Horses have long held a special place in our hearts, captivating us with their grace, strength, and intuitive connection. Recently, I had the privilege of attending an online presentation titled "Heart-to-Heart Communication With Horses" by Ann Baldwin, Ph.D., and Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., hosted by the HeartMath Institute. The workshop delved into the realm of Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and its impact on heart rate variability (HRV) in horse-human pairs during specific exercises. In this blog entry, I will share insights from the first exercise, "Sending Appreciation to Horse," and explore the fascinating findings that reveal the profound connection between humans and horses.

Understanding HRV and Heart Coherence:

Before delving into the research findings, it's essential to grasp the concept of HRV. HRV measures the time interval between successive heartbeats, reflecting the variability in the heart rate. Two key parameters, SDRR and RMSSD, signify the magnitude of HRV and relaxation, respectively. Heart coherence, as defined by the HeartMath Institute, is a physiological state where the body's systems—breathing, heart rhythms, brain rhythms, and hormonal response—are in sync. This state is characterized by a sinuous line on the electrocardiogram, representing a synchronized and empowering condition across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.

Research Insights: "Sending Appreciation to Horse"

The research focused on two EFL exercises, with "Sending Appreciation to Horse" being the first. Dr. Baldwin and Dr. McCraty hypothesized that engaging in these exercises would positively influence HRV and induce heart coherence. What emerged from their study was both enlightening and heartwarming.

1. Coherence Enhancement in Human-Horse Pairs:

The researchers observed an increase in coherence when individuals sent appreciation to the horse. This suggests that engaging in positive emotions and expressions directly impacts HRV, promoting a more organized and coherent state.

2. Horses as Coherence Catalysts:

The most remarkable finding was the timing of coherence attainment. Astonishingly, horses exhibited coherence 30 seconds before humans did during the exercise. Horses not only mirrored human emotions but often led them into a heart-coherent state, showcasing the unique ability of horses to intuitively connect with their human counterparts.

3. Non-Verbal Communication and Receptive States:

Nearly all horse-human pairs demonstrated frequency matches in HRV, emphasizing a synchronized connection. Moreover, the majority displayed a high correlation between horse and human heart rate changes over time, with the horse often taking the lead. This revelation underscores the potential for peacefully interacting with horses to elevate individuals into a heightened receptive state, enhancing non-verbal communication.

As someone who has experienced the transformative power of horse-human connections, these research findings resonate deeply. The ability of horses to influence and lead humans into a coherent state is a testament to the extraordinary bond between our species. Engaging in activities like "Sending Appreciation to Horse" and "Con Su Permiso" not only enriches our lives but also offers a pathway to self-generated empowerment and heart coherence. So, let the rhythm of hooves be the melody that makes our hearts sing in unison with these majestic creatures.

Yesterday, a package of plastic jewels arrived in the mail—it wasn’t a surprise, I ordered them after my daughter and I played with some at our lovely neighbor’s house in her pool. I may have to order at least 10 more packages because they bring us so much joy. And the phrase that comes to mind as I look at them in this jar is,
“I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you”…repeat times infinity.

I am whispering these words again and again on completion of my last breathwork practice. They are the words from the Ho’oponopono practice, another life-changing practice that I’m stitching into the tapestry of the “Chakra Healing Journey.” The inward journey I am charting is a DIY self awareness course that I’m developing just for me—that’s the beauty of it—it is very human specific. I’m rarely posting about it because, well, FEAR. Funny thing is, it just so happens, the very thing that blocks my voice is also the path of navigation and the key to growth. This particular exploration of both the subconscious and overt fears that dictate my course of action is the main highway of my particular “Chakra Healing Journey.”

I often circulate through Ho’oponopono because I’m finding that all the fears stem from a deep thread of unworthiness that is woven through the cells of my being. In particular, there is a wound of betrayal that (maybe originates with the Bible’s version of the story of Eve?) I have been telling myself that I cannot seem to shake. Though, I’m starting to acknowledge that the all the different practices; from breathwork to fear hunting to Ho’oponopono, are beginning to quake my system enough to unravel that thread—to begin to repair the cells. Yes, that’s right, the Jewels are arriving—both literally and metaphorically, as usual.