Nutmeg “Nuggets” Equine Therapy at
Hidden Acres Farm on July 17th
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
T
his quote by Ronald Reagan is never more true than today. For thousands of years, the horse has been a tool for man – a trusted mount in war, a form of transportation and a beast of burden. But advances in tech- nology have replaced these traditional roles, and today the horse takes center stage as a teacher and healer.
There’s just something about the horses’ spirit that we are drawn
to.They are powerful, yet gentle creatures, high- ly sensitive, intuitive and patient. They seek to connect with us. When we ride them we receive signifi cant sensory and physical benefi ts. But it is their more recent role as guides in self-awareness and emotional healers that is bringing more attention to our equine friends. At times the lessons from equine-assisted activities seem almost magical, how- ever there is real science behind the benefi ts, based on their natural abilities.
As non-predatory animals, horses live within a group, and each member of the group has a role. They rely on each other and their ability to read the “feelings” of other animals to remain safe. They communicate primarily through body language and seek trusting relationships. They don’t see labels, or make judgments, they simply live in the moment, and refl ect what we present to them, providing us with immediate feedback. These characteristics combined with a supportive experiential learning format, provide tremendous oppor- tunities for self discovery through our interactions with them.
At Hidden Acres Farm of Naugatuck, certifi ed, professional staff partner with specially selected and trained therapy horses to provide a variety of equine-assisted activities in a supportive environment for all beings. There are weekly therapeutic riding sessions for special needs children and adults, as well as monthly workshops for profes- sionals and the general public aimed at building self-awareness and reducing stress. Additionally, the farm offers summer sessions for children and specially designed programs for schools and other groups, including corporate training.
If you are interested in learning more about how horses may help you or someone you know, please visit our website at www.hiddena-
crestrc.org or email
hiddenacres2@gmail.com for a list of services and upcoming workshops. Or, schedule a visit to the farm by calling 203-723-0633. See our event listing July 17th, Journey Into Aware- ness –With Horses! 12-4pm.
“over-vacationing” a problem. It does bring up an interesting ques- tion. How much vacation is too much and on the fl ip side how much is not enough? An excess is defi ned as “more than what is normal or necessary”. Is “normal” two to three weeks per year that Corporate America allows or the four plus weeks that most of Europe enjoys? Is vacation an expected part of work-life balance or does it have to be earned?
W Everyone seems to have a different internal measurement of
how much work, how much money, how much free time is enough. Many would say that they are lacking in either free time or money, and that they work too much. I have heard of corporations that let employees determine the amount of vacation and time off that they have. The result of this is that people work more and take less time off. Nobody pushes us harder than we push ourselves. Unscheduled time makes some people uncomfortable because they equate being idle with being lazy. Vacation is the exception. It is socially accept- able down-time.
I have always chosen to err on the side of more vacation. In addition, I make time for health promoting activities during the work week. Even the best plans for a healthy and balanced life may not work out that way sometimes. Internal pressures to work more, do more, and earn more money can win out. It is easier to take time off to care for a sick child, than it is to exercise regularly. Self-care and relaxation are in opposition with our hardworking American nature. If vacation has to be “earned”, then how is worthiness measured? Is it by having money in the bank, productivity, or by some other fac- tor?
Is there such a thing as “over-vacationing”? If the gage for what is normal is set by Corporate America, then anything over two or three weeks per year may be excessive. My opinion is that most Americans are lacking in vacation and free time. Work schedules or need for fi nancial stability may not allow for more. But all of the blame cannot be on employers and life situations. We push our- selves harder than anyone else. Joyful activities and rest are often put on the backburner in favor of work or other commitments. It can feel uncomfortable to not be productive. After all, how can we “earn” a vacation without productivity? It is the yin without the yang. We may wish for more free time, but we need money. The internal struggle for work-life balance is ubiquitous and ongoing. For now, take a vacation.
Dr. Stacey Munro is a naturopathic physician based in Suffi eld, Con- necticut. Specialties include chronic health issues such as diabetes, allergies, cardiovascular disease, digestive disease, and hormonal imbalance. She offers safe and successful weight loss programs and healthy eating plans. Dr. Munro can be reached at Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic, 860-688-2275.
www.natureshelpermedical.com info@natureshelpermedical.com
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Vacation?
hen I fi rst encountered the term “over-vacation syndrome” the image in my mind was of someone who vacations too much. I realize that most people would not consider
10 Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2016
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