Last year I decided to spend three days in silence at a beautiful monastery in the Eastern Townships. My mind was full, and I was yearning for peace. So, being able to retreat to a place where I could slow down, just for a while, was very appealing. Having this time away from my family and pets would be different from my usual routine but I felt it was much needed. Once I arrived, I was greeted by a lovely sister who showed me around, the scenery was breathtaking with all the rich autumn colors. She explained that I was to be very mindful as everything was done in quietude, for this was a place of peace, prayer and healing.
In the apple orchard the Benedictine Monks were filling their baskets with glowing red apples; everyday they have celebrations of faith, they work the land and create all kinds of delicious jams, cheese, and ciders. They rise early and are quite busy but, in that moment, I found myself savoring the fact that time seemed to be slowing down. These people of faith live simplistic and purposeful lives and everything they do is with a charitable and kind heart. I could feel the depth of God’s presence, the love and the light as they taught the importance of gratitude, order and harmony. I observed the healing that was taking place in the woman who had cancer, in a young man dealing with addiction and in the elderly tattooed biker who found comfort in prayer. Whether you believe a Higher Power is guiding you or not, sacred places transform the way you see life. Inside the big beautiful church, I prayed for my loved ones, I lit candles and gave thanks for all my blessings. I also prayed for those who were there, it was the gift I could give.
The day I came home I felt a deep sense of peace and freedom. I was honoring the sacred within and felt much gratitude for the everyday miracles that would often go by unnoticed. Although I have not returned to the monastery since last autumn, I do know that I can return to a sacred place within my own soul and heart at any moment no matter where I am. I have found that connecting with the Divine Source on a daily basis is life-changing; my early morning ritual is where the mental chatter is silenced and intuition is heightened. I ask for guidance, give thanks for all the goodness, and ask for strength to grow with the lessons that may come that day.
It was a perfect summer’s day as my family and I walked on the cobblestone streets in Old Quebec. We were having a fabulous time, the kids were excited to explore the unique alleys, stairwells and shiny black cannons. I was delighted with the rich history, European inspired architecture and bright colored homes. The local artists were proud to show their works of art, and musicians were on every corner playing French folk songs on their fiddles. We soon arrived at the Plains of Abraham, a beautiful park that gives a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River. My youngest son, Ryan, was ahead of us joyfully running in circles and doing all the comical things that an active three-year-old would do. Now, don’t ask me how this next event happened, but suddenly he fell and went rolling down a steep hill.
You may be experiencing difficulties with your personal or work-related relationships; however, the most important one is with yourself. Often, as children, there are unmet emotional needs resulting in feelings of guilt, deep rooted shame and low self-esteem that can be carried on in adulthood. The stories are yours, but they do not need to be relived in your mind, as this keeps you stuck and without hope. With facilitated equine experiential learning horses provide the opportunity to identify and explore your inner truth in a safe and non-judgmental space as you peel away the psychological and emotional layers and self-destructive beliefs. A deep heart connection often follows as you step into your empowered, authentic self. The more you discover about yourself, what you’ve been through and were you want to go, you will begin to identify the behaviors that have kept you from living a connected and phenomenal life.
As a life coach and equine facilitator, I must listen with my full attention to be able to pick up on what is not voiced out loud. My younger self I was very busy with my growing family and the many projects I took on. So, I did not apply these skills very well, I was literally racing through life and had no time to take a pause, or so it seemed. Countless times my children heard me say ‘’Give me a second, then we’ll talk’’. I would hear what others were saying but I was not listening with my whole body. I’m grateful those days are over. I came to realize nothing is more important than giving my undivided attention to the people I love, and to those who are sharing their thoughts, dreams or daily events with me, they deserve it. 
Darkness is experienced in life’s journey so we may see the light more brightly when it eventually starts shimmering into our souls. Once illuminated, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we can never go back to the ‘’before’’. I was recently challenged when I fell out of alignment with my true self, what I mean by that is that I was not listening to my gut feeling or seeing the smoke signals that the universe was sending to let me know I was entering a dangerous territory. Therefore, a black wolf came running full force to play with my beliefs.
Once we take the spiritual path we connect with Spirit and the deepest truth of who we are. It is a journey of love and acceptance which can also test our faith, courage and strength.