nature nourishment
One of our priorities at Equinimity is ensuring the health and wellness of the horses we share our environment with. Horses have a care plan thoughtfully designed by Jeanie Shepherd, which includes a range of elements such as vitamins, flower essences, hoof care, dedicated grooming sessions, and proper nutrition.
But while we do our best to care for horses, we are greatly aided by the nature that surrounds us and the natural instincts of horses themselves. For instance, in cooler weather, horses can be found sunbathing to regulate their body temperature. They would seek out sunny spots to warm up and maintain their body heat, turning their bodies to expose different areas to the sun’s rays. Some of them would even lie down and bask in the sun to relax.
Thanks to this natural instinct, horses gain positive benefits from the sun. Sunlight helps horses produce vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Like humans, horses synthesize vitamin D through their skin.
Instinct and Awareness
Perhaps it’s the same instinct that tells us humans that there’s nourishment and healing to be found in nature. Like horses, many of us naturally like to bask in the sun. We may not often think about its benefits, yet we find ourselves organizing trips to the beach or someplace sunny to experience warmth and vibrancy. We may also seek a sense of rejuvenation in wooded trails or by rivers and lakes, up in the mountains or even in our own backyards. Like horses, many of us find peace in simply being still in nature - breathing deeply, we can feel in our bodies and in our hearts the goodness of a gentle breeze.
Having this natural instinct is wonderful, but combining it with awareness can amplify the nurturing benefits of nature. There may be times when we ignore our natural instincts. However, once we recognize the benefits nature provides, we may be more inclined to incorporate it into our daily lives.
What is Inherently Nourishing
The first step towards allowing our environment to nurture us is recognizing what is inherently nourishing. For instance, sunlight not only provides vitamin D but also boosts our serotonin levels, enhancing our mood and energy. We can start by being aware of how different times of the day affect our surroundings and seek to spend time in areas bathed in natural light.
We can also bring attention to the air we breathe. Oxygen-rich air is vital for physical and mental health, as breathing clean air helps regulate bodily functions, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. We can identify places with good ventilation or nearby green spaces where we can breathe deeply. Indoor plants can also add more oxygen to our spaces, purifying the air and adding life to our surroundings. In addition, looking at greenery allows the eyes to relax and recover from the harshness of screens and artificial lighting. Natural scenes like plants and trees, with their varying depths of field, encourage our eyes to adjust and focus naturally, preventing eye fatigue.
Lastly, tapping into our senses, we can explore what sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and textures feel pleasing to us. It could be the sound or scent of rain, the rustling of leaves, or the fragrance of flowers in bloom. It might be the sweetness of seasonal fruits or an awe-inspiring, star-filled night sky.
Nature offers an abundance of sensory experiences that can bring us soothing, heartfelt moments of joy.
Mindful Interactions with Nature
Once we’ve identified aspects of nature that feel nourishing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—we can then consider how we may be able to integrate them into our daily lives. Perhaps it’s rearranging our furniture to let more light into our space, or spending a few minutes each day simply listening to the sounds around us. Being present and mindful can deepen our connection with the natural world.
We also recognize that humans are intrinsically interconnected with nature. Horses and other animals likely see us as integral parts of their environment. Just as we provide additional care to horses, it's important to recognize how other beings—both humans and animals—enrich and nourish our lives. For us at Equinimity, it feels nourishing to be in the presence of horses and our community. Sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful moments can have a profound impact on our well-being.
After a long day, we invite you to find space to breathe in… Fully and experience the goodness and support that nature provides.
Breathe out… Recognize that we are interconnected. We can all be part of a nourishing environment for one another.
_____
Related Reading and Offerings:
Grounding Exercises - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/groundingexercises
Learn more about Flower Essences - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/floweressences.html
The Healing Heart of the Horse - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/healinghearthorse.html
How Intention Shifts Attention - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/intentionattention.html
Breathing Exercises - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/breathingfirstaid.html
Listening Beyond Hearing - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/listeningbeyondhearing.html
Mindful Grooming - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/mindfulgrooming.html
______
Share in the Care of the Herd
At Equinimity, our herd - Epona, Freedom, Blue, Brown, Little Man, and Ralph - are at the heart of what we do. Without them, there would be no Equinimity.
Making sure each of our herd members has what they need, from high-quality, specialized food and medicine to regular hoof care, is one of our top priorities. The summer months, when our equines need extra special care to keep protected from extreme heat and insects, but we're bringing in less funding from our outdoor programming, can be especially difficult.
With your one-time or monthly sustaining gift of any amount, you can help ensure we have the ongoing funds needed to make sure Epona, Freedom, Blue, Brown, Little Man, and Ralph have what they need to continue receiving top quality feed and care all year long.
Become a friend of the herd with your one-time or monthly donation today!
With Gratitude,
Equinimity's herd and caretakers
But while we do our best to care for horses, we are greatly aided by the nature that surrounds us and the natural instincts of horses themselves. For instance, in cooler weather, horses can be found sunbathing to regulate their body temperature. They would seek out sunny spots to warm up and maintain their body heat, turning their bodies to expose different areas to the sun’s rays. Some of them would even lie down and bask in the sun to relax.
Thanks to this natural instinct, horses gain positive benefits from the sun. Sunlight helps horses produce vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Like humans, horses synthesize vitamin D through their skin.
Instinct and Awareness
Perhaps it’s the same instinct that tells us humans that there’s nourishment and healing to be found in nature. Like horses, many of us naturally like to bask in the sun. We may not often think about its benefits, yet we find ourselves organizing trips to the beach or someplace sunny to experience warmth and vibrancy. We may also seek a sense of rejuvenation in wooded trails or by rivers and lakes, up in the mountains or even in our own backyards. Like horses, many of us find peace in simply being still in nature - breathing deeply, we can feel in our bodies and in our hearts the goodness of a gentle breeze.
Having this natural instinct is wonderful, but combining it with awareness can amplify the nurturing benefits of nature. There may be times when we ignore our natural instincts. However, once we recognize the benefits nature provides, we may be more inclined to incorporate it into our daily lives.
What is Inherently Nourishing
The first step towards allowing our environment to nurture us is recognizing what is inherently nourishing. For instance, sunlight not only provides vitamin D but also boosts our serotonin levels, enhancing our mood and energy. We can start by being aware of how different times of the day affect our surroundings and seek to spend time in areas bathed in natural light.
We can also bring attention to the air we breathe. Oxygen-rich air is vital for physical and mental health, as breathing clean air helps regulate bodily functions, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. We can identify places with good ventilation or nearby green spaces where we can breathe deeply. Indoor plants can also add more oxygen to our spaces, purifying the air and adding life to our surroundings. In addition, looking at greenery allows the eyes to relax and recover from the harshness of screens and artificial lighting. Natural scenes like plants and trees, with their varying depths of field, encourage our eyes to adjust and focus naturally, preventing eye fatigue.
Lastly, tapping into our senses, we can explore what sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and textures feel pleasing to us. It could be the sound or scent of rain, the rustling of leaves, or the fragrance of flowers in bloom. It might be the sweetness of seasonal fruits or an awe-inspiring, star-filled night sky.
Nature offers an abundance of sensory experiences that can bring us soothing, heartfelt moments of joy.
Mindful Interactions with Nature
Once we’ve identified aspects of nature that feel nourishing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—we can then consider how we may be able to integrate them into our daily lives. Perhaps it’s rearranging our furniture to let more light into our space, or spending a few minutes each day simply listening to the sounds around us. Being present and mindful can deepen our connection with the natural world.
We also recognize that humans are intrinsically interconnected with nature. Horses and other animals likely see us as integral parts of their environment. Just as we provide additional care to horses, it's important to recognize how other beings—both humans and animals—enrich and nourish our lives. For us at Equinimity, it feels nourishing to be in the presence of horses and our community. Sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful moments can have a profound impact on our well-being.
After a long day, we invite you to find space to breathe in… Fully and experience the goodness and support that nature provides.
Breathe out… Recognize that we are interconnected. We can all be part of a nourishing environment for one another.
_____
Related Reading and Offerings:
Grounding Exercises - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/groundingexercises
Learn more about Flower Essences - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/floweressences.html
The Healing Heart of the Horse - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/healinghearthorse.html
How Intention Shifts Attention - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/intentionattention.html
Breathing Exercises - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/breathingfirstaid.html
Listening Beyond Hearing - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/listeningbeyondhearing.html
Mindful Grooming - https://www.equinimitytucson.com/mindfulgrooming.html
______
Share in the Care of the Herd
At Equinimity, our herd - Epona, Freedom, Blue, Brown, Little Man, and Ralph - are at the heart of what we do. Without them, there would be no Equinimity.
Making sure each of our herd members has what they need, from high-quality, specialized food and medicine to regular hoof care, is one of our top priorities. The summer months, when our equines need extra special care to keep protected from extreme heat and insects, but we're bringing in less funding from our outdoor programming, can be especially difficult.
With your one-time or monthly sustaining gift of any amount, you can help ensure we have the ongoing funds needed to make sure Epona, Freedom, Blue, Brown, Little Man, and Ralph have what they need to continue receiving top quality feed and care all year long.
Become a friend of the herd with your one-time or monthly donation today!
With Gratitude,
Equinimity's herd and caretakers
