Sierra Acres Equine Assisted Learning Centre

04/10/2026

What would it mean to relate to other people the way horses relate to one another?

Friendship Groups
Horses do not simply exist within a general herd; they also form smaller, close-knit groups or pair bonds. These "cliques" develop based on individual personality traits, allowing horses to build friendships that are distinct from the larger group dynamic.

Conflict Resolution
When disagreements arise, horses use ritualised and brief agonistic behaviours such as pinned ears or threatening postures. Rather than resorting to violent fighting, these displays help resolve conflicts efficiently and with minimal harm to the individuals involved.

Empathy and Emotional Contagion
Horses are capable of mirroring the emotions of others around them. This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, serves as a foundation for empathy, enabling horses to understand and respond to the feelings of their companions.

I started this week with a question: What would it mean to relate to other people the way horses relate to one another?
- perhaps we need to emphasize non-verbal communication - listening to others, being more comfortable with silence; recognizing the importance of reading body language and emotional energy; building reliable bonds, respecting leadership based on experience, and resolving conflicts through brief, non-violent gestures. And I think we could learn a lot more about the value of mutual respect and cohesion.

04/08/2026

"What Would It Mean to Relate to Other People the Way Horses Relate to One Another?
Exploring the way horses interact within their herds can offer valuable perspectives on human relationships. By examining core aspects of equine social behaviour, we can imagine how adopting similar approaches might impact our connections with others.
Core Aspects of Horse-Like Relationships
*Non-Verbal Communication and Energy
Horses are exceptionally attuned to non-verbal cues such as body posture, facial expressions, and the emotional energy of those around them. Their interactions focus on observing and responding to these subtle signals, rather than relying on spoken language. Relating to others in this way would involve heightened sensitivity to unspoken messages and emotional states, fostering deeper understanding and connection.
*Trust and Reliability
Trust among horses is built through consistent, positive experiences. Calm and reliable behaviour is essential for maintaining strong bonds, while unpredictable or aggressive actions can quickly erode trust. In human relationships, embodying reliability and calmness would strengthen trust and encourage lasting connections.
*Hierarchical Order
Horse herds operate within a defined social hierarchy. This order determines access to resources and movement within the group, providing structure and clarity. Applying this concept to human interactions could mean respecting natural leadership and boundaries, contributing to smoother group dynamics.
*Leadership
Leadership in horse herds is typically held by an experienced and wise individual, often a mare, who guides the group to safety and resources. This leadership is based on guidance rather than aggression, focusing on the well-being and cohesion of the herd. Emulating this style of leadership would prioritise wisdom, guidance, and care over dominance.
*Deference
Lower-ranking horses demonstrate respect by yielding to those of higher rank, which reduces conflict and enhances group unity. In human relationships, showing respect and deference when appropriate can help maintain harmony and strengthen social bonds.

04/06/2026

This question popped up for me: "What Would It Mean to Relate to Other People the Way Horses Relate to One Another?

*To relate to others as horses do, one would place a greater emphasis on non-verbal communication. This includes observing and responding to body language and the energy that individuals project, rather than relying primarily on spoken words. Horses use these subtle cues to convey intent, emotion, and understanding within their groups.
*Building Bonds Through Trust and Reciprocity
Relationships among horses are built on deep, reciprocal bonds. Trust is fundamental, and mutual grooming is a key aspect of their interactions, reinforcing connection and care. By prioritizing trust and reciprocal actions, humans can strengthen their relationships in a similar manner.
*Recognizing Social Hierarchy and Leadership
Within horse communities, social hierarchy is acknowledged. Leadership is typically earned through experience and demonstrated stability, rather than imposed authority. This approach encourages respect and cooperation, as members recognize and follow those who have proven their reliability and wisdom.

Feel free to share your thoughts.

04/04/2026

Act Gently: Story of the Day

"How many of us are fighting, each day, to hold on to something solid, when inside, everything feels like it's falling apart? Act gently. Use your words as words, and not as swords, because the last thing we need is another battle when we are already at war with ourselves."

This story by Gabriel Andreas, with art by Matthew Andreas, is available as a print here: https://conta.cc/4mowQcp

04/04/2026

Self-compassion helps us feel better—not by ignoring our pain or pretending everything is fine—but by embracing our struggles with warmth and kindness.

04/04/2026

"Through self-observation, more presence comes into your life automatically." —Eckhart Tolle

04/03/2026

I am pleased to announce that the Spring issue of Our Sentient Friends is now live! Please visit the magazine page of my website at www.onethousandtrees.com/magazine to access.

It is an absolute pleasure to put Our Sentient Friends magazine together every quarter. Click on the covers below to access each of the past six issues.

04/03/2026

My Mindfulness Journey: Education, Application, and Community Engagement

Community Engagement and Personal Growth
In 2025, driven by a desire to give back to my community, I started facilitating a weekly meeting devoted to discussing the 16 Guidelines. [Flyer attached from
2025] Flyer for 2026 coming soon. Over time, this initiative expanded to include additional groups, resulting in both Tuesday and Thursday meetings. These sessions are not limited to the 16 Guidelines; they will soon also incorporate teachings from the course Zen and the Art of Saving the World.
I consider myself a spiritual person. Like the 16 Guidelines, my approach focuses on cultivating positive qualities. It is not about religion, but rather about how I choose to show up in the world. Buddhism, for instance, is often described as a philosophy or way of life rather than a traditional religion, as it emphasizes personal, internal practice—such as mindfulness and meditation—to reduce suffering. This path does not rely on worship, faith in a creator god, or strict dogmas. Instead, it offers a practical, experiential approach that emphasizes ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom, making it compatible with other faiths.

04/01/2026

It's been a long and challenging winter. Let's get active this month🥰

04/01/2026

My Mindfulness Journey: Education, Application, and Community Engagement

Advanced Studies and Teaching
Academic Exploration in Mindfulness
My journey into mindfulness deepened through courses at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. Several classes stood out as particularly inspiring, each contributing to my understanding and practice:
• Histories of Mindfulness Meditation Practices
• Mindfulness
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Contemporary Applications of Mindfulness
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• Philosophies of Mindfulness
Teaching Experience
Building upon this solid educational foundation, I began teaching courses that focus on key aspects of mindfulness. These include Embodying the Qualities of Mindfulness and Building Inner Strength – 16 Guidelines Level 1 and 2. Through these courses, I have been able to share practical techniques and insights to support others in developing their mindfulness skills.
Professional Affiliations
I am an active member of the Mindful Institute, which provides a variety of resources, trainings, and events to support ongoing learning. Additionally, I serve as an L3 facilitator for the Foundation for Compassion and Wisdom. My involvement with these organizations ensures that I remain informed about the latest literature and developments in the field, enhancing the quality and relevance of my offerings to clients.

03/30/2026

My Mindfulness Journey: Education, Application, and Community Engagement

Introduction to Mindfulness and Resilience
My journey began with enrolling in a course called DRAM, Developing Resilience through Applied Mindfulness. This was a faculty development program within the Faculty of Health Sciences, offered at McMaster University. The course provided valuable educational opportunities to explore mindfulness, resilience, and wellbeing.
Established in 2011, the DRAM stream received support from the University of Toronto's AMM–MIND program. At the time, I had no idea that I would become so deeply involved with mindfulness, including teaching for the Mindfulness | School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto.

Exploring Mindfulness in Professional Practice
This initial exposure sparked my curiosity about mindfulness and how I could apply it in my nursing career. I attended numerous teachings and workshops to deepen my understanding. During my first 16 Guidelines workshop, I met Craig Mackie—a Certified Transformative Mindfulness practitioner and international 16 Guidelines Trainer. Craig has extensive experience in wilderness therapy, adolescent addictions, homelessness, experiential education, and therapeutic recreation.
I approached Craig with the question: “With your background in the 16 Guidelines and wilderness therapy, would it be possible to create something with equine assisted learning?” His enthusiastic response—“why not?”—led to us collaborating in 2016 to offer a program that incorporated the 16 Guidelines with equine assisted experiential learning.
On clinical days in the hospitals I would invite my students to chose a 16 Guideline card and place it in their lanyard. Many of the patients would ask the student "what is that word in your lanyard?" i.e. kindness, courage etc. This question started a dialogue between students [who were shy] and patients [tended to be more curious].

More on Wednesday.

03/29/2026

Hello friends,
I recently saw the attached picture about Buddhism. And it has prompted me to take a look at my journey thus far with mindfulness. It is not about religion, it is about a way of living and a way of being in the world. See you tomorrow, March 30th.🥰