Harmony in Hooves: Exploring Heart-to-Heart Communication With Horses
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.
edymade Heart Series: a present day throwback
New Tree Heart
Electric Adventures in Echocardiogram-land
I had the privilege of receiving an echocardiogram during the first weeks of June. To top it all off, it was on the tail end of a two week period where I wore a heart monitor. In July, I will complete the exploration of my own anatomical heart with a stress test at a UCLA cardiology office. Then, I will have a medically informed story about my heart.
As the technician captured image and audio of my beating heart, I gazed at the screen while she traced the chambers with what looked like a Photoshop lasso tool. It immediately took me back in time to when I first started giving myself permission to make abstract work; to lean into the fabulous sensations I felt when using saturated colors and filling intuitively made patterns with those exciting hues. The technician sometimes paused and froze the screen on a chamber in constriction or release—then the screen would light up in electric pulsing sparkles of red and blue fireworks. That’s when I began to remember and visualize all these little heart studies I made around 2009 or 2010.
I made them as an exploration into the unknown joy that awaits unconditional love. I am curious what will be found by the cardiologist and how it will corroborate the healthy glow I feel exists in me. Or will it surprise me by exposing a cardiac arrhythmia—that nagging fear that may have manifested in dizziness last month and given a clue to some slight malfunction? Either way, I now find an opportunity to infuse awe, wonder, magic, and gratitude into my soma. As I go through these medical procedures and tests, I am increasing the joy sparkling components of my life.
I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to access this type of health care. And I’m working on rooting out any bubbling up of unworthiness that might try to accompany that privilege. And by root it out, I mean turn toward it and embrace it—be with it, and let it go—the way of unconditional love. Each time my heart beats, it hugs itself close. There are huge sparks and fireworks. It’s dynamic and powerful, like the joy that exists when I create from gently and patiently letting go of that which doesn’t serve me.
edymade Heart Space Journal
Cheers to accessing digital downloads for journals, greeting cards, and more!
The edymade Heart Series gallery is now posted on my website. There is also a special gallery of non-watermarked images for Magic Sparkle Patreon members to access. These high resolution images will be perfect to download and print journal covers, greeting cards, and more. They will also be available for purchase as ala carte digital downloads on Etsy—edymade Patreon members receive Etsy discounts. Sign up for my monthly newsletter to get updates about these exciting offers!