The Path To Wellness
"If we don't make the time to focus on our wellness, we may be forced to take the time in the future to focus on our illness." Nicole Apelian, Ph. D.
When I was in High School, I was very active in sports. I was very fortunate to have my Dad as a personal coach. He came to the many practices, games and meets after a long day on a dusty construction site to volunteer as an assistant coach. He researched food and supplements that nourished my body so I could excel as an individual and for my team. He knew my strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the team. He helped my team mates as well. With his encouragement and guidance I, as well as the team, exceed our wildest hopes and dreams in local, sectional and state championships. Dad always had a calmness about himself when he was helping someone realize their potential. He treated everyone with kindness and helped them to see the best in themselves. Even when we lost.
It was these foundational experiences in my young life that lead me to continue to pursue health and wellness not only for myself, my family and friends, but also for all the animals that have been a part of our lives. I have carried these foundational experiences into my approach to holistic hoof care.
When I am contacted to help someone with their horse, quite often it is because of a lameness issue, or an unpleasant past experience. Once I have all the information and arrive at the place where they live, I open my senses to the “space” or “environment”. This is the place where everything comes together. Home base. I do a lot of listening. Their story is important.
Generally during that first visit, I will let the horse choose one of the essential oils I keep in my bag. I want them to know I am listening to them. Especially the ones that have had unpleasant experiences with hoof care in the past. There are also young ones with little to no experience. This is the foundation we must create together. Those foundational bricks are trust, a listening spirit, a pleasant experience and a human with a smile. I’m sure you can think of, or may have used other bricks to add to that foundation. Let me know in the comments. I’m all ears!
Wellness begins with the careful placing of these bricks. We are creating a space where honesty and respect resides. Each visit from then on adds strength and trust to that foundation. There is no agenda. Everything goes as it does. Another lesson I learned from my Elder, JT is the Rule of Acceptance. Which is the ability to accept anything said or done with the realization that it is what another says or does, not necessarily what we say or do. An action doesn’t require a reaction, but an interaction.
The interaction is between me, the horse and the caregiver in a peaceful environment. It is a special place of trust and respect that we intentionally create. It is an honor for me to be trusted to be there. Wellness starts here, before we “do” anything. It is the state beyond the absence of illness but rather aims to optimize well being.
You can learn more about using essential oils from these sites: