CANCER CHAMPIONS – WELL-BEING SUPPORT - HARNESS HORSE POWER TO ENHANCE CANCER SURVIVAL
Cancer not only assaults the body but also lays siege to the heart and mind. Having a positive attitude, relying on one’s own spiritual and emotional strength, assembling loved ones to provide positive energy while rejecting negative situations that sap one’s strength are all integral parts of becoming a "cancer champion". Feeling empowered to reject situations or individuals that impose negative feeling or energy upon the cancer patient and his or her support network is also vitally important. Being with horses is a “here and now” experience and keeps people in the present allowing respite from worrying about past or future events.
Fear, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of focus, anger, victimization, are issues we all deal with in life that are brought to heightened awareness when one is fighting cancer. The horse is such an effective tool for allowing us to see our inner emotional state and come face to face with these emotions. Horses react to our energy projections and to our intentions. By receiving immediate feedback, the right balance of energy and effort is found. The cancer survivors are emboldened by examples of how clarity of intention produce a desired outcome. This awareness is an empowering and healing breakthrough.
After a session with the horses, the group breaks for a discussion which allows the participants and volunteers to explore and share what was experienced. It is through these discussions that the life lessons are realized. The experiences with the horses are seen to mirror relationships. They are metaphors for every day life. They give insights on coping with health and recovery issues.
NZ-HALO have programmes that specifically address the challenges facing cancer patients, survivors and their families that uses horses to make dramatic breakthroughs in awareness, and to facilitate life altering changes. Who benefits? Cancer patients and survivors, their families, friends, loved ones, health care professionals, therapists, counselors, and psychologists involved in the care and support of cancer patients.
