Awareness. Awareness gives us the ability to choose how we respond. Awareness helps to keep ourselves safe in our everyday lives. When we become aware of ourselves, we can take the time to bring attention to our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. Awareness of ourselves that is free of judgment and simply just noticing allows us to learn more about ourselves, to understand ourselves, and to decide if there is anything we need to give more attention to or work through. We may not even notice that we are walking around holding tension in our shoulders or that we clench our fists during or after stressful situations. Perhaps you are like me, and your jaw clenches tight without realizing it. However, this is all okay; noticing it and accepting it is the only way we can bring attention to it. What might my clenched jaw be trying to tell me? Once we become aware and accept that it is okay, we can take the steps to create change (if we so desire). Awareness is a great life skill to have and practice in our everyday lives.
Shannon is the Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner at Restore Counseling Center. She graduated from Neumann University with a BA degree. Shannon entered the psychology world as a Therapeutic Staff Support working with youth with autism and behavioral needs and has never looked back. After this, she received various certifications and training to provide Equine-Assisted learning sessions for individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, and more. She also received her Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner certification through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute in Melbourne, Australia. Shannon is passionate about helping others through the partnership of horses and equine activities. Alongside ministry, Shannon enjoys adventures with her husband and their three energetic children.