Hosted by Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat Costa Rica. Contact us for more information at:

Transcription

1 Hosted by Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat Costa Rica Contact us for more information at:

2 EPONICITY We offer equine facilitated learning workshops - interaction between horses and people designed to create experiential learning and development. Read on to find out more. 2

3 What is Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning (EFL)? Equine The way horses sense, think and behave can help humans better understand how we sense, think and behave Facilitated Activities are uniquely designed, facilitated and de-briefed to deliver profound and powerful experiences Experiential Learning Having an experience is a powerful way to learn and create sustainable change (rather than just books or lectures) 3

4 Horses. Magnify and reflect emotions, they make conscious in humans what is unconscious, the non-verbal part, the intuition, the senses - our authentic selves. Highly sensitive animals, they respond to subtle changes in our body language and energy, providing immediate and objective feedback on our presence in that moment. Impact on us. Examining our own reactions to equine behavior leads to powerful new insights into our own natural abilities and talents. This self-reflection and discovery enhances and promotes our personal and professional growth. 4

5 More about how horses help humans.. Learning through experience has a lasting impact on our behavior as it creates associated feelings/physical memory which is a powerful way of creating sustainable change With their extraordinary sensing ability and powerful non-verbal communication horses can, in their behavior during an exercise, reveal things to us about our beliefs, intentions and fears Interacting with horses and understanding their language helps us rediscover our own sensing abilities and how to balance our intuitive knowledge and emotions with our logical reasoning We can learn a great deal about teams, leadership and setting healthy boundaries (and respecting those of others) from natural survival wisdom and herd dynamics Horses show us, with immediate feedback through their behavior, how to stay present and escape our mind-chatter. 90% of our communication is non-verbal find out what you are saying EFL exercises create an opportunity to understand our own impact the horse does not judge us or watch the clock so we can keep on practicing until we figure out what works for us 5

6 Beyond the veils of language and the noise of activity, the most profound events of our lives take place in those fleeting moments where something else shines through, something that can never be fixed in language, something given as quietly as the gift of your next breath. -John O Donahue, Theologist 6

7 Horses really do give you what you need, rather than what you think you want. This is their most powerful lesson as so often I focus on what I think I want and probably ignore what I actually need. So I end up as you guys say - just surviving, rather than thriving. That was a big lesson for me. (Masseuse) The experience brought me closer to myself, so much closer to myself. (Physician) After I gained his trust and he really believed in me, the horse followed me without a lead rope or anything. I felt amazing, so powerful and capable! What it took for me to gain that trust is something I won t forget. (Engineer) All of us felt supported, physically, emotionally and mentally and certainly spiritually. To be directly in contact with nature and horses, in such a beautiful environment with gorgeous accommodation and wonderful food, it just doesn t get any better. (Project Manager) The setting, the horses and the people made me feel stronger, calmer and better about myself. I felt like I had been boosted by the experience. (Corporate Executive) What an opportunity and what an enriching, empowering and life-changing experience. The whole group (a diverse mix, many with little or no horse experience) felt the same. Seriously, everyone could benefit from some of this. (Attorney) 7

8 What happens at Eponicity Retreats? You will experience uniquely designed activities with the horses, both on the ground and in the saddle No prior horse experience is necessary - this is suitable for everyone, horse person or not - just bring your curiosity and a desire to learn What do these activities involve? Activities are dynamic and will be tailored for you personally to support your individual learning process All exercises are expertly facilitated and de-briefed to maximize your learning potential. An example activity is learning to build a relationship with your horse on the ground so that he follows you freely without any lead rope or bridle What is different about this one? Social conditioning (through media, friends, family, experiences, customs and traditions) can leave us feeling inadequate, misplaced, stuck or lost and filled with should, have-to, ought to etc. That little voice that never stops We will focus on finding the real, authentic you that the horse sees. That person inside who has very real (but maybe buried or suppressed) hopes, dreams and desires. How would it feel if that person was truly heard..? 8

9 Deborah Draves Legg left her life in the USA and a 25 year career as a registered nurse in 2006 and created Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat in Costa Rica with her husband, artist, Steve Legg. Her years working as charge nurse and transport nurse in Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ICU, Adult Hospice, Director and founder of a pediatric home care program prepared her for the challenge of creating this healing retreat in Central America. Horses found their way into Deborah s life serendipitously after the move to Costa Rica. Little by little as the herd grew to 20 plus horses so did the equine therapy programs. Sally Nilsson is an expert facilitator, certified executive coach, experienced mentor and instructor in Eponaquest horse-led leadership and personal development activities. Sally spent 15 years as a corporate attorney in London and Hong Kong, starting her career in a leading global law firm and culminating as General Counsel of a multi-billion European real-estate investment firm. She stepped off the deal junky path in 2015 to follow her passion and focus her full attention on supporting others to find and access the life they truly want and to believe that, like her, they can create it. 9

10 Eponicity s Horses Vinculo is a Spanish word meaning a deep unexplainable connection between two souls. At Eponicity, we support the horse/human interaction with relationship-based horsemanship When we listen to what our horses have to say, our relationship potential with them is infinite We have 25 horses, who live together as a herd on 26 acres. We grow most of their food, cutting fresh grass for them daily. We ride in bit-less pain-free bridles it is very important to us to have happy, healthy horses 10

11 Retreats are hosted by Leaves and Lizards Leaves and Lizards is a sanctuary in the rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica. Surrounded by glorious nature, away from the stresses of daily life, guests are nourished with farm-to-table fresh food, natural water, comfortable accommodations, massage and yoga, all provided by caring staff on-site 11

12 Details Retreat includes: Daily workshop activities, tuition, materials, horses and guides 5 hours of massage services Yoga All food and accommodation Dates: May 1 st - May 8 th, 2016 A rriva l at Leave s a n d Liza rd s o n o r b efo re M ay 1 st at 11a m Departure o n M ay 8 th in the m o rning (de p a rting flights to d ay should leave a fte r 1p m ) Duration: Cost: Additional nights: Not included: 7 nights $3000 /person based on double occupancy. $700 extra for guaranteed single room We o ffe r a d iscounte d rate o f $150/night p lus 13% tax fo r wo rkshop p a rticipants (includes b re a k fa st) Flights, a irport tra n sfe rs, tips, a lcoholic d rinks Book your place now by contacting us on: leavesandlizardsretreat@gmail.com To find out more about equine facilitated learning or our other workshops click HERE 12