The Denim ‘n Dirt Blog

Yes, depression is both a “cognitive” disorder as well as a “mood” disorder. How many times have I pointed out to my patients that “that is your depression talking.” Usually these thoughts can be identified if you note the lack of KINDNESS that is inherent in the thought. If you experienced regular and on-going self-critical thoughts, this may be YOUR depression talking. Awareness of “which part of you” is operating-which part is “speaking to you” is the beginning of the healing experience.

Depression stems from both “nature” and “nurture.” Some folks are more prone to this experience because of heredity issues and some more from “nurture” issues-and some clearly from both. Regardless of the etiology of your depression, there is HELP and you can change. EAP is a perfect “change agent” for depression. There is so much to learn and so much healing to be had when you add equines to your experience. My hope is that everyone will be able to experience the healing powers of EAP.

CS Lewis had it right when he spoke about “hardship.” As humans, we will all encounter difficult times-how we view these times and what we tell ourselves about our hardships is the most important aspect that will determine how hardship either helps us grow or stall. Research is showing us now that 90% of how we experience hardship is what we say to ourselves about that hardship and 10% is actually about the situation!

This is where “perspective” is everything-the difference between an ordinary life and an extraordinary life!

“It’s hot outside…!” Well, bet you’ve been hearing this a lot lately-complain, complain, complain…WHY DO WE COMPLAIN? First of all, some complaining can be helpful…Sometimes, we need to vent and relieve stress. The “key” is sometimes-otherwise, we can wear out our friends and families. Complaining can just be “part of the process” of getting to a solution! The solution may be to make a change or to readjust our attitudes!

At Denim ‘n Dirt, we will hear your complaints and help you move toward a SOLUTION-whether that be solving the problems or developing a more positive attitude.

Okay, we all have “social personas”-that is normal as who wants to be VULNERABLE to just anyone! That is not a good idea. Sometimes we like to come off as “lambs” when in fact, we are feeling like “wolves” that day! And sometimes, we might be acting like “wolves” but we are really like “little lambs” inside! VULNERABILITY is often reserved for times when we feel SAFE. Here at Denim ‘n Dirt, we work to provide a safe and open environment so that you can experience your AUTHENTIC SELF!

How attuned are you to what happens inside of you? Here at Denim ‘n Dirt, we HELP PEOPLE get attuned to their insides and outsides! The research is very clear now: Being more attuned and practicing MINDFULNESS is proving to have lots of health benefits, let alone mental health benefits. Join us for one of our MINDFULNESS Retreats.

Come learn from the MASTERS of Mindfulness! Equines can do nothing else but live in the moment. They do not get caught up in self-critical thoughts and are aware of and attuned to their environment-both inside and out. This is what we humans aspire to achieve! Join us for our Mindfulness Retreats.