Wisdom From The Herd

Happy 250th Birthday USA!!

This month's newsletter is arriving later than usual - a testament to the way life sometimes delivers painful blows. We experience loss in so many forms: the loss of a loved one, of hope, of confidence, of dreams, or even of parts of ourselves. Life has a way of reminding us that healing doesn't always follow a schedule.

As I write this, I'm sitting at my sister and brother-in-law's lake house in Alaska. Before me stretches the lake's mirrored surface, the official starting point of the winter Iditarod. Edison lights softly glow against the three hours of semi-darkness, while the American flag gently moves in the early morning breeze.

I pause and whisper a quiet "thank you" to the men and women who have served - and continue to serve - to protect the freedoms we enjoy.

At the same time, I can't say I'm proud of the ways a careless few manipulate and undermine the founding values of this country, perpetuating division, judgment, and self-interest. Yet despite that, I remain optimistic. I believe we can collectively choose to be better.

The late Maya Angelou wisely said, "When we know better, we do better." Malcolm Forbes offered another powerful reminder: "Our life transformations are in exact proportion to the amount of truth we can face without running away."

Those words resonate deeply with me.

For me, freedom begins within. It starts by having the courage to face my own fears, my own pain, and the parts of myself that need healing. As I release those burdens, I uncover more of my authentic, higher self - and that is where true freedom lives.

I've experienced enough healing to know what happens next. I become kinder. More compassionate. More patient. I genuinely want good things for others because I no longer carry as much of my own hurt.

I believe that possibility exists within every one of us. No matter our circumstances, our past, or our struggles, there is a freer, wiser, more loving version of ourselves waiting to emerge.

As we celebrate the freedoms we cherish, may we also remember the greatest freedom of all: the freedom to heal, to grow, and to become the very best version of ourselves.

Let freedom ring - starting from within.

^{Couple's Immersion Workshop}

^{Private Couple's Intensive Getaway}

^{One Gestaltist. One Couple. One Horse.}

^{​Clarity. Connection. Or a Compassionate Next Chapter.}

• ^{Is your relationship feeling distant...stuck in the same conversations, different day?}
• ^{Are you craving clarity - but unsure if that means growing closer or moving forward separately?}
• ^{This is not traditional couples counseling.}
• ^{This is a private, immersive retreat for one couple designed to create real movement—​quickly, honestly, and with deep support.}

^{What Makes This Different}

^{Alongside guided facilitation, you'll work with horses as intuitive, non-judgmental mirrors.}

^{Horses respond to what's actually happening beneath the surface--not what's being said. They reflect patterns in communication, trust, boundaries, and emotional presence in real time.}

^{That means:​}

• ^{No hiding behind words}
• ^{No spinning in circles}
• ^{No guessing what's really going on}

^{Just clear, grounded insight you can feel immediately.}

^{The Experience}

^{Step away from your daily environment and into a focused, distraction-free space.}

^{3-Day Private Intensive:}

• ^{Friday (4 hrs): Set the foundation+ uncover core dynamics}
• ^{Saturday (2 sessions): Deep relational work+ guided horse experiences}
• ^{Sunday (3-4 hrs): Integration+ clear next steps​}

^{Optional retreat-style lodging available to support the full getaway experience.}

^{This Is For You If ...}

• ^{You feel stuck and want real movement--not more talk}
• ^{You're open to honest reflection (even when it's uncomfortable)}
• ^{You're ready for clarity-whatever that looks like}
• ^{You value a deep, private, high-impact experience}

^{What You Leave With}

• ^{Clear understanding of your relationship patterns}
• ^{Grounded tools for communication and connection}
• ^{A shared direction--togetber or apart, with respect}
• ^{Relief from the uncertainty and emotional weight}

^{If you've been thinking, "we need something different"...this is that different.}

^{Next Step}

^{Spots are intentionally limited to ensure depth and privacy. Apply or schedule a confidential conversation to see if this is the right fit.}

Dream Theater

Do you have a recurring dream that troubles you? Do you want to understand its meaning—or finally sleep peacefully without its interruption?

Dream Theater is a 3‑hour experiential journey where a group of participants, guided by a trained Gestaltist, brings your dream to life in a vivid, four‑dimensional re‑creation. Through creative expression, role‑play, and embodied exploration, your dream reveals its message and deeper meaning.

• Requires a minimum of 6 participants

• Bring your own group, host one, or join an organically formed group

• Locations vary

Build Up Your Group: Partnering With Horses

A fun, energizing group experience that blends teamwork, personal insight, and the power of a 1200‑lb teacher. This playful, interactive session invites you and your group to engage with horses in ways that spark connection, communication, and clarity.

Wear clothes you can play in!

“You will never forget the lessons you learn from a 1200‑lb horse.” — Melisa Pearce

Gestalt Intensive: “What the Heck Is Gestalt?”

If you’ve “been there, done that” with traditional talk therapy and want something different, this immersive Gestalt Intensive offers a fresh path.

Intensives may be 1 or 2 days. (No overnight accommodations are provided)

Whether you’re navigating trauma, grief, transition, relationship challenges, or life goals, Gestalt offers a dynamic, embodied way of discovering what’s ready to emerge.

In a safe, private group setting you will:

• Gain clarity, insight, and peace

• Release the emotional charge of past experiences

• Increase awareness and reconnect with your body’s wisdom

Winter sessions are held indoors—in person or via Zoom.

Spring, Summer, Fall - weather permitting will be in the barn.

Groups are limited to 6–10 participants.

Equusology

Winter is cold, too cold for showing and trail rides. This is the perfect time to deepen your relationship with your horse, and get ready for next season.

Equusology answers the questions horse people often ask:

• What does my horse think of me?

• How does my horse process the world?

• How do I influence my horse, and how can we understand each other better?

• How can I strengthen our bond?

If you want to invest in something meaningful this winter—and prepare for spring, summer, or fall riding—Equusology is the place to start.

Created by Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse and Carolyn Fitzpatrick, both accomplished Gestaltists and horsewomen.

• 4‑week class on Zoom

Private / Group Sessions

Sessions are held with horses at the barn weather permitting.

Indoor or Zoom sessions available during frigid winter temperatures.

Call Dawn - 970-481-5263 - for more info, pricing and duration of offerings.

Hope Through Horses - Become a Champion of Hope!

Givebutter campaign

Why donate here?

• By donating HERE, you are giving the gift of Mental Health access/affordability to "local people" - Colorado residents!



• By donating HERE, you can see your impact on the thermometer and see how we're doing on our most recent fundraising campaign!

©Melisa Pearce

@Touched by a Horse®

CLEARING

written by Dawn Mathis

One of the greatest lessons I have learned as an Equine Gestaltist is the importance of releasing old pain - trauma, mistreatment, grief, anger, and the stories we've carried for far too long.

I've also learned the value of not walking that journey alone. Just as every rider benefits from a trusted trainer, I know the importance of seeking out a kindred spirit - another Gestaltist -who can serve as my trail guide. Not to give me the answers, but to help me discover my own as I release what no longer serves me.

Unresolved pain has a way of distorting our perceptions. It whispers lies about our worth, chips away at our confidence, limits our creativity, and dims the drive to become our very best selves. We begin to see life through the lens of old wounds instead of new possibilities.

Healing changes that.

As each layer of pain is released, we gain clarity. We reconnect with our authentic selves. We become freer to love, to create, to dream, and to live with purpose.

I sometimes wish I had come to this realization years ago. Imagine how different life might have been.



But wishing doesn't change the past.

My Mission: To meet you where you're at . . . to unlock who you want to be.