Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) is becoming more and more recognized as a formal personal growth discipline.  Horses have a way of opening our hearts to connect to our authentic self and allow us to truly listen to our inner voices.  The key to FEEL is that we learn from doing – Experiential Learning.  There are various exercises designed for the horse and human interaction that bring about profound thoughts that can help teach us what we need to know. 

In November of 2010 I started the 6 month certification process to become a certified FEEL Facilitator.  Horses have had a deep impact on my life in the past 13 years and they continue to surprise and delight me.  During the course the group first experiences the exercises themselves before learning how to teach and facilitate others.  What I experienced in the first 2 days of the course alone brought light to some real issues I wasn’t even aware were influencing my life.

One of the exercises is called Reflective Round Pen.     I first had to select a horse that I wanted to work with.  We had already met the horses at the farm and I intuitively knew I wanted to work with a horse named Redman.   Then Redman and I went into a 60’ round pen together.

I asked Redman to help me find a way to live healthy boundaries.  I had a stick with me to draw a line where I wanted the horse to stay and not come close into my personal space.  He respected the line and stood as I opened a heart connection with him.  In silence we stood as I felt the emotions in my body and clear thoughts started to come in.

 “To set healthy boundaries, do it from the heart.  Open the heart, not close it down.  Explain to the person the way you feel, and what new rules / contracts you will set to not let your boundaries be dishonoured.    Then leave them with love and stay true.”

I decided to set the stick down in the middle and as I did that Redman came into my personal space and again I received the follow thoughts.

“You will need to have some tools to draw upon to help you incorporate your new insights into your life.” 

Since that weekend I have incorporated a love approach, an open heart and compassion when asking family members, friends, co-workers and even my animals when I notice a boundary issue.  The experience truly has given me the awareness when this issue comes up in my life and how to deal with it in a compassionate healthy way. 

This one example was very powerful for me and as I continue my studies and practice sessions the learning just keeps on coming. 

I am so excited to announce The Oasis Farm and Wellness Centre will be offering FEEL workshops and individual sessions starting May 2011 and truly hope that others will experience such beneficial journeys as I have.