I’m now in the middle of my six months exchange. I’m happy I’m able to stay so long, in order to get the most out of this experience and opportunity. Developing trust and a deep connection with animals takes time and is a process one cannot force or hurry, it develops through daily interaction and care. After couple of months I noticed a difference in the horses’ level of acceptance of me as their trustworthy caretaker, which has been a good sign and development. Now I’m considering myself starting to be in a position, where I could habitually bring new people to associate with them, without the horses getting confused or troubled by the new people and activities, sensitive and sentient beings as they are.
Using the model of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I have developed a basis philosophy for my service. Together with my host we have considered different aspects of the different needs (physiological/physical needs, safety and security needs, love and belonging/emotional needs, self-esteem/recognition needs, cognitive needs, aesthetic needs, self-actualization needs, transcendental needs). It has been interesting to take into consideration how these needs can and should be considered both from the animal’s and human’s (customer’s) perspective, to create a successful experience. It has also been great to realize, how much the association with the animals can benefit people on so many levels and in so many ways.
Though I have a basic idea of what I can/could/should to do with the animals, what I’m still working on is how to bring up the different realizations, levels and aspects of the different levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs during a session with the animals. I have also been reading literature about the animal communication, the effects they have for our mental health etc., but especially beneficial has been to have a host, with whom I can discuss about these things and develop my ideas together with. I have learned that reflecting and implementing are an important ongoing process in planning of my business.
I’m learning also other essential things, like how important it is as an entrepreneur to develop time management skills, as well as the importance of learning how to prioritize things. This is something I’m still struggling with a little bit, but week by week I’m also getting better in that. And as I’m planning to help people develop their mindfulness skills, I’m also noticing how important it is also to learn myself to be and remain mindful in different situations, with people and with the animals. Being or getting grounded, and staying centered are skills that we all need in our everyday life to make the best out of our time here. I’m happy to be learning that myself, and planning how to help others to practice and realise it too with the assistance of our beautiful horses and cows.