The Joy Within You
December 2021 Newsletter
Greetings!

“If you carry joy in your heart you can heal any moment.”
— Neale Donald Walsch

The holidays are approaching! This time of year can bring up a range of different emotions. We're encouraged to find JOY in the Spirit of the Season. However, for many, especially at this time of year, Joy can seem elusive.

The horses & donkeys are constantly showing us their joy over the simplest of things. Joy can be attained even if you're not indulging in a special treat or occasion — we, too, have the power to tap into our own inner delight. Check out the fun stories, video and articles below for some inspiration and tips on how to connect with the infinite light and love that lies within you to bring a little bit more JOY into your day!

Wishing you a Joyful December,

Dr. Val

PS - If you're looking for some joyful holiday gifts that also support a great cause scroll down to the bottom to see our herd featured in a variety of prints and merchandise with all proceeds supporting the EFH4 non-profit organization.
Featured Article
"The gloom of the world is but a shadow;
behind it, yet within our reach, is Joy." - Fra Giovanni
Joy is a primary emotion. Think of babies (or puppies). Most of the time, they are pretty joyful without needing anything special, except for their basic needs to be met. That joy exists within each & every one of us. We don't need a fancy car or some external pleasure to be joyful. We only need to learn to access the joy already within us. It may seem too good to be true - but it is possible and it becomes easier and easier with practice. Give it a try, you may like your results!
Horse Wisdom
Horses Teach Us:

The joy of connection. When communication is achieved or understood, a feeling of accomplishment happens, we are both being heard and listened to.

The joy of simple pleasures. That sometimes a good roll in the dirt with an awesome buck-fart while racing around with a friend is enough to make a difference in a day. Or that every carrot is like the first carrot they've ever had.

The joy of freedom and being in relation with one another through trust and acceptance without judgment.
They remind us that joy can happen at any given moment.
In the Workplace
Joy. It's not necessarily a word that people think of synonymously with the word "workplace". For the purposes of this article, we are going to use the word joy as defined by Merriam-Webster, "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires". 

Why wouldn't we want joy in the workplace, considering that we spend about 1/3 of our waking hours there?

And then there's the number one killer of joy in the workplace - fear. Have you ever worked somewhere where you felt your every action was scrutinized, you were in a state of constant worry over keeping your job, or where you were openly reprimanded? These are all symptoms of fear-based workplace cultures, also known as joy-killing environments. How do you let go of fear and find your joy in the workplace? 
Holiday Gift Shopping for a Great Cause!
The Stand InBalance Herd members are officially supermodels!
Our equines were involved in a photo shoot with amazing equine photographer, Julie Davidson, and their photo prints are now available as part of a FUNDRAISER for the nonprofit Equipowerment Foundation for Healing Horses and Helping Humans (EFH4)
These beautiful photos of our beloved herd are featured on a variety of merchandise from canvas prints and posters to notebooks, tshirts, phone cases & more!

The proceeds from the sale of these items goes directly to EFH4 to put towards their work supporting equines working in Equine Therapy and helping to provide scholarship funding for people with hardships to have access to Equine Therapy at Stand InBalance.
Just a few examples of what's available! So much more available here
Year End Giving

If you're looking for a way to give back this season, consider making a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to EFH4, the Equipowerment Foundation for Healing Horses and Helping Humans (501c3 non profit).
EFH4 helps to provide funding for rehabilitation of horses and donkeys involved in therapy program, like Stand InBalance and has offered support in the way of fundraisers for our very own Cosmo & Lady during medical emergencies. EFH4 also helps to bring therapy opportunities to people in need who would not be able to afford them otherwise. Supporting EFH4 in turn helps to support the invaluable work that we do at Stand InBalance.
Success Stories
“I learned that connection is key between family members – maintaining integrity and communication.
Equine Therapy allows a person
to see themselves through
non-judgmental eyes.”
~ Antony
“By spending time with the horses, and having the Stand InBalance team help reflect the dynamic taking place I learned a great deal about myself. I felt more connected and strong in myself and in my relationship with others. Most importantly I learned that I am OK and good enough the way I am. These lessons exceeded my expectations of what the experience would be like, and I will apply them in my life.”
~ Anna
Keep in Touch
To learn more about our programs
& upcoming events visit www.standinbalance.com
 
For additional questions
email us or call 818.714.1740