Sharing our heart’s work
We often hear about nature’s healing power. After all, science shows us that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones; improve mood and immune function; and increase creativity. And as living things are part of nature, we also find that being with animals offers similar effects as they bring many of us comfort.
While we understand how nature is good for us, digging deeper as to why it’s good for us requires more reflection. Biologist, Edward Wilson, says that humans have an “innate emotional affiliation with other living organisms'' which makes us calm and comfortable in nature. His biophilia theory suggests that the reason why nature has such a profound effect on us is because we evolved in it - our senses and body rhythms naturally respond to the sound, smells, and sights within nature that we identify as safe. In essence, it is our evolutionary “happy place” where we can rest and rejuvenate. Our bodies naturally recognize the peace that comes from a soft breeze, the energizing light of the sun, and for us at Equinimity, the joy of being in the quiet presence of a horse…
At Equinimity, horses and nature are an intrinsic part of our being. As we work with people on their journey of healing and integration from developmental and complex trauma, nature and horses become our partners in supporting people to find belonging, reconnection and ways to increase self-care.
It is with heartfelt gratitude that we introduce our newest offering, our Immersive Retreats program. Developed by Equinimity’s founders, Barbara Collier and Jeanie Shepherd, Immersive Retreats combine principles from Natural Horsemanship, Somatic Experiencing® and Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts. It is a program that embodies Equinimity’s deepest commitment to helping people find their way back home to themselves.
In 2022 and throughout the first part of 2023, we piloted this program with a few individuals and groups who have graciously helped us in growing it to what it is today. As we open Immersive Retreats to our community, we hope that we can be a safe environment where people can feel connected, seen, and supported. A safe place where we can integrate adverse experiences and explore, process, and share grief, loss and joy.
While we understand how nature is good for us, digging deeper as to why it’s good for us requires more reflection. Biologist, Edward Wilson, says that humans have an “innate emotional affiliation with other living organisms'' which makes us calm and comfortable in nature. His biophilia theory suggests that the reason why nature has such a profound effect on us is because we evolved in it - our senses and body rhythms naturally respond to the sound, smells, and sights within nature that we identify as safe. In essence, it is our evolutionary “happy place” where we can rest and rejuvenate. Our bodies naturally recognize the peace that comes from a soft breeze, the energizing light of the sun, and for us at Equinimity, the joy of being in the quiet presence of a horse…
At Equinimity, horses and nature are an intrinsic part of our being. As we work with people on their journey of healing and integration from developmental and complex trauma, nature and horses become our partners in supporting people to find belonging, reconnection and ways to increase self-care.
It is with heartfelt gratitude that we introduce our newest offering, our Immersive Retreats program. Developed by Equinimity’s founders, Barbara Collier and Jeanie Shepherd, Immersive Retreats combine principles from Natural Horsemanship, Somatic Experiencing® and Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts. It is a program that embodies Equinimity’s deepest commitment to helping people find their way back home to themselves.
In 2022 and throughout the first part of 2023, we piloted this program with a few individuals and groups who have graciously helped us in growing it to what it is today. As we open Immersive Retreats to our community, we hope that we can be a safe environment where people can feel connected, seen, and supported. A safe place where we can integrate adverse experiences and explore, process, and share grief, loss and joy.
