I first heard about Equus Coaching through an article in the Ottawa Citizen in August 2013. From the moment I read about it I instinctively knew that it was true that horses would mirror back to me my approach to life and that I could learn from them.
Just before the article was run in The Citizen, I had prayed to God for a miracle in my family. I have struggled for many years with intimacy in relationships, vulnerability, being present in my life (sometimes I felt that I was a spectator in my own life) and lack of courage in general. When I prayed that I thought that others in my family needed the miracle not me.
After I thought about it, I decided that I should focus on getting myself healthy and go and do the workshop myself. Even though I knew that there was truth that I could learn from the horses, I was a bit skeptical and somewhat jaded as to outcome of this. Part of me thought that I will mess this up – others could learn from the horses, but not me. I have been to counselling in my life that never really helped and I wondered if this would be the same. I went expecting to find out all the things that were wrong with me – and I was not disappointed in that regard. What I did not expect was the affirmation that I would receive. The first day was hard. There were a number of patterns in my life revealed to me. While it was overwhelming, itwas good to realize those things.
On the second day, I took what I had learned on the first day and applied it. The change in working with the horses was dramatically better. I felt connected with the horses, they knew what I wanted them to do and they did it. After working with one particular horse, I realized that I am a leader. The truth of that landed into the centre of my being. Many have told me that over the years but I have not been able to own it. In working with the horses, I could clearly see that I am a leader.
I think of my life now as before and after the horses. Since being with the horses, I have noticed a huge difference in my life. In my work, I am calmer and more present in what I am doing. Before working with the horses, I always had a layer of worry and anxiety over me. I realize now that a lot of my energy went into the managing that. Now, I am able to focus my energy into what I am doing and I am no longer a spectator in my life. Previously, I would often get overwhelmed at the idea of doing something new or taking on a big project, but now those fears are much reduced, and I have energy and capacity to engage fully in these things.
Since being with the horses, I find I have more courage in my life. Since I have named and faced my own shortcomings I am able to go deeper with people in their own shortcomings and struggles. When people verbally attack or push back, I find I can hold my own ground and respond in a calm and balanced way. Before I would flinch and cave in to whatever they were saying. I find that I am able to be more vulnerable in my relationships and involve others in my life, rather than trying to do it all myself.
I still have struggles in my life, but I have been given some valuable insights into patterns that are unhealthy and unhelpful in my life and I have been given affirmation about my strengths and how I can use those. Life is a journey and I can say wholeheartedly that my life has vastly improved by doing Equs Coaching.
Maureen and Marlene are two very insightful and wise women. They observe all of what is happening and they ask very good questions that bring about good self discovery.
I would highly recommend Equs Coaching. My life has been positively changed forever. When I prayed for a miracle for our family, I didn’t realize that it was me that needed the miracle. I realized that I need to work on myself to make myself healthy and whole and from that change will happen with the rest of the family.
Sheila M.