“Trauma is the most avoided, ignored, denied, misunderstood and untreated cause of human suffering.” (Peter A Levine, Healing Trauma).
Stress and trauma are part of everyday life. Yet we rarely think of ourselves, or others, as experiencing trauma. This means we don’t notice the cumulative effect they have on our health, wellbeing, quality of life or quality of relationships.
We don’t consider disruptive sleep, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, weight gain, being overly reactive or any form of physical or mental health as being the result of the stress and trauma we experience in life. We don’t even readily associate these conditions as stressful let alone traumatic! We tend to think of trauma only as stand-alone, significant, and horrific events that happen to us or people we know.
Trauma includes life experiences such as death, loss, accidents, medical procedures, financial pressure, relationship challenges, work pressure, bullying and yes, a worldwide pandemic which has forever changed our world! “I attempt to redefine trauma as a continuum of variably negative life events occurring the lifespan, including events that may be accepted as ‘normal’ in the context of our daily experiences because they are endorsed and perpetuated by our cultural institutions….most of the population may be exposed to events that are actually traumatising but condoned by these institutions” (Robert Scaer, The Trauma Spectrum).
Somatically based models including the NARM (Neuro Affective Relational Model) help recover from stress and trauma. Working with the herd at Capall allows clients to work develop the 5 core biological needs NARM identifies as essential to our wellbeing – connection, attunement, trust, autonomy and love – in the presence and within the energetic field of horses. This unique approach allows for an amplification of body-based awareness, insights, growth and healing from the stress and trauma of everyday life.
Like you, I have walked my life journey filled with stress and trauma. You might like to read my personal story as told in Horses, Heartache and Healing. Please contact me to request a free preview of the first chapter.
If you would like to experience how being in the presence of horses can improve your mindfulness, somatic awareness and assist your wellbeing please reach out to Elizabeth who is a trained CEEL and AEFL practitioner.