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The Ritual.
Introduction
Welcome to this exclusive webpage, specially crafted for you, our valued clients at Wild Voice. We believe that your support deserves recognition, and we're excited to share a secret tool that can elevate your journey as a horse owner. At Wild Voice, we take a unique and holistic approach to equine care, and one of our distinctive practices is the application of an ancient philosophy originating from Hawaii known as Ho’ Opono Pono to the world of horses.
Discover the Unique Approach of Wild Voice
Based on this ancient philosophy, we, at wild Voice have created a ritual to enhance the well-being of your equine companions. This unique approach is designed to foster a deeper, more harmonious connection between you and your horse, and to create an environment of emotional healing and trust.
Centered around forgiveness, reconciliation, and acceptance, the ritual emphasizes the idea that we are responsible for our own experiences and that by clearing negative emotions and thoughts, we can restore harmony in our lives. The key principles include acknowledging one's responsibility, seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude, and letting go of resentments. It's a practice that encourages inner peace and the resolution of conflicts through self-reflection and reconciliation with ourselves and others.
Start with Self-Reflection.
Begin with a moment of self-reflection. Before you head to the barn or pasture, take a few moments to connect with your own emotions, thoughts, and any concerns you may have about your horse. This step is crucial because it is the foundation. You are going to be have to be honest with yourself here. How are you feeling? How is your body?Is it tense or tired? Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? And what about that last phone call you had, just before you made your way to the stable, is it still playing on your mind? How is your breathing? is it deep or shallow? Do you feel that you are “on a mission’ or in a rush? Are you feeling insecure as a rider and horse owner? Do you doubt in your ability to take the right decisions for your horse? Did you see someone at the yard who is doing something you wished you could do with your horse? Does it make you feel jealous or useless? Are you feeling anxious because you feel you can’t control your horse or worried your horse doesn’t love you as much as you love him/her?
All these matter. There are no silly statements. We are not aiming to fix any of these issues right now, it’s about being honest. Brutally honest. So take a deep breath in, and in your head, say “The truth is I am feeling…”. No one will hear any of it, it’s just between you and yourself. But your horse will know. Horses are connected to our deeper truth, and nothing sets a horse off kilter more than incongruance. They react if we pretend we are not what they know we are deep inside. So if you are stressed, don’t pretend you are not, and for that matter, positive thinking WILL NOT WORK. There is a fine line between positive thinking and wishful thinking; Saying “I AM RELAXED, I AM RELAXED” over and over again when we are not is not going to help you connect deeply with your horse. So walk into that stable and say it out loud to your horse if you want : “The truth is, today, I am feeling…”. And remember, it’s not good or bad, it just is. You are just laying it all on the table and being your true human self.
The next steps are going to guide you through how to let it all go.
I’m sorry.
This phrase acknowledges a sense of responsibility for your emotions and energy that you bring to the partnership with your horse. That’s why you had to check-in first with yourself so you are congruant inside and out, in awareness of what you are bringing to the relationship. It's a gentle way of taking ownership of the atmosphere. Now that you have acknowledge how you are feeling, head over to your horse, take a deep breath and place your hand on her neck. Feel free to close your eyes. Take a long exhale and at the end of the exhale, say out loud or in your mind “I am sorry”.
This “sorry” is so powerful. We can say sorry to a horse for so many reason…Sorry for bringing these emotions to him, sorry for not being a great rider, sorry for not knowing you were in pain, sorry for putting you through XYZ without your consent or your concern, sorry for what other humans might have done to you before, sorry if I can’t meet your needs right now, sorry if I can’t help you today as much as I would like, sorry for the suffering of your kind under our care, sorry for your ancestors dying at war, sorry for your brothers and sisters being abused daily around the world… These 3 words weight a ton. I invite you to meditate on this, as you stand with your horse and take long calm breaths, and repeat I am sorry until you feel you have come to a sense of calmness, or that you have dug through the layers of its depth.
Forgive me.
Forgiveness is a profound concept in this ritual, with yourself and with your horse. By practicing forgiveness, you can create a lighter and more positive atmosphere in your interactions with your horse. It's a powerful step on the path to a deeper bond and mutual well-being.
Following our first step of self-reflexion, we might have uncovered feeling of anxiety, of panic or stress. All these very common emotions are ultimately variations of fear. Fear is transmuted by unconditional love and unconditional love allows forgiveness. We are sometimes confusing connection with contact, and we hang on to contact as a way to seek security, whether it is physical or emotional or validation. Start with forgiving yourself. It's natural to carry guilt or regret from past interactions with your horse but remember that your intention has always been to do your best. It’s ok to seek security or validation externally. Feeling fully emotionally secure from within ourselves or giving ourselves our own validation can be a life-long journey in itself. Practice self-compassion as you are on your journey. It’s okay, you are ok and you are enough. Every day is a new opportunity for a better connection.
This forgiveness can be both way. If you've experienced challenging moments with your horse, whether related to training, health, or behavior, take a moment to forgive your horse. Recognize that animals, like humans, have their moments of difficulty, and forgiveness allows you to move forward with patience and understanding. Can you forgive your horse for not being your previous horse? The one you had to put to sleep not that long ago? The one you loved so much? Can you forgive yourself for bringing that pain, guilt, sadness to the relationship?
So take another deep breath, and with your hand on your horse and just say Forgive me.
Let it sit.
Let it process.
Repeat if necessary.
When the time feels right, you can say I forgive you. Pause.
See what this does to you and your horse. Feel it come from deep within your heart, and feel the weight of these heavy emotions drop like Autumn leaves. Both you and your horse are on a journey of growth and healing. Forgiveness allows you to let go of past mistakes or misunderstandings, creating a fresh start for both of you. Forgiveness paves the way for trust to flourish. When you release negative feelings, you open the door to deeper mutual trust and understanding.
Each interaction with your horse is a chance for a fresh start. As you practice forgiveness, approach every moment as an opportunity to create a more harmonious partnership.
Thank you.
This phrase is about expressing gratitude. After another deep breath, place one hand on your heart, the other one can stay in contact woth your horse and, say Thank you to yourself, for always doing your best for your horse, for putting him first, for showing up day in and day out, for your strong body which allows you to carry buckets and haynets and muck out… Smile upon yourself and take that gratitude. How does it feel to receive gratitude? Can you accept it? Can you allow your cup to be filled? This is not about being egocentric or big headed, but simply remembering that we can’t pour from an empty cup.
When you feel ready, take another deep breath and whisper Thank you to your horse. Don't reserve gratitude for the grand moments. Appreciate the small things, like the way your horse looks at you, the sound of their hoofbeats, or the way they nuzzle your hand. You can also take this moment to honour and express gratitude to all horses in general for being themselves, for allowing us to tame them, for accepting our touch, our fields, our stables, our trailers, our saddles, bridles, shoes, shows, … The list is long and I invite you to let your heart pour out the words that need to come out with reverance. Go deep if it does, don’t worry if it doesn’t. With each practice of this ritual, you will have an opportunity to explore all of these themes and aspects further.
Communicate your gratitude with your horse. Speak to them and of them with a kind and appreciative tone. Your words and your energy will resonate with them. Make a mental note to remember to show your gratitude through your actions. Care for your horse with love, attention, and devotion. Your equine companion will feel your appreciation through your care.
Appreciate the moments. Acknowledge the blessings.
I love you.
The final phrase encapsulates the essence of your unique and unbreakable bond with your horse, serving as a profound declaration of the deep affection and unwavering connection you share. As you utter these three words, a powerful surge of emotion may course through you, opening the floodgates of your heart and intertwining it with your beloved equine companion.
In one deep breath, just simply say I love you. In this sacred moment, the energy of your love flows freely, encompassing not only your hearts but also reaching out to embrace the entirety of the living world.As if your horse’s heart were the portal to your connection with the unconditional love of spirit, of nature, of the universe.
It signifies the culmination of a ritual that fills your being with radiant light and leaves your heart wide open, ready to receive and give love without reservation. With your eyes gently closed, you allow your consciousness to transcend the physical realm, connecting with your horse on a profound mental and spiritual level. As you engage your mind's eye, a sense of serenity may wash over you, allowing whispers of communication to echo within the depths of your being. It is here, in this realm of animal communication, where words, sentences, or even entire conversations might manifest. Perhaps, in this ethereal space, you will receive a message from your higher self, a guiding presence, or even directly from your horse, providing insights and guidance that transcend the limitations of verbal language. This is where the magic of animal communication takes place, a realm where emotions and thoughts flow harmoniously, painting a vibrant tapestry of connection, trust, and pure devotion.
Stay in this love & light together for as long as you wish. Feel free to write down on your journal (or your phone) any guidance you have received or enlightened thoughts that may have occurred. Embrace the serenity that comes with this beautiful journey and allow yourself to be enveloped by the gentle whispers of the universe which your horse just helped you connect with. Every moment is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, so relish in the magic that surrounds you. Let your thoughts dance across the pages, leaving behind a trail of wisdom and inspiration.
Conclusion
As you embark on this transformative journey of harmonious horsemanship, immerse yourself in the ritual of self-reflection, forgiveness, and gratitude, for they hold the key to unlocking profound connection and understanding between you and your cherished horse. With each step forward, you will traverse a path paved with healing and growth, solidifying the bond that is so unique to this magical relationship. As the days unfold, take note of the subtle shifts and profound transformations that occur within you and your equine companion. I eagerly await to hear the stories that will undoubtedly emerge from your shared experiences, observations, and discoveries along this enlightening path. May this adventure be as empowering as it is illuminating.
Until we meet again,
With all my love,
France X
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