session.
The first exercise we did involved being given 15 minutes to go and do what ever we wanted in order to settle in to the surroundings of the house and ranch. This was such a lovely idea and I had a little wander around and quietened my mind.
The first evening Warwick gave us all a ‘Journey on Podcast’ question session to establish a bit of background and find out what we wanted to work on horse wise and personal development wise.
There was nine of us in total and we were all there to learn or refine tools to help us deal with various life challenges, traumas and experiences. We had come to the right place!
Over the weekend Christine Dickson led us through a number of meditations, discussions, connection exercises and even a hypnotherapy session. Oscar, the reining champion horse, got to join in with circle time meditations and it was amazing watching him work his way around each and every one of us to engage in a different way around healing and reminding us to have fun. I was trying really hard to meditate on the first day when Oscar decided to rock my chair! Interspersed with Christine’s amazing sessions we also had Warwick giving talks on the psyche behind effective horse training and he also led a guided ‘awareness' walk to the highest point of the ranch. The Sunday morning included the ice bath session. This was expertly led by Robyn Schiller who was infinitely kind and patient and helped to co regulate our nervous systems enough to get us all to get in and stay in. Some of us were more dramatic than others but it was very cold indeed!
Key Learning Included
A vivid reminder about the healing impact of connecting meaningfully with others, as strangers became friends and opportunities were there to support and be supported
Understanding the importance of being able to be around the negative emotions of others without absorbing them - great for those parenting teenagers or anxious equines
A reminder that is is OK to be vulnerable, even if you are British
(no need for a stiff upper lip in California!)How to tell the difference between a Turkey Vulture and a Bald Eagle
Exploring some of the overwhelming events that impact a child and give rise to low self esteem and protective behaviours and understanding that as an adult those coping strategies and belief are no longer required and can be let go
I came back feeling empowered and less willing to resort to old patterns of behaviours such an avoidance and distancing when difficult or painful issues need to be tackled with confidence and honesty
An awareness of how to connect with horses on a deeper, emotional level
A definite feel that this is one of those times when life is defined by the before and after -
a truly life changing weekend.
If any clients have the opportunity to attend one of these retreats with Warwick and Christine I would highly recommend that they seize the opportunity. You won’t regret it. “
Journey On!
-Jenny x
