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Why Movement Matters: The Body’s Role in Equine-Assisted Healing

When it comes to equine-assisted services, we often focus on the profound emotional and psychological breakthroughs that happen when humans and horses connect. We celebrate the moments when a client finds their voice, builds confidence, or processes trauma through their relationship with these magnificent equine partners. But there’s something fundamental we’re missing in many conversations about this work—something that determines whether these breakthroughs happen at all.

Your body is speaking, whether you realize it or not, and the horses are listening.

The Language Horses Understand Best

When we engage with a horse, we enter a conversation that precedes spoken language. Horses are hardwired to read the subtle communications of movement, posture, and energy that reveal intention, emotional state, and even past experiences. They don’t care about your credentials, your therapeutic techniques, or your carefully crafted treatment plans. They care about what your body is telling them at this moment.

This creates both an incredible opportunity and a significant challenge for those of us working in equine-assisted services. The opportunity lies in the immediate, honest feedback horses provide about our internal states. The challenge is that most of us have never been trained to understand what our bodies are actually communicating.

We live in a culture that has taught us to separate the mind from the body, to treat physical wellness as distinct from mental health. But here’s what science tells us: our brain, body, and nervous system develop together from the very beginning.

In utero, it’s not that the brain develops first and then tells the body to move. Rather, the body begins moving in reflexive patterns, and it’s through this movement that neural pathways form.

Movement builds the brain. And trauma, by altering our movement patterns, reshapes our neural landscape in ways that affect how we think, feel, and relate to the world.

Trauma Changes the Way We Move

When trauma occurs, the body adapts. These adaptations are often protective, and they are usually unconscious.

We see this played out in the bodies of trauma survivors—shoulders turned inward, eyes cast downward, feet turned inward with toes curled toward the midline. This particular posture, interestingly, mirrors one of our earliest intrauterine movements, when a developing baby moves into the protective fetal position.

When someone lives in this contracted, protective posture consistently, they’re not just physically small—they’re emotionally and energetically small too. They’ve learned to make themselves quiet, invisible, safe. And horses, with their exquisite sensitivity to body language and energy, respond to this communication immediately.

A Story of Change

One of our clients, a woman in her 40s, came to us with a history of early and repeated trauma. Her body moved in a way that reflected her past. She walked with her head down, her shoulders rounded, and her toes curled slightly inward. She carried herself as if trying to disappear.

When she made requests of the horses, they ignored her. Some even pushed her out of their space.

Rather than focusing on what she was saying, we focused on how she was moving. We worked with developmental movement patterns—specifically, the push and reach patterns that help restore a sense of agency. These patterns are part of what we teach in the Embodied Developmental Movement Series.

This wasn’t about telling her how to stand. Instead, we invited her to explore “push” in her body – her ability to push into the earth for support, and her experience of pushing on an object, or another person, to rediscover her internal strength. In exploring “push”, we also explore the felt sense of “I am here”.

As she practiced these movements, her nervous system began to shift. Her stance changed. Her energy became more organized.

We didn’t ask her to stand a certain way, we helped her find what she needed to hold herself tall.

Eventually, the horses started to respond to her differently. They began to listen, to connect, and to willingly choose to cooperate with her requests.

The change was not just physical, it was emotional and relational. And it began in the body.

Subtle Adjustments Make a Big Impact

Another client, an executive with a high level of anxiety, presented a different movement pattern. On the surface she appeared confident, straight-backed with her head up. But her movement told a more complex story.

When she reached toward her horse, her weight shifted backward. Her knees were locked, and she stood heavily on her heels. She believed she was grounded. In truth, she was leaning away.

With gentle guidance, she softened her knees and allowed her full foot to meet the ground. For the first time, she felt her toes. This simple change brought her into a more neutral and balanced position. Her horse responded with a deep breath and moved toward her.

That moment marked a turning point. By learning to move in a more integrated way, she experienced a deeper sense of connection—with herself and with her horse.  A shift she couldn’t help but take into the rest of her relationships.

Retained Reflexes and Incomplete Patterns

We also see clients who carry reflexes that were never fully integrated during development. (Sometimes it is just a part of themselves who carries the reflex.) The Moro reflex, for example, is a startle response that should complete in infancy. When it remains active, it can show up in adult clients as sudden backward movement, difficulty recovering from surprise, or heightened reactivity.

In equine sessions, this often becomes visible during mounted work. If a horse makes a sudden stop or shift, the client may flinch backward and struggle to return to center. These reactions are not about the horse. They are rooted in the body’s unprocessed history.

By working with these reflexes in an intentional manner, we help clients build the capacity to stay present. We help them complete movements that were never allowed to finish.

A Change the Horses Can See

The people we work with often begin to feel change in their bodies before they see it reflected in their lives. In traditional relationships, others may take time to notice or trust a person’s transformation.

But horses notice right away.

When a client stands more grounded, breathes more deeply, or moves with intention, the horse responds immediately. That response builds trust. It reinforces the change. It gives the client something to hold onto when the outside world is slower to catch up.

This is one of the reasons equine-assisted work is so powerful. It allows clients to experience the impact of their healing as it happens.

The Role of the Practitioner

To do this work well, we must become students of movement. We need to understand how the body was designed to move, how trauma alters that movement, and how we can guide clients in regaining patterns that support regulation and connection.

This is what the Embodied Developmental Movement Series teaches.

Across four progressive trainings, we explore the motor patterns and reflexes that shape human development. We practice observing the body with care and clarity. And we learn how to support small, intentional shifts that lead to meaningful transformation.

The work of developmental movement is about connecting with our most basic, and pervasive, way of experiencing the world.  As a facilitator, we can observe gesture, posture, gait, breath, patterns of tension and collapse, and so much more.

We can lean into the subtle nuances of how our clients move through their world, and rebuild patterns from the ground up that support health and harmony.

When you become more fluent in the language of movement, you gain new tools for healing. And you help your clients discover what it means to be fully present in their own bodies—and in their relationships.

Healing rooted in the body

When we help someone move differently, we help them live and connect differently. That is the heart of this work.

If you already practice a somatic lens with your clients, these trainings will add to your toolbox and enrich your skills. See more in your client’s subtleties, get to the root of the issue faster, and have more ways to creatively bring integration and clarity to your sessions.

If you are new to somatic work, or are unsure about your scope of practice, these trainings can offer you what you need to have a solid foundation to offer clients.  By attending all four trainings, you create your somatic movement scope of practice.

If you are ready to deepen your practice and explore the intelligence of movement, we invite you to explore the Embodied Developmental Movement Series with Mark Taylor and Bettina Shultz-Jobe and join us.

 

 

 

NL Team Member Spotlight: Shayla Anderson

“From the very first conversation with Shayla, I knew she was someone whose spirit would shape the future of NL. She’s not just teaching—she’s living the work. We’re so grateful her path led her home.” ~ Bettina Shultz-Jobe, CEO and Co-Founder of NL

Each month, we shine a light on someone in our Natural Lifemanship family whose journey reflects the depth, presence, and relational richness that guide everything we do. This time, we’re celebrating Shayla Anderson—our new Lead Teacher and Guide at Old Mill Creek Academy & Schoolhouse.

Her story is one of courageous transition, soulful return, and a sunrise-hued commitment to walking with children in their most formative years.

A Seeker of Light and Meaning

Shayla grew up in Southern Maryland, where her love for nature, animals, and creative expression began to bloom. After years in South Carolina—where she studied, taught, and shaped young minds—she recently made a big move to Brenham, Texas.

Ask Shayla what fills her soul and she’ll tell you: chasing sunrises, capturing beauty through a camera lens, writing from the heart, and singing loudly with the windows down to Celine Dion, country, and Christian music. She’s a chaser of light in more ways than one.

A Path That Kept Circling Back

Shayla first discovered Natural Lifemanship in 2017 while volunteering at a barn that partnered with young adults with disabilities. She was finishing her master’s in special education and was drawn to the authenticity of NL’s approach. Though her formal training didn’t begin until 2020—during a season of deep personal and professional exploration—the resonance was immediate.

After taking the Fundamentals training and a powerful experience at the 2020 Interconnected Conference, Shayla was hooked. “I was left speechless and hungry for more,” she says. “More authenticity, more growth, more life.”

But growth isn’t always linear.

Home, Lost and Found

For a couple of years, Shayla’s life shifted. She juggled multiple caregiving and farm jobs, unsure how or when she might find her way back to NL. But as often happens in this work, the connection never disappeared. A series of consultations with Bettina offered seeds of possibility—though none felt quite in reach at the time.

And then, in November 2023, Shayla returned. The Sacred Landscapes Conference cracked something open. “It struck me to my core,” she reflects. “Every interaction I’ve had since then—with trainers, presenters, members—has been nothing short of divine and tender.”

In April 2024, she took the plunge into the Personal Immersion, exploring her own nervous system, patterns, and longings in sacred community. “I am forever changed,” she shares. “I learned so much and shared space with a powerhouse group of women.”

But perhaps the most profound moment came weeks later—when Bettina mentioned a dream. A school. A space for children to learn, grow, and heal. And it needed a lead teacher.

Shayla said yes.

Holding Space for Children, Holding Space for Herself

Today, Shayla is the Lead Teacher and Guide at Old Mill Creek Academy & Schoolhouse, NL’s new educational initiative grounded in connection, nature, and nervous system regulation. It’s the most full-circle “yes” she’s ever made.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. “The most challenging part right now is the transition,” she says. “I just left a place that holds so many parts of me. But I’m trusting that I left something good, only to find something better and deeper.”

The reward, however, is just as real. “Every day, I wake up and choose that same yes that landed me here. Even in its uncertainty, newness, and unexpectedness. That’s the beauty of it.”

What She Wants You to Know About NL

Shayla says it best: “Horses matter. People matter. We are EACH a part of a grandeur scheme and THAT matters.”

She believes that how we treat others—and ourselves—creates the foundation for meaningful, honest relationships. And that’s where NL shines: “When you treat yourself with utmost respect, love, curiosity, and attentiveness, it allows for true reciprocity in your relationships with other beings.”

As a newly official member of the NL team, Shayla is eager to resume her formal training and deepen her practice—not just for her own growth, but to serve every student, animal, and human who crosses her path. “I want to be of service in all the places and ways I’ve yet to discover,” she says.

Her advice for anyone considering the journey? “Your awakening awaits. NL is like a sunrise. Each experience, each transformation—it’s all welcome. It all matters. And no two paths look the same.”

Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL

We are honored and overjoyed to have Shayla Anderson as part of our Natural Lifemanship family. Her journey is one of returning, remembering, and rising again—just like the sunrises she loves.

If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.

Learn more at naturallifemanship.com/memberships.

 

 

 

Connection Without Projection: Why Healing Begins With What’s Real

There’s a moment many of us recognize—quiet but profound—when something clicks in session. A client gently touches a horse’s mane, or pauses mid-sentence in conversation, and you feel it.

A shift. A softening. Something real is happening.

But just as often, that moment slips away.  It begins to represent something else – something in “real life,” something outside of the present moment.   Maybe the horse becomes “Dad” or “my husband,” and the silence turns into something else.

Many of us start drawing lines and meaning before the experience can fully unfold. We turn to symbolism far too early and far too often.

But this is only projection. It might feel profound, but it isn’t presence.

In Natural Lifemanship, we say the relationship is the work. That means we meet our clients (and our equine partners) right where they are. Not as symbols. Not as metaphors. Not as stand-ins for the people or patterns we’ve carried. Just as they are.

Because true transformation happens not in what we imagine the relationship to be—but in how we experience it, moment to moment.

The Illusion of Insight

Projection can feel like insight. A client might say, “This horse reminds me of my mother,” and suddenly it all seems to make sense—the resistance, the anger, the longing. After all, the brain loves a neat narrative.

But insight without presence is a detour.

When we assign roles too soon, we bypass the discomfort of simply being in a relationship. We give ourselves a way out—a story to hold onto instead of a truth to stay with, to be with, to sense into. . . In doing so, we trade connection for clarity. And clarity, when it arrives prematurely, can actually prevent the deeper work from happening.

Presence is the Practice

Working in a trauma-informed way means we resist the urge to label too soon. We stay curious. We slow down. We let the nervous system settle before the story takes shape.

That’s hard. Especially for those of us trained in traditional modalities where naming things is seen as progress. But healing doesn’t come from labeling—it comes from relating.

In our Fundamentals training, we return to this again and again: presence is not passive. It’s active engagement. It’s showing up with our whole selves—body, breath, attention—and choosing to stay with what’s actually happening, not what we think it means.

It’s the foundation of secure attachment. And it’s the soil from which transformation grows.

Why We Work With What Is

So why does this matter? Because when we work with what is—the actual being in front of us, the feelings in our own bodies, the relational dynamics that arise organically—we begin to shift from symbolic healing to somatic healing.

Symbolic healing may provide insight. But somatic healing provides integration.

This doesn’t mean metaphor is useless. In fact, meaning-making can be beautiful and powerful. But only when it comes after presence—not in place of it.

We can’t build real relationships with a projection. But we can build relationships with a living, breathing being. And that relationship, when approached with curiosity and care, guides us to insight far more honest than anything we could manufacture.

A Personal Reflection

I remember a session with a client who kept referring to a particular horse as “my ex.” She meant it half-jokingly, but the dynamics were clear—she was guarded, reactive, mistrustful. It made sense, given her history.

Rather than following the metaphor, I asked her to focus on the actual interaction. How was the horse moving? What was she feeling in her body? Where did she notice tension? Could she stay with that?

It wasn’t instant. But slowly, something softened. She stopped narrating and started noticing. The story faded. Presence returned.

And in that space, a different kind of truth emerged—less about her past and more about her capacity to be in the present, in this relationship, with this horse, and this capable and beautiful self.

That’s the kind of shift that sticks.

Moving From Story to Self

Projection is a way our brains try to make sense of the world. It’s not inherently bad.  But when we hold too tightly to the stories we project, we miss the opportunity to be changed by real connection.

And that’s the heart of this work: to offer experiences that don’t just explain our patterns but transform them.

When we stop projecting and start relating, healing becomes possible—not because we named it, but because we felt it. Lived it. Practiced it.

In the body. In the breath. In the space between two beings, neither of whom is trying to be anything other than who and what they are.

Join Us for the Conversation

If this resonates with you—if you’re ready to explore how to move from projection to presence—we invite you to join us.

On April 28 at 5 PM Central, I will host a free webinar on “Connection Without Projection.” It’s a powerful opportunity to deepen your understanding of why presence matters more than metaphor—and how this shift can change your practice, your relationships, and your life.

And if you’re ready to go further, consider enrolling in our Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship training. It’s where the work begins—where we build the roots that allow everything else to grow.

Because healing doesn’t start with metaphor.

It starts with what’s real.

Register for the Webinar
Join NL Fundamentals

NL Team Member Spotlight: Laura Hutler

“Some people leave footprints wherever they go—Laura Hutler leaves a trail of transformation. From summer camps to Natural Lifemanship, her journey has been one of connection, growth, and a deep reverence for nature and the relationships we build within it.  We are beyond blessed that she blazed a trail that led to us!”

– Bettina Shultz-Jobe, CEO and Co-Founder of NL

Each month, we celebrate a member of our NL family who embodies the heart and soul of what we do. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on Laura Hutler—our Onsite Steward of People and Place at NL Headquarters in Brenham. Her story is one of passion, discovery, and an unshakable belief in the power of relationships, not just with people, but with the natural world and, of course, with our equine partners.

A Life Rooted in NatureImage3

Laura’s love affair with the outdoors started young. Growing up in Wisconsin, she could often be found chasing butterflies, catching turtles, or simply reveling in the beauty of the natural world. As a teen, her happy place was the barnyard, spending countless hours with her horse—an early glimpse of the path her life would take.

It was only natural that she pursued a degree in Wildlife Management/Biology and Environmental Education, as she was eager to merge her love for nature with her deep-seated desire to help others discover and appreciate its wonders.

From Campfires to Connection

Laura’s passion for the outdoors took on new depth during college when she stumbled into summer youth camping. What started as a summer job quickly became a calling. As a Summer Camp Program Director, she spent decades crafting experiences that not only brought kids closer to nature but also fostered friendships and personal growth that lasted long after the last campfire had burned out.

But it was in the final years of her camping career that something truly remarkable happened—her path crossed with Natural Lifemanship.

Discovering a New Way with Horses

For years, Laura had sensed that the traditional way of working with camp horses was missing something. The transactional nature of lessons and trail rides didn’t sit right with her. She knew, deep down, that there had to be a better way—one built on partnership, not control.

That search led her to Natural Lifemanship in 2017. One visit to the NL website, and suddenly, all the dots started connecting. She saw a vision where horses weren’t just tools for recreation but willing partners in an experience that could be profoundly transformational—for campers, staff, and families alike.

In 2018, that vision took its first real step forward when NL’s own Tanner and Kathleen facilitated a Fundamentals Training at Laura’s camp. Among the attendees was Ashley Stavig, a local therapist. The two connected instantly, and together, they began building something entirely new—a horse program rooted in the principles of healthy relationship.

What happened next was nothing short of magical.

Horses That Choose to Partner

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Under Natural Lifemanship’s guiding philosophy, the camp’s horse program underwent a profound shift. No longer was it about what horses had to do—it was about what they chose to do.

Burnt-out horses, once weary of the repetitive nature of camp life, began showing up differently. They started to engage. They began volunteering to partner with campers and clients, stepping into relationships in ways that had never been seen before. And, in turn, the campers and staff learned a new way of being—one that was relational, intentional, and deeply connected.

By early 2023, Laura and her core barn team had completed their NL Dual Certification and had embarked on the Advanced Certification path. By the end of that year, they had completed it. And in May of 2023, Laura and her husband, Chip, took a bold leap—stepping away from over 30 years in professional camping ministry to become the Onsite Stewards at NL Headquarters.

Now, she welcomes others into this world, offering a space where people can come to learn, explore, and experience the depth of connection that NL fosters.

“This Way of Being is a Lifelong Adventure”

For Laura, Natural Lifemanship is a way of being. It’s a practice, a mindset, and a lifelong adventure.

“It’s not about doing it perfectly,” Laura shares. “It’s about being vulnerable enough to start, to take each step, and to do our own work alongside the horses and each other.”

That work, she believes, is where the real transformation happens. It’s about having the courage to ask—whether it’s a horse or a human—if they’d like to step into the dance of relationship. And then, it’s about creating the kind of space where both parties feel seen, heard, and safe enough to explore their answer.

Mistakes happen. But in Laura’s world, mistakes aren’t failures. They’re opportunities for reparative work, for strengthening relationships, for growth.

Walking the Path Together

Today, as the Onsite Steward of People and Place, Laura plays a vital role in the NL community. She’s here to walk beside those on this journey, to create a space where learning and connection flourish.

And for those just discovering Natural Lifemanship, she has this to say:

“This is the work. It’s about relationships—with ourselves, with others, with the horses, with nature. It’s about stepping into a way of being that honors connection above all else. And that… that is where the healing happens.”

Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL

We are beyond grateful to have Laura as a part of our NL family. Her passion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of connection inspire us all. Thank you, Laura, for everything you bring to this journey!

If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.

Learn more at naturallifemanship.com/memberships.

 

 

 

 

What it Means to Truly Do the Work

“100% the best training I have ever attended in over a decade of practicing equine assisted psychotherapy!” – Jacquelyn Kaschel, Eagala Adv. MH/ES

The Personal Immersion is my favorite training that we offer at Natural Lifemanship.  There, I said it.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE all our trainings…the Fundamentals with all those fresh hearts and minds! The Intensive with the deeply personal dive into building consensual relationships! The Relationship Logic with its quiet, nuanced fine tuning! The Rhythmic Riding with all that movement and rhythm!!  I could go on and on.  But still, the Personal Immersion is just so powerful, personal, and holistic….I really cannot get enough!

Which is why I was dreaming of our next PI coming up in March, and decided to peruse our evaluations from the past Personal Immersions we have offered.  We are always evolving our work here at NL, continued personal and professional growth is a deeply held value for us.  And so I wanted to look back over our evaluations and get a snap shot of where we need to keep growing.

Y’ALL. I was blown away by these testimonials!

Reading these words brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my core.  I just LOVE this training!  I wanted to share some of the testimonials with you in case you’ve been curious about the Personal Immersion. Here’s one from Emily…

The Personal Immersion is life-changing! I would recommend anyone who is in a helping role attend. Even years later, I am feeling the positive effects of having attended. It was a spark that set ablaze the growth in my healing journey in places where I was stuck. I am still thankful for how I’ve grown. -Emily

We call it a training, but it is more of a retreat, really.  Our time spent in the small group (8 people max!) is highly experiential – The PI is an incredibly safe (and brave!) immersion into curiosity about one’s own patterns, strengths, and tender places – as well as movement and connection to support healing and repair – body, mind, and soul.  Our goal is to support students in learning about attachment by accessing their own attachment wounds and strengths.

You cannot take someone where you have never been

We are called to develop ourselves if we are going to take someone else on a personal journey. I feel this so strongly, and believe our PI helps practitioners really embody necessary skills for their own healing, and for working with others.

Natural lifemanship is a space where you can explore, grow, and learn in a safe, supported environment. They care about you as a person first, and a professional second. If you are looking to journey deeper into yourself and experience what true relationship feels like, this is the place to do it! -Amy Fox

Ugh! How amazing are those words – it takes me back to all those moments at the PI when we are in some deep stuff, and the group just radiates support and love.  It’s like nothing else I have ever experienced.  The work that takes place in the 4 days we gather together for this training is so holistic and so intentional, I feel it every time I am there.

The Natural Lifemanship model is so deep, so moving, and so life changing for both people and the animals we are able to connect with. I wish everyone could be so gentle and loving in their approach to relationships of all kinds. – Wendi Morin

Guidance and support every step of the way

The Personal Immersion was painstakingly crafted over years – drawing from a variety of skill sets and experiences.  Each trainer brings a unique perspective, yet all are grounded in a desire to put connection first, in every moment.  Honestly, we get rave reviews about our wonderful facilitators…here are just a few…

The quality of instruction was inspiring. Both as a team and individually each practitioner shared their gifts and strengths. Everyone was so kind, supportive, insightful, and professional.

AMAZING!!!! All of the instructors, each and every one, was valuable, authentic, supportive, and loving.

All the facilitators were super attuned, compassionate, and highly skilled. I can not stress this enough. It was life changing!

I would describe the quality of instruction as excellent, intentional, and effective. Every minute, every activity was so thoughtfully planned. I am grateful beyond measure.

With the caring guidance of 6 (yes, SIX!) trainers, our participants (only 8) are supported in digging deeply into their own experience.  Through a connected and supportive group, time in nature, somatic and equine assisted activities, and a lot of rhythm, participants are invited to explore what it really means to be securely attached.  To tend to all parts of themselves. To support others from a confident and calm inner strength. To access their own wisdom and bring it forth for healing.

Anxious about doing this work on yourself? You are not alone!

I was anxious about exploring this core issue of attachment but I also knew it was what I needed for myself and to better support clients on their journey. The setting and the wonderful staff provided safe, heartfelt and playful opportunities to explore the deep well of attachment. I’m so glad I took the risk – this experience continues to have a positive ripple effect in my personal and work life. -Janice Stump, MSW Peace Ranch

The Personal Immersion is the most holistic offering of Natural Lifemanship principles we have on our calendar.  This is a 4 day immersion into the feel of NL – from the environment, to the pacing, to the activities, the conversations, the meals, and the rituals and connections – the Personal Immersion walks the walk of NL.

Will you walk with us?

I’ll leave you with one more testimonial.  This one brings tears to my eyes and reminds me of why Natural Lifemanship exists.  Thank you, Shayla, for this beautiful statement.

The NL Personal Immersion training is an experience that will be ingrained in my heart forever.  The way the trainers and attendees showed up in physical presence as we learned about and leaned into being fully embodied was unexpectedly powerful, and the levels in which I was met and awakened mentally, emotionally, and spiritually are matchless.  I was drawn to this training for personal reasons and have no doubt that my awareness and growth in that area will overflow into my professional realm as well.  I’m so thrilled to not only have opened my heart and mind to this training, but to have experienced it, because what filled my space was (and still is) soul stirring.  It felt like coming home… to an internal place of residence I always knew dwelled deep inside, but didn’t know how to access it.  If you’re looking for a special place to feel seen, heard, and valued in ways that will uplift and validate you, look no further. – Shayla Anderson

This training sells out every time we offer it, and for good reason! As helping professionals, we join clients through some of their most challenging moments. Yet as humans, we experience plenty of our own challenging moments as well. Intimately knowing these aspects of the human experience makes us better clinicians! Join us for the Personal Immersion at NL Headquarters from March 13 – 16, 2025. Register now.

 

 

Roots before Wings: Presence is the Practice

By Bettina Shultz-Jobe and Kate Naylor

Building Strong Roots

We have had some chaotic weather in Texas these last few years – long stretches of drought, periods of extreme heat, sudden flooding rains, and then without much warning, extreme cold.

All of us feel the strain of this uncertainty, and our beloved trees in Texas are no exception.

In the last two years since moving to the NL Headquarters, we have lost an extensive amount of trees, throughout Texas, and on our own property.  Our trees are breaking off at the branches, pulling up from the roots, and dropping at an alarming rate.

Here in Brenham, Texas we love our trees.  The Texas live oak can live over 1,000 years.  It is green year round, as it drops its leaves in the spring at the same time that it buds new growth.  There is something about these trees that inspires wonder and a confirmation deep in my soul that I am a tiny, yet very important part of something much bigger than we can ever imagine.

We are working hard to care for this place, this property, these trees.  We invited an arborist from Texas Tree Services to help us keep our trees strong.  What he told us really resonated with me.  If the trees are to handle the rapid changes and the lack of predictability, now more than ever, they have to put their energy toward the growth of their root systems.  The roots have to go deeper and wider.

Many of our trees have thrown energy into stretching their branches, and haven’t built themselves a strong foundation of roots. (It makes sense that they have done this – the way the rain has fallen and the weather has changed, the trees are going through rapid growth cycles – behavior always makes sense in context).  This is going to take a significant investment of time and financial resources.  The arborist will trim back the excess, while also deeply nourishing the root systems of our trees with a specially designed formula and protocol to encourage the roots to grow, while greatly limiting the outward growth of the tree for up to 3 years, in hopes that our trees will be able to weather future storms with a stronger root system.

The arborist will not make the mistake so many of us make in search of a quick fix – applying nitrogen-rich synthetic fertilizers that stimulate leaf and woody growth causing even more stress on the tree.  In Texas, we have lost over 1 BILLION trees in the last 20 years.  When trees survive a stressful event, they become vulnerable to secondary threats like insects, fungi, and parasites.  So, while the quick fix is tempting, it only makes matters worse.

We have to grow our roots

You can see the metaphor here, right? We talk about strong foundations a lot at Natural Lifemanship.  We are always asking ourselves, what really builds a strong root system?  What is necessary?  What is integral?  Are we being true to our values, our beliefs, our roots?  We find this topic so important that we even have a conference coming up in April that digs into these questions of roots, foundations, basics…

Just like our arborist, we have put great care into developing the formula, the protocol, if you will, needed to build a strong foundation, because we understand that quick fixes and unfettered outward growth only make matters worse.  The trees in Texas offer a foreboding story of what happens when our root systems are not strong enough to handle the stress of our times.  They also tell us a beautiful story of hope, of what is possible when our foundation carries the breath and depth needed to heal, grow, and thrive.

The Fundamentals

This is also why we call our level one training the Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship.  It is an attempt at creating a strong foundation for our students, so they can weather the ever evolving and unpredictable nature of working with animals and humans.  We cannot give our community a perfect road map of the future challenges, but with a solid foundation of theory, knowledge, and practice, we know each of our students can weather future storms.  When we can answer “why?” then the rest of the path unfolds as it needs to, without our forcing it.

In the Fundamentals, we begin by offering necessary information on the neurobiology of mammals, and humans specifically – we present learning on the topics of human development, attachment, equine science, trauma, and healing relationships. This information fuels our approach in session because we have a better understanding of why people and animals behave the way they do, and what they need in order to make different choices. Some of this information challenges old beliefs many of us carry – so we offer time for processing, reflection, questioning, and then finally, simple activities to put this new learning into practice (we call these two activities ‘attachment with connection’ and ‘detachment with connection’).

It is through this practice of connection during attachment (physical closeness) and detachment (physical distance), and through the conversations and the experiences with peers, trainers, and horses, that our students grapple with the fundamental aspects of what it means to grow and heal. The process of trimming away what no longer serves us, and deepening into a new understanding –  not just in a cognitive sense, but in an embodied, rooted way – takes time and practice.  We do this so our students can face any challenge that arises, no matter how unpredictable, because they have developed a way of showing up in relationships that is healing.  We teach, not a thing to do or a formula to follow, but a reason and a way to be.

Leading with “Why”

Our intention is to offer principles that help our students ask, and then answer, the question “Why?”  When we know ‘why’ something is, it becomes much clearer what we will do, and how we will do it. We explore why to develop our values and principles – questions like, why have I chosen to add horses to my work? Why do people struggle in relationships? Why do I choose one intervention over another?

As we engage in practice we lead with ‘why’ so we remain curious – why did my horse respond that way? Why do I feel these sensations in my body? Why do I keep stepping in to control this moment? We develop our beliefs for healing work with horses, and we develop our abilities to stay connected to ourselves and others – so that the “what” and “how” can be more easily answered in the moment.

These questions can feel daunting…but after our students have gained new knowledge, wrestled with their beliefs, and explored principles for healing, knowing what to do becomes much simpler. This foundation fuels the choices made in every client session in the future.

When we are faced with uncertainty like a new client, a new horse, or a new struggle it can be easy to grasp at any thing that might get us over our discomfort.  As facilitators, therapists, and equine professionals, these quick fixes may look like strict rules, protocols, or prescribed activities, but, if we have been in this place before, this place of uncertainty, and we know we can handle it, grasping becomes unnecessary.

Moving through the Fundamentals is a time to begin this wrestling with uncertainty, and to hopefully realize that certainty isn’t the solution, but curiosity can be. When we meet a new client and we have our “why”s for the work we do – when we have a foundation of understanding that comes from experience – we are much more able to answer the question “What do I do next?” with creativity and an authenticity that is right for that client. This is something a protocol can never give us.

Presence is the Practice

When I was a new therapist and facilitator, I relied more heavily on activities and the specific approaches I was trained to deliver.  They helped me feel confident as I engaged with my clients and my horses – structure felt like safety.  It was an important piece of my journey to have external structure and safety as a brand new therapist; I felt supported enough to dive in with my clients.

What research tells us, though, is that the most effective healing and change comes from presence.  From an authentic connection between two beings where understanding and care flow between them.  What I began to realize was that focusing on a prescribed activity, focusing on whether or not I was “doing things right”, as well intentioned as they were, interfered with my ability to be present.

What really helped me evolve into the therapist I am now (and am still becoming) was creating a foundation of understanding and skills from solid theory, science, and experience from practice.  The tools alone do not make me a good therapist, it is my prior wrestling with “why”, the experiences I have gone through to develop myself, and the ongoing practice I engage in, that make me effective.

Knowing why helps me select my approach, knowing why helps me understand when to change course. It is this foundational work that has made me – and made it possible for me to sit with, be with, my clients and my horses.  It was then, in that genuine presence, that I really listened to my clients, listened to my horses, and could respond and guide them with curiosity and care. This is how we connected, this is how my clients really began to heal – from my informed presence.

Now of course, I am not perfect at this, but perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is the goal.   In my sessions, being present, really listening, being available and open – these are the things I practice – the rest (the knowledge, the toolbox, the theory) is muscle memory born from hours of prior (and ongoing) development.

Roots Before Wings

There is this idea, this image, of roots and wings – that in order to live a fulfilling life we need both.  We need a strong foundation, a set of beliefs that sustains us, values that guide us, principles that ground us – so that we are not tossed about in every storm.  But, we also want wings – we want to feel free and unimpeded, to overcome obstacles, to be creative and open, and find our own way. Nurturing strong roots gives us the support we need to grow our wings, to stretch them and lift off.

In order for us to be strong facilitators, it is our root system we must nourish and make strong. The wings we seek come as a by-product.  

It reminds me of one aspect of the research done on secure attachment – on toddlers.  It was found that the secure children, the ones who felt confident to move out into the world and explore, to try new things and be open to experience were the ones who had a secure base to return to. As they walked away from their secure base, they could look over their shoulders and see someone waiting for them, cheering them on.  This security in their base allowed them to spread their wings.

In research, work, and life, we see this truth repeated. A strong foundation gives us the confidence to reach and grow. A secure base for toddlers allows them to stretch themselves and explore the world. It’s the same for us as practitioners—and for our beloved Texas trees.

Here at Natural Lifemanship, we’ve been learning from the trees on our property – from how they have fallen, how they have remained standing tall, and every tree in between. The lessons they offer are powerful. The trees that survive the challenges Texas has faced are the ones that prioritize their roots.

This is what we strive to do in our Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship training. We help you develop the deep, strong, connected roots you need to navigate the unpredictability of working with humans and equine partners alike. There is no formula for this. It’s a practice that requires presence.

If you’re ready to strengthen your foundation and nurture the roots that will sustain your growth over the long haul, we invite you to join us. Register now for Fundamentals, or join us for a webinar on January 18th to learn more.

 

 

 

NL Team Member Spotlight: Mary Oliver

“Oh Mary,  where to even start?  When Mary is in her element, everything about her is pure magic.  Truly – she glitters and glows and exudes so much love.  She is a brilliant artist and musician – rhythm simply seeps out of her entire being.  She is such a talented teacher.  Her role is probably the most unique in this organization, and she is an integral part of some of my most favorite trainings and offerings.  She is also a gifted healer, and I trust the deeply intuitive work she does with all of my heart, and soul, and mind.  The crossing of our paths was a divine introduction, for sure.”       

-Bettina Shultz-Jobe, NL Co-Founder and CEO

Each month, we shine a light on one of our team members who continually inspires us and enriches our community. This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Mary Oliver, our Rhythm and Art Education Coordinator. 

Mary’s journey into the heart of Natural Lifemanship is an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and passion for healing through the arts. From her background in teaching and art to her transformative work with rhythm and sound, Mary brings warmth, wisdom, and an infectious passion that uplifts everyone around her.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Family and Nature

Mary’s roots run deep in the rolling hills of Kentucky, where she grew up on a family farm established in 1889. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the land and grounded by her close-knit family, Mary developed a lifelong connection to nature that continues to inspire her work. 

After spending 34 years teaching visual and performing arts in public schools, she decided it was time for a new chapter. Austin, Texas, where her daughter was already working in the gaming industry, became her new home. 

Not long before her move to Austin, Mary took a workshop on group drumming—a practice she had enjoyed while teaching music to her young students. The experience rekindled her love for rhythm, and she quickly realized she wanted to deepen her knowledge. By becoming certified through Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS program and training with other experts like Christine Stevens and Arthur Hull, Mary unlocked new avenues for using rhythm and sound as tools for wellness.

She has since expanded her expertise, studying sound healing and energy work, all of which laid the groundwork for the invaluable skills she would later bring to NL.

A Chance Encounter and a New Path

Mary’s introduction to Natural Lifemanship happened during her HealthRHYTHMS training, as training she did while moving to Austin.  There she crossed paths with another participant who shared a passion for rhythm and equine assisted therapy. Their conversation turned serendipitous when Mary mentioned she was moving to Austin and looking for ways to incorporate drumming into therapeutic work with horses. As fate would have it, this participant was already connected with Bettina, NL’s CEO and Co-founder, and quickly arranged an introduction.

In the spring of 2017, Bettina invited Mary to join a Fundamentals training to experience the NL approach firsthand. “My mind was blown,” Mary recalls, reflecting on her first encounter with the NL principles. “I wish I had known all I learned that weekend before I became a mom and before I became a teacher. It would have made me much better at both.” 

That weekend marked a turning point, and Mary officially joined the NL team, where she channels her talents and insights into a role that’s perfect for her.

The Art of Connection through Rhythm and Nature

In her role as NL’s Rhythm and Art Education Coordinator, Mary has been instrumental in expanding the Rhythmic Riding training and the Personal Immersion Training. She also helped Bettina develop the Connection Kits. 

Mary’s teaching isn’t confined to conventional classrooms or schedules. At NL’s new school, Old Mill Creek Schoolhouse,  her classroom is the barn (+ 73 beautiful acres, ponds, and a winding creek!), where kids explore rhythm, art, and mindfulness amid the natural sights and sounds of ranch life. 

She lights up when she describes the flexibility and freedom the program offers. “At my [old] school, the kids only got 20 minutes of free play in an eight-hour day,” she shares. “Here, they can be outside, take breaks, and learn through play. Watching them thrive with nature, movement, and rhythm all around them has been incredible.” 

Overcoming Challenges with a Grateful Heart

Despite her passion for teaching and creating, Mary faces the unique challenge of juggling many roles. Alongside her work at NL, she teaches visual art and drumming to diverse groups through Art Spark Texas, where she connects with elders, veterans, teens, and adults with disabilities. She also handcrafts instruments like drums, rattles, and rain sticks, and provides individual sessions for sound healing and Reiki. 

At the core of everything Mary does is a desire to bring calm, connection, and healing to those she encounters. Her work with NL has played an essential role in her own growth and healing journey, and she considers her contributions to NL as part of a larger purpose. “NL has been such an integral part of my own growth and healing,” she reflects. “I am so grateful to be part of this amazing team.”

“Seeing the difference I make in people’s lives is worth every minute,” she says. Her schedule may be full, but Mary’s heart is even fuller—driven by the joy and peace she witnesses in others through her work.

Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL

As NL grows and its community expands and becomes even more deeply connected, Mary eagerly looks ahead to the new possibilities unfolding at the ranch. She marvels at the beauty of the space, which has become an ever-more welcoming haven for healing and connection. 

The upcoming Rooted 2025 conference is another source of excitement. Mary has had the joy of participating in every conference since 2017 and she says, “It’s unlike any other conference. There’s so much to learn, so much to experience. If you haven’t been to an NL conference, you really need to come.”

When asked what she would say to someone unfamiliar with Natural Lifemanship, Mary is quick to emphasize how universally relevant it is. “NL isn’t just for people who work with horses—it’s for everyone,” she explains. “We’ve all experienced trauma of one kind or another. Our minds and nervous systems develop ways to keep us safe, but these can also prevent us from forming healthy relationships. NL teaches us how to rewire our brains, retrain our nervous systems, and foster meaningful connections. It’s a game changer.”

A Lasting Impact

Mary brings her whole heart to each endeavor. Her passion for rhythm, healing, and authentic connection is felt by everyone in the NL community, making her an invaluable member of our team. Thank you, Mary, for all you bring to NL. You are a true inspiration, and we’re grateful to walk this path with you. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.

Learn more at naturallifemanship.com/memberships. 

 

 

Something’s Gotta Give, and This Is It

During the Christmas season I usually become staunchly aware of how little time there really is.  I become nostalgic and. . . I drop balls.  Lots of them.

I then have this, totally unhealthy, pattern that unfolds.  First, I feel like an awful mother.  An awful wife.  An awful friend. . . employer, sister, daughter. . . .and on and on.  THEN I move from shame to anger and blame.   

I get pissed!  

I take a little time to rage against the expectations and the patriarchy and all this commercialized ridiculousness.  Seriously, this is a well-worn soapbox.

BUT, here’s the thing.  The truth is that I really love this season.  I love twinkle lights and candles and advent calendars and the magic of Santa Clause and the Elf on the Shelf.  I love the story of Mary and Jesus so much – the journey, the birth, the gifts, and all the hope.  The magic of this season brings me to tears.  

AND there is just so much to do this time of year.     

So, this year, as family and friends arrive, and as I make the choice to sip eggnog next to the Christmas tree, or watch one more Christmas movie with the kids, I look at a variety of things that need to be done, and say “Something’s gotta give, and this is it.”

I hope some of you resonate with this little poem I wrote the other day as I moved through my shame, anger, blame pattern, and into a little peace and acceptance.  

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays – I love y’all.   

Something’s Gotta Give, and This Is It.

 Listen >>

The house is a wreck and the dishes are dirty. 

Laundry is growing out of the couch.

Windows, baseboards, blinds, the ring inside the toilet.   

Something’s gotta give and this it.

My car.  (Place a dramatic and pause and audible exhale here)

Yep, something’s gotta give and this is it.  

Blocks, and Legos, and crafts all over the house. 

And dare I mention the squatters taking up residence inside and under my couch.

Something’s gotta give and this is it. 

The biggest problems can’t be fixed in a day or even a week or two.

The dishes, the baseboards, the spilled milk in my car. . .

Have I mentioned the laundry? 

Just a couple hours and these (quote) “problems” can be fixed, often with relative ease. 

It is not so with our health, our relationships, or the legacy we leave. 

The health of our body.  

The health of the earth. 

The health of the mission we painstakingly birth.

The health of our relationships with our family and friends. 

These kinds of problems, quite simply, take years to mend.

Something’s gotta give, and it’s gonna be the dishes for sure.  

The laundry.

The dusty baseboards and blinds.

And that DAMN STUBBORN toilet ring that abides. 

So, this is my mantra. 

My manifesto, if you will, during this season and throughout the coming year:  

Grace to focus on what matters most and radical permission to say… 

“Something’s gotta give, and this is it!” 

 

 

 

NL Member Spotlight: Donna Wilson

Each month, we celebrate a remarkable member of our community. This time, our spotlight shines on Donna Wilson, a dedicated and inspiring professional whose journey through the Natural Lifemanship Certification Process has been transformative not only for her career but for her personal growth as well.

Donna’s journey reflects the transformative power of Natural Lifemanship. Through her work with her horses, her clients, and her community, she demonstrates what it means to live these principles—building authentic relationships, fostering trust, and creating spaces for healing and growth.

Donna’s Path to Natural Lifemanship Certification

Donna Wilson lives in Strasburg, Virginia, on a serene property she shares with her husband, her mother’s spirited Chihuahua, two barn cats, and three horses. Her journey with NL began in 2016 when a serendipitous recommendation led her to explore NL’s trauma-informed approach.

Donna recalls her initial experience with the NL Fundamentals training in 2019, where her confidence was unexpectedly tested. She shares a pivotal moment when she confronts her own trauma response—a freeze in the middle of training. Instead of retreating, she found the courage to stay and reflect. This experience taught her to lean into vulnerability and grow from it.

“That moment taught me about the power of being present and accepting where I am,” Donna shares. “It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life, and I carry it into every session with my clients.”

What Certification Means to Donna

For Donna, the decision to pursue dual NL Certification (NLC-P, EP) was both a professional necessity and a personal goal. As the founder of Heart Horse Healing, LLC, she integrates trauma-conscious yoga, nature connections, and equine-assisted therapy into her work. The NL Certification added depth to her practice and provided her with essential tools for growth and connection.

“The certification process wasn’t just a box to check for me. The whole package of consultations, the group consultations, the recordings, the intensive, just all of that, just every piece of it, I would say is life-changing if you let it be, if you want it to be,” Donna explains.

The mentorship she received during her consultations was a standout feature. One consultation with Bettina remains vivid in her memory: “Her willingness to simply be with me in that moment—no rush, no pressure—was incredibly healing. It’s something I strive to replicate in my work every day.”

The Impact of NL Certification on Donna’s Work and Life

Donna’s commitment to the NL principles—particularly the emphasis on being present and attuned—has transformed her practice. She emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are and allowing sessions to unfold naturally rather than adhering rigidly to a treatment plan.

This shift has also influenced her personal life. Family and friends often comment on how she has become calmer, more assertive, and deeply grounded. Donna attributes much of this transformation to the skills and insights gained through NL certification.

Advice for Aspiring NL Certified Practitioners

For those considering the NL Certification journey, Donna has one key piece of advice: Just start.

She also highlights the importance of mentorship and consultation: “Every consultation offered new insights and solidified my confidence. It’s such a rich experience.”

Ready to Begin Your Certification Journey?

Donna’s journey is one of many success stories that highlight the impact of the Natural Lifemanship Certification process. Explore a trauma-informed approach, build meaningful connections, and discover the unique power of Natural Lifemanship.

Get started today and take the first step toward a more impactful career.

Learn More About NL Certification

Thank you so much, Donna, for sharing your story and inspiring us with your dedication and passion. We’re honored to have you in the NL community!

 

 

Big T True: Finding Power in Kindness

On September 27th, the day Hurricane Helene devastated Florida, North Carolina, and several other states, I was supposed  to be traveling to Asheville for a Fundamentals Practicum at Horse Sense of the Carolinas. I have family in Florida, who evacuated to Texas and some who braved both hurricanes.  Having lived over 10 years in Central Florida with hurricanes and 10 years as a young child in the Panhandle of Texas with tornadoes, my heart and body ache for those whose lives will never be the same.  

I feel it.  My body remembers, which is a powerful, and sometimes painful, path to empathy.    

This is a hard time. . . I think there is likely a much more eloquent way to communicate just how hard it really is right now, but, without simply adding cuss words to the front of “hard time,” this is all I’ve got at the moment. 

I know. . .it’s heavy.  

With elections looming, fires raging, and hurricanes wreaking absolute havoc, there are moments that I feel like the world is spinning out of control. 

As healers and helpers, this feeling of overwhelm can hit even harder—because we’re not only trying to manage our own emotions, we’re also holding space for others and for ourselves in unique ways.  We helpers are often particularly sensitive and empathetic, and we seek day by day to be present and to deeply feel with others – to stay in it.  All of it. 

 I regularly fight the urge to just put my head down and pretend none of it is happening, but I know this isn’t what the world needs from me, and when I choose to check out I know it goes against everything that we teach and everything that we, at NL, stand for.  

Healing is found in the present moment.  Period.  And sometimes the present moment is painful.    

Our world needs people like us, who are deeply attuned to it all, so we can decide how to truly help.  (Right now, as I write, I find the need to take a deep breath.  I invite you to pause and take a deep breath with a slow exhale with me.) 

Finding Power in Kindness

How do we stay in it and keep feeling without getting swept up in the enormity of it all?  When everything seems out of control, what is within our power?  What can we possibly do to make things better? 

I love this quote, which is on a magnet on the refrigerator in our kitchen, from Rebecca Hubbard’s book, Kindness in a Scary World, one of my favorite children’s books:  “Every small thing a person does is just as important as every big thing a person does.  If we all do a little, then those little kindnesses add up to a huge amount of help.”

I have come to realize that many of the things in this world that are true – Big  T True  –  have a tendency to also sound trite.  They can sound trite until they’ve trudged through the fire and flood and drought (both literally and figuratively), and come out on the other side as a Truth etched into every inch of our being.  This, my friend, is how a mission, worth making major sacrifices for, maybe even worth dying for, is formed.      

“Every small thing a person does is just as important as every big thing a person does.  If we all do a little, then those little kindnesses add up to a huge amount of help.” 

This is Big T True.   

Kindness, to ourselves and to others, becomes our power.  Dare I say,  SUPER POWER. 

Rebecca Hubbard’s book, Kindness in a Scary World, was originally written to empower children when facing scary news events. But, like many children’s books,  it offers wisdom that applies to all of us—adults, too. 

Children see things on the news or experience fear directly, and they start to wonder, What can I do? What could happen? These same questions are on our minds as adults. The answer is simple: we can each do something kind.

Kindness Toward Self and Others

As therapists and healers, we are accustomed to being the support system for our clients. But now, more than ever, we need to ensure we’re taking care of ourselves as well, because the stronger we are, the more we can offer to others.  Listen to your body, and take time to pause so you can repair from the stress of the day or the moment.  Walk, stretch, sit in a rocking chair, talk with a friend, and then mobilize again. 

Move, act. . .REST.

Move, act. . .REST.

Move, act. . . REST.  

Allow time for your nervous system to repair and strengthen.  Be kind to your body.  

Can we, as a community, commit to doing at least one kind thing for ourselves each day and then – not only for the sake of others, but for our sense of purpose and power – do one kind thing for someone else each day?  Kindness with a slightly different intention – kindness to help others and to empower ourselves.

As we all know, acts of kindness can take many forms: eye contact with the person checking us out at the grocery store, a deep breath in a group setting, a kind prayer for the person who cuts us off in traffic, for we know that each of us is fighting, an often unseen, battle.  

Connect with others.  We can even donate our time or money to a cause that aligns with our values. These acts help us remember that we are not powerless, and when we are empowered, trauma is less likely to become embodied, so that we can continue to do the life-giving and life-changing work we have been called to.   

When we each do a little, we are participating in something much larger than ourselves. Imagine if every therapist, healer, and helper in our community committed to one kind act toward themselves and toward others, each day.  Imagine the energy and the momentum that would build. 

We can find solace in knowing that our individual actions, when combined with others, can shift the energy of an entire community. It’s a ripple effect of kindness that can grow and grow. 

We may not be able to stop hurricanes or fires, or even heal the wounds of a divided society overnight, but we can start by extending kindness. 

Final Thoughts: Turning Powerlessness into Action

No matter how overwhelming the world feels right now, remember that you are not alone and you are not powerless. 

As EAS practitioners, we are uniquely positioned to create positive change, both for ourselves and for our clients. By committing to kindness, we can take small steps toward healing—both personally and collectively.

In the coming days, let’s come together as a community and commit to doing one kind thing for ourselves and  for someone else each day. And let’s remember Rebecca Hubbard’s words: “Every small thing a person does is just as important as every big thing a person does.”

Kindness isn’t just an antidote to fear—it’s a powerful force for good. Let’s wield it well.

It’s important to remember that we have the power to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.

Consider donating to Heart of Horse Sense, where your contribution will go directly to supporting those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene in Asheville and the surrounding areas.   Natural Lifemanship will match donations up to $2,000, doubling the impact of your generosity.  Simply mention Natural Lifemanship when you donate.

To purchase Rebecca Hubbard’s Kindness in a Scary World or to donate to Heart of Horse Sense, please visit the links below. Together, we can make a difference.

 

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