Gratitude

I am grateful for so much these days. When I lived on the side of the mountain right in the path of a "wind tunnel", there were winter nights when I gathered the dogs into our TINY radio room in the middle of the house and we just held each other hoping the house wouldn't blow apart. It was often too icy and too severe to try and leave, even in the Jeep. I am grateful that I live in a sturdier house now, even though I loved the old house dearly. I remember howling wind blowing my horses' hay away...watching them huddle together under the roofs I built, wearing their storm blankets, ice clinging to their muzzles. All 4 of them have it better now. I am grateful for that even though I miss them very much. I am grateful for my strength, for the company of my most wonderful dog, for my dear friends, for my own good health and the health of those I love, I am grateful for the Arizona adventure and all it taught me, the friends I made there that I will cherish forever, the companion I shared that adventure with and all he taught me, he will be in my heart forever. I live a charmed life (my brother says that) even though most people wouldn't see it as such! I am grateful every day.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL?

If you love animals (and especially horses) and would like to receive a special newsletter at no cost where you will get information about Natural Health, Communication, Nutrition and more - E-mail me at: katharinechrisley@yahoo.com to become a charter subscriber. Just mention or title your E-mail: newsletter. January 2009 will launch many new and exciting ventures for us with dharma horse, Elderquestrians and MORE! Be sure to indicate the address you wish to have receive the E - newsletter. See you soon.

BREATHE!

The wind blew all night last night. 15 miles away it was still and quiet all night. I think the Earth needs to breathe really hard sometimes to clear away all the stuff we emit into her etheric body/atmosphere... and apparently it can be very localized. Thinking about the breath, I remember my own days riding eventers. When the fences got big, we would hold our breath, the horse holding his breath, and we would mess up our approaches. If I would take a deep breath before each jump, the horse would, too and we sailed - most of the time - to the other side. I was a jump judge last weekend at the Las Cruces Horse Trials, an area X sanctioned event, and the riders galloped up to my obstacle singing, counting strides, encouraging the horse, etc. so that they had to breathe. Life is like this. We must take a deep breath as we approach an obstacle (any obstacle) and look right over it to the other side!

Simplicity

Years ago I had a student whose horse changed personality overnight. There were no obvious reasons, no signs except for the jumpy/spooky reactions with no provocation, the wild eyed expression and dislike of being touched. Everyone had an idea about what was happening, from loco weed to Rabies... fear gripped my friend. The mare was NOT convulsing, not fevered, not wobbly... I suggested she have the horse sedated and ears checked. There were fat, nasty ticks in both ears. Once removed, the mare returned to her old self. I once had an OLD Suburban that made a horrible scraping, screeching sound as I backed out of the drive one morning. I shut it down and called a friend. I'm thinking "drive shaft", "transmission" major parts ruined... My friend removed a tiny rock from the brake pad. The sound was gone. I saved the stone as a reminder - Often, something small and simple is the root of a problem. Don't Panic! Look at life from all angles, there is always something to be learned.

Elderquestrians

Dharma Horse is launching a new program of instruction and support for mature equestrians! We will have Clinics, Manuals, Products and the Elderquestrian site through Google where we can share our love of all things equine. January 2009 will mark the start of scheduling and publication of materials - text and video - and the opening of Clinic registrations. We will keep you updated. This will be a busy, productive and joy-filled year. Join us.

• For the Adult Beginner
• For the Experienced rider continuing to grow
• For the Competitive Rider/Trainer
• For the Horse Lover that does not ride

Destroy nothing, humble nothing, look for fault in nothing

Winter wraps her big, cold arms around me. That's how it feels tonight in New Mexico, like early Winter! I've been boiling Kukicha tea and breathing the steam from the cup. My classes should be scheduled for Spring at the Dona Ana Community College and I will do a dinner/lecture series at the local Co-Op the first of January. It will be about natural health and nourishment, of course. Settling back into Enchantment is easy and joyful, but disconnecting from the past year and a half is difficult and sad. We all do the best we can, I believe, and I have been doing my best in spite of obstacles, harsh circumstances and confusion. It may not have been great, but it has been my best at the time, and no one can do more than that. I'm looking forward to a new world, new attitudes, new eyes and new hope for us all. I say prayers for those who have hurt me and those that I love - especially the intentional hurts. I am filled with gratitude for my life and this adventure. Let's all dance!

PHYTOTHERAPY

is the use of plants for healing. Nature provides medicines according to seasonal needs. In the Autumn, berries and nuts, etc. - foods high in fats, sugars and proteins provide sustenance in preparation for Winter. Animals eat roots and bark through the Winter if not hibernating. These high roughage foods maintain gut motility. Wild horses make "dung piles" in specific places so they can return during times of starvation and recycle the nutrients remaining in their manure. In the Spring, animals seek the liver and blood cleansing properties of roots - docks and dandelions, etc. The fresh spring grasses are naturally introduced slowly into the diet as they begin growing. There are no bursts of chemical fertilizers to make toxic pasture. Summer fills the landscape with nourishing, healing plants that bring the nutients up from the roots into leaves, stems, blossoms and seeds. Animals are innately drawn to the herbs they require in health and in dis-ease. Plants have marks of "similars", a color or shape marking their properties (yellows for the liver, reds for blood, etc.). After the Fall "harvest", the nutrients drop to the roots for storage through the cycle into Winter. Isn't it just wonderful!

LIFE-WAVE INTEGRATION

The four bodies of all living beings have specific modalities for balance and harmony. For humans, we can pinpoint which body is out of rhythm by our sleep patterns. If we have trouble sleeping because of pain, it is our physical body needing balance through use of herbs, nutrition or massage. If sleep is difficult because of fear, anger, excitement or such, we need flower essences for balance. If the mind just runs like an engine, essential oils will bring the balance for sleep. If we sleep but get no rest from it, the spirit body needs crystal balancing.