Small Blessings Retreat & Animal Ministry
Learn, Restore, Connect
Equine Guided Wellness & Life Coach
Welcome to Small Blessings
As you step into our serene surroundings, you'll be greeted by a symphony of chirping birds, gentle rustling leaves, and the comforting presence of beloved animal companions. Small Blessings Retreat offers a unique opportunity to find solace, rejuvenation, and spiritual growth through the healing power of animals. From soul-soothing retreats to heart-centered workshops, our dedicated team is committed to guiding you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection with nature's precious creatures. Whether you seek a tranquil escape or a deeper understanding of the divine bond between humans and animals, Small Blessings Retreat invites you to embark on a soul-stirring experience that will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.
Featured Programs
Cacao Spirit & Equine Hearts
Join us at Small Blessings for magical nights with the horses, donkeys and plant medicine. Pre-booking is required. Cacao is not a psychedelic, but it has naturally occuring components that release feel-good hormones as well as improve circulation, making it heart healthy.
Using pure 100% organic, non-GMO, fair trade cacao, we begin with a meditation as we sip and end with an invite for the the equines to join us in heart connections.
Why Horses?
Recent studies conducted by the institute of HeartMath provide a clue to explain the bidirectional "healing" that happens when we are near horses. According to researchers, the heart has a larger electromagnetic field and higher level of intelligence than a brain. A magnetometer can measure the heart's energy field radiating up to 8 to 10 feet around the human body. While this is certainly significant it is perhaps more impressive that the electromagnetic field projected by the horse's heart is five times larger than the human one (imagine a sphere-shaped field that completely surrounds you). The horse's electromagnetic field is also stronger than ours and can actually directly influence our own heart rhythm!
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Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as "coherent" heart rhythm (heart rate pattern) which explains why we may "feel better" when we are around them. Studies have found that a coherent heart pattern or HRV is a robust measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy - that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions. A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adjust to stressful situations very efficiently.
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Oftentimes, we only need to be in a horse's presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses including:
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lowered blood pressure and heart rate;
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increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors);
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decreased stress levels
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reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety;
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improved social functioning; and
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increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficiency.
And of course, there is the fact that they are simply such wondrously magnificent beings to be around!
