INTERLUDE: A Reprieve

interlude a reprieve

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Horses make excellent mindfulness teachers. They are herd animals who live totally in the moment and are exquisitely sensitive and skilled communicators, using movement and breath to connect with each other in a peaceful and authentic manner.

Charles de Kunffy sums up the benefits of spending time with horses as follows: “Horses forge the mind, the character, the emotions and inner lives of humans. People can talk to one another about all these things and remain distanced and lonesome. In partnership with a horse, one is seldom lacking for thought, emotion and inspiration. One is always attended by a great companion.”

Mindfulness is about paying attention in a particular way – on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment.  It is about observing ourselves moment to moment.  As we pay attention, we begin to see ourselves more clearly.  As we become more aware, we are able to make wiser choices – so we can respond rather than react.

Interlude: A ReprieveSome of the many benefits of mindfulness

  • Increase awareness of our habitual responses
  • Respond more effectively to complex or difficult situations
  • Develop an expanded perspective and see situations more clearly
  • Experience more creativity
  • Achieve balance and resilience
  • Improve productivity
  • Improve relationships
  • Experience more joy, less stress
  • Learn to focus on what has meaning
  • Align ourselves with our values and sense of purpose

Learning Mindfulness Through Engagement with Horses

Interlude: A ReprieveBy their instant and accurate responses, horses show us moment-to-moment where our thoughts are, and respond to our emotions, intentions, beliefs, and authenticity.  For them to willingly engage with us, we must be present, mindful, and congruent (alignment of thoughts, beliefs and behaviors).

This unique workshop combines mindfulness with horses, you will put into practice mindfulness skills in an innovative setting. We encounter the horses in a safe setting and no riding is involved. INTERLUDE: A Reprieve generally involves a person or group interacting with one or more horses on the ground. No prior experience with horses is assumed or necessary to take part.

For more information about INTERLUDE: A Reprieve contact Natalie 

About My Co-Facilitator: Michelle Richards

Michelle has been teaching 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Courses in the Valley for over a decade. She also teaches 4 week Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Series, day-longs, workshops, and retreats. She is completing a 2 year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in June 2019.

Get your tickets here!