Psychology

I came across an interesting word the other day while reading Leif Hallberg's book, Walking the way of the horse.  It was 

ECOPSYCHOLOGY. 

One of it's definitions: the relationship of humans to other species and ecosystems.  I see it as a mash-up of psychology, anthropology and biology- How nature makes us feel, act and react.  The understanding or recognition of its potential euphoric qualities.  Picture yourself walking down this path pictured below.  Assuming you do not have a fear of heights or the outdoors, you would probably feel pretty good.

Horses, and us, are a part of nature and being with/in them can instill a sense of power, relaxation and inspiration among other things. The power of the horse to facilitate these feelings and also to guide us through struggles/issues/misperceptions etc is a relatively new field.  It has many names such as Equine Facilitated Wellness/Psychotherapy/Therapy/Learning.  It is a part of Ecopsychology and one such thing that many horse owners are exposed to on a daily basis.  How many people just feel better walking through the barn after a long day? The smell of hay, or horses, the dust. Old weathered boards or fresh read paint.  Hearing a nicker from the equine welcoming committee...

I went for a walk yesterday with a beautiful First Nation friend of mind.  As we walked through the budding trees, she said, "These trees have an energy you know.  And they know us.  They can give us energy,  everything on this land can, even the rocks.  We turn to dust when we die and that dust turns to rock and so they are a part of us and we are a part of them."  That made sense to me. What connects us, what we are connected to can make us happy to be here.

Stone Horse Japan