Finding the ability to quiet the mind and learning to connect to Universal Wisdom is something many people try to accomplish, some do for awhile, but most can only feel it for moments at a time ... especially if they are stuck on the 'fast track'.This was what I wanted for my life but I had no idea of how to achieve it seven years ago when I was at the peak of my career and the pits of my personal fulfillment. I guess you could say I was in a stage of burnout. I found that I was constantly striving to do more, do it better, and find the holy grail... but it wasn't always a conscious thing, I was driven from within.Finding space for 'just being' was permanently on the back burner, meditation was just too hard and exercise just wasn't fun... So that left me seeking achievement, achievement, achievement and, did I say achievement? There had been talk about balance in life and I went to the spa regularly and thought that someday I might find that perfect get-away that could do more then just soothe my body... since that wasn't all that felt drained, I was waking up feeling empty inside.Over the last few years I have learned to listen within and have made a life-work out of creating a space for others to come and find their inner peace, and to reclaim their personal joy.When I was asked who would most benefit from these personal growth equine encounters, I quickly tried to categorize the many people with so many backgrounds that have come here. Most would think it is for horsey people or those with severe emotional issues, or it is for those who are handicapped physically. There are equine therapies that are specifically designed to support those needs but our work here is different than the equine psychotherapy or physical therapy, it is deeply personal and more spiritual in nature. My belief was that everyone could benefit from this encounter with themselves as mirrored through the horses, but I was wrong. The people that benefit most are those that are willing to take this sacred journey and are able to suspend judgment of themselves in order to feel and hear the subtle and deeply authentic messages from within. The messages that can literally save your life and rejuvenate your soul.The experience with the horses is all at once heartwarming, eye opening and heart-filling. If this speaks to you, don't wait for burnout... either in a marriage, or a career. Life is meant to be joyous and it can be if you make that your barometer of balance. www.EponaRidge.com
I decided not to wait, I feel like I am launching into what I have always wanted to do … enjoying being part of a program that is helping other successful women enjoy more of their lives! After talking with so many women in business, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about those days when I was so driven and focused in the corporate world. I was a classic over-achiever and loved what I did, but to the point of obsession. Now when I talk to some women, I can feel the stressed energy like I had lived with, wanting to feel rejuvenated and fulfilled but just too over committed. My life was a series of appointments, deadlines, and striving to do well at my job... not focusing on a life in balance. I always thought someday in the future I would take a moment out for myself. I remember all to well the signs of fatigue and lack of passion starting to creep in.
So we have created exactly what I needed for rejuvenation, an experience that lasts far longer then the trip home. It's so much more then spa treatments alone and those 'so so' massages that don't seem to last. We are personalizing curriculum to support each individuals re-balancing of the mind/body/and spirit. It feels like the most holistic approach to rejuvenation, a Spa retreat combined with the Equine Encounter offers a new depth of support for a life in balance for women on the fast track… and you don't need to have had any horse experience to benefit from this work, it is all done safely from the ground.
The packages include accommodations, spa therapy and equine therapy at the exclusive and intimate facilities of Epona Ridge and The Secret Garden Inn and Spa located in the sacred and enchanted blue ridge mountains of Asheville, NC.
The spa therapists are of the highest integrity and quality that I have experienced worldwide and I am very excited about this joint offering and know the experience will soothe the soul! Barbara Alexander, Founder Epona Ridge
See: http://www.eponaridge.com/equinespagetaway.htm
You can add the spa package to any Epona Ridge workshop listed on the workshops page or you can co-create your own private and personalized retreat/get-away ranging from one day rejuvenation, to a six day Spa/Equine immersion. Click here to see the 3 day/2 night Wisdom of the Horse Spa Package .
The spa/equine encounter is designed specially for women on the go, who are challenged to take time for themselves in their hectic and fast paced world. This program provides a safe place to find your center, to bask in the sanctuary of your heart and to calm the body and mind so the spirit can be renewed."
We listened to the song in our hearts and honored it... feeling the deep feminine energy of trust, companionship and connection. And we are learning that you really can change your reality... We just completed our fourth annual Sacred Choices and Choosing Joy workshop which included The Law of Attraction and studies from Abraham and The Secret. It was only for four days, but the experience and growth was immense. Each participant carefully looked within themselves to find their inner knowing, that place where they could fully be present with the perfection in their lives. What was amazing to me was the authentic connection and their ability to quickly move through the blocks that made up their resistance. Of course the horses were right there, offering personal reflection and guidance, putting on a play to make a point, and healing in their own incredible ways. There was a beautiful resonance with these women as each one, at their own pace, opened their hearts to this process. Words can hardly express the joy each person shared as they walked the path of 'being' in their bliss. Each of the experiences that they did here added one more piece to the puzzle ... teaching us that when we Know what we want (with a capital K) we are able to see the path more so much more clearly. Here is what was said as a group about the workshop:It was an honor being with this group of women who have such strength and courage to look within... It was a time of refocusing and sharing. There was a sense of renewing of thankfulness and safety - a safe place to be scared but still looking within - surprised and happy to see what was there. It was about paying attention to feelings and what they are saying, as emotions release and we learn to ride the waves of our lives. We listen to the song in our hearts and honor it... feeling the deep feminine energy of trust, companionship and connection. And we are learning that you really can change your reality!Barbara Alexanderwww.EponaRidge.com
