Life is constantly in motion. Everything in our world, including our planet, is in constant state of perpetual movement. In nature, a plant continues to grow. If it were to stop growing, or moving, it would begin the dying process. Water that ceases to move, or flow, becomes stagnant-no longer supportive of the life giving force within it.
Movement, then, is an essential ingredients in the quality of our life. If lack of movement leads to a breaking down of our good health, then it stands to reason then it stands to reason that movement, in itself, can lead to an improvement in our health. We all are aware of this truth, as evidenced by the number of people engaged in activities aimed at exercise, and the many health reports extolling the virtue of "working out". We all know this. Yet, what some may not be aware of are the benefits of movement without intention. How very healing these movements can be.
Often, if a person suffers a trauma resulting in paralysis or semi-paralysis, a physical therapist may move the affected limb(s) for the patient, in an effort to remind the muscles of their function. When you are riding a horse at a walk, every part of your body is being moved in a soft, rhythmic manner, without your conscious intention. Every muscle, organ, and cell in your body receives a gentle, therapeutic massage.
The movement is a slightly side-to-side motion, with a more pronounced forward and back movement. Imagine the experience. Close your eyes and feel this gentle, natural rhythm. Feel the comfort that it generates in your body. Remember, this is the same motion that you experienced as an embryo as your mother walked. Your existence was a state of pure bliss, and you were close to the heartbeat of God. Nothing could be more natural to your soul.
Our body so readily recalls this movement, that when it again experiences this sensation, it automatically returns to a state of harmony. No wonder is it, that babies are soothed by the movement of the rocking chair. The movement heals. Many thousands have been aided in the recoveries by what is called "Hippo Therapy." Doctors actually prescribe this type of therapy for stroke patients and a wide range of other disorders. "Hippo" is Greek for horse. Thus, hippopotamus means "river horse".
A female client of mine, whom I shall call Miss K., suffered a minor stroke, which resulted in partial paralysis on one side of her body. Her neurologist recommended that she travel to Moody Gardens in Galveston, which at that time had the closest therapeutic horse program in the area. Miss K. related to me that she told her doctor she did not need to go to Galveston, "I'll just go to Janice's and ride Bobby!" Bobby was an adorable and accommodating large pony that I owned at the time.
Miss K,'s partial paralysis made mounting and riding a full-size horse an impossible task. Her therapy began with her simply being led around on Bobby for short periods of time. At first she could only ride for fifteen minutes. Tears welled up in her eyes as she experienced the frustration of new limitations. Being the champion that she was, they were also tears of exhilaration and determination, for at least she was on a horse, and she knew that she would heal. I am delighted to report that she has totally recovered from her stroke. We both give Bobby much of the credit.
Another client of mine, who had been riding for a while, was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. He underwent traditional radiation treatment, combined with natural remedies- and he continued to ride. Within five to six months he was in complete remission, and relates that he feels better now than he ever has! I commented to him that I believed one of the reasons for his rapid healing was due to the fact that riding had put his body in more harmony with itself. His response was an emphatic, "Oh, I know it was! No doubt about it!"
Such a perfect Universe have we. Such a kind and loving God, that He gives us companions to help us heal, restore our natural state of balance, and remind us of the bliss and harmony from whence we came.
Namiste, my friends, until next time.
