Reiki, Meditation, and More - with the Horses

Combining the healing power of meditation, horses and Reiki, Susanna Farms and Live Life Spiritual Direction are offering a unique one-day only wellness experience in the Susanna Farms horse arena in Lake Villa in NE Illinois.

Separately, meditation, Reiki and horses are healing entities. Put them together and you get amplified healing (and a very cool experience)!

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Time: 2:00-5:00 pm

Location: Susanna Farms, 24153 W. Townline Rd, Lake Villa, IL 60046

Cost: $75

If you would like to bring a guest or two with you, the general admission fee is $5 for anyone not signed up for Reiki. All paid guests are welcome to partake in the refreshments, meditation garden, and walking this beautiful farm.

Timing and What’s Included:

2:00-2:20: Gather as a group, tour the farm, and program overview. Coffee and tea provided. Please arrive up to 15 minutes early to get some tea or coffee, if you would like. We will begin on time.

2:20-3:50: Two groups rotate two 25 minute segments. Everyone will participate in both the experience in the barn and in the one in the arena.
– Group 1 in the barn with Laura Heffernan for loving kindness meditation/brushing first
-Group 2 with Denise Maple for Reiki and meditation in the arena (chairs provided, but feel free to bring your favorite folding chair) first

3:50-4:00: Closing comments and ceremony

4:00-5:00: Time to explore the farm on your own. You will have access to areas for meditation and time to soak up the peacefulness of the farm and its inhabitants (goats, sheep, chickens, and horses). Light refreshments provided.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an energy healing modality that was discovered and cultivated in Japan.  As described by the International Center for Reiki Training, “the word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So, Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.” Reiki has been credited with the healing of mental, physical, and emotional issues. When our life force energy is lower, it is more difficult for us to handle stressors such as illness and trauma.  As reported by the South China Morning Post, one man immediately felt “lighter, happier, and more relaxed” after just one session. His practitioner says that she “has helped people the world over deal with anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, chronic illness, mental fatigue, and other physical and emotional problems.” Given the rise of stress, anxiety, and suicide in American and other cultures, these reports are promising. It can also help relieve physical symptoms. For more information on Reiki, please click and read here. 🙌🏻

What does the research say about meditation?

Numerous studies have shown that meditation not only reduces stress but also physically rewires your brain, boosting areas tied to happiness, focus, and compassion. It reduces burnout and improves focus, decision-making and emotional resilience. It also improves immune function, repairs cells, lowers inflammation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, ADHD symptoms, heart attack,  and stroke. Meditation increases social connection and emotional intelligence. Even a brief meditation session can improve your memory, analytical ability, and reduce fatigue.

Why are horses so healing?

Horses are considered healing animals for a variety of reasons, both psychological and physiological:

1. Emotional Connection: Horses are highly intuitive animals and can sense emotions in humans. Their ability to respond to non-verbal cues helps build a deep emotional connection. This makes them ideal for therapies like Equine-Assisted Therapy, where individuals struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression can feel understood and supported in a non-judgmental way.
2. Mindfulness and Presence: Horses live in the moment, and interacting with them encourages humans to do the same. This promotes mindfulness, which can reduce stress, calm anxiety, and help people feel more grounded.
3. Nonverbal Communication: Horses rely heavily on body language and subtle cues. This nonverbal communication helps people become more aware of their own emotions and actions, leading to better self-awareness and emotional regulation.
4. Physical Interaction: Caring for or riding horses involves physical activity, which can have a therapeutic effect on the body. The movement of riding a horse mimics the motion of walking, which can benefit people with physical disabilities or those recovering from injury. This rhythmic movement can also have a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system.
5. Confidence Building: Interacting with such large and powerful animals can boost confidence and self-esteem. Successfully managing and caring for a horse fosters a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, which is especially beneficial for individuals overcoming trauma or facing significant life challenges.
6. Unconditional Acceptance: Horses do not judge. They respond to the energy and intentions of the person they are interacting with, offering an unbiased and unconditional presence. This can create a safe space for emotional healing and personal growth.

Overall, horses provide a unique combination of emotional support, physical benefits, and an opportunity for self-discovery, making them powerful partners in the healing process. 𓃗

Register now and join us on May 31st and give yourself the gift of healing! Space is limited.

Your Hosts: Denise & Laura