We’ve spoken at great length about our duty toward the creatures of the earth. As gracious stewards of our pretty little planet, we hope that we might better serve the word of our Lord by faithfully tending to our animals so that they too may lead bountiful, comfortable lives. Today, however, we’ll talk about another kind of duty. Specifically, the responsibility we have to help one another as fellow human beings.
Easily the most peculiar of all beasts on God’s green earth, human beings have no shortage of weaknesses, anxieties and troubles. To put it mildly, it’s not easy being people. The good news is, we’re not alone. By dutifully hearing the calls of those in need, we might transcend some of these weaknesses and discover that to be human is a singularly beautiful experience.
Recently, we’ve even sought help from our four legged friends. In a recent article in a Canadian publication, The Global News, Journalist Mia Sheldon explored the burgeoning field of equine therapy. Used to treat a range of mental disorders such as PTSD, depression, substance abuse and even autism, equine therapy has been helping more and more people in need to gain a measure of control and wellbeing in their lives.
During the therapy, patients engage in a variety of activities with horses such as obstacles courses and trust building exercises. What is perhaps most important about working with the horses, however, is simply the ability to have quiet conversations with the animals. “You can tell them anything and they’re not going to tell your secrets, they don’t judge,” says Lauri Walker, a client who has made great strides in overcoming years of depression through equine therapy.
Horses are remarkable creatures, at once gentle and powerful. For centuries, humans and horses have lived, loved and worked side by side with one another. Melanie Gray, who owns and maintains an equine therapy site in Ontario, believes that horses mimic human emotions, possessing an innate intuition for the way their two legged counterparts are feeling at any given moment. We hope that in the future this bond between human and horse will continue to grow, thus benefiting both parties and imbuing our world with the loving kindness of our Lord.