Tuesday 23 September 2025

Hello Heroic Heart,

This past week brought such excitement as we finally welcomed 2 new horses into our little herd! This heralds an opportunity in our health & wellness practice for new growth and holistic mini retreats for clients who choose to interact with the horses (non-riding activities). Horses have always been very important in my life, but not in the traditional sense for riding, but rather for friendship and as colleagues in my health and wellness work.

Relationship is at the heart of nature. As the horses settle and navigate new relationship dynamics, they have focused my attention on it. It is interesting to note that they only come fully as themselves. Each member of the herd brings unique strengths and experiences. In horse culture the most powerful emphasis is on relationship, rather than speed, strength or size. There is an honest relationship with self, other and environment. There is recognition of strengths, unique ability and the situations in which each remains calmest. What each herd member brings, contributes to the greater success of the group. Support for each other is vital.

This recognition of personal strengths is an intricately subtle dance of agility, empathy, and honesty. It is also a carefully woven boundary dance. And each individual comes with gifts and talents which will come to feature in the herd as and when needed. The horse’s show us that we are at the heart of our purpose and when we celebrate our strengths, we have increased capacity to adapt and dance with life in all its joyous complexity.

A health coaching client reached out to me this week. She did an 8-week programme with me a several months ago. At the time she focused on establishing an exercise routine and building a vision for her health that would serve her in the long-term to prioritize her health even when life gets overwhelming. She feels stuck in her weight loss goal now and wants some support and accountability.

Watching the horses reminded me that it is our strengths and what we have already accomplished that brings the most value to build on. This client has for the first time in her life prioritized her health over work and life demands. She has a consistent schedule of core building classes she now commits to, and attends come rain or shine. She honours her need for gentle movement that strengthens and supports not only her physical health but also her mental health. She has changed and shifted as a person and with it her boundaries have adjusted to reflect what matters in her life. Ups and downs will come, her empowered relationship with herself now puts her in a different mindset to tackle whatever she decides to strengthen next.

The Opposite of Stress is Joy!

We welcome our warmer weather and the delight of spring scents here in the Southern Hemisphere. Have you noticed all the nests and fledglings and flitting and feeding in all the trees? There is such promise of renewal everywhere you look in nature at this time. And every relationship is joyfully celebrated and nourished. Nourishing the relationship with ourselves is just as important as nourishing the relationship with others. When we have an overflowing of joy in ourselves, it is easy to share it with others.

Food Affects Mood: Serotonin, the feel-good hormone, starts on the end of your fork. Yup, what you eat directly impacts how you feel. And serotonin, the natural anti-depressant hormone is mainly synthesized in the gut. Then signalling to the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis. So feed yourself happy food - ancestral, whole, skin on and full fat. Choose wisely when shopping. Shop on a full stomach and make a list so you don't flounder around and get distracted by deceptive packaging and tempting smells. Remember packaged fake food is designed to be irresistible but doesn't improve mood.

Inspiring Reading: Choose an inspiring book over social media scrolling. Our brains are biologically hard wired to remember the negative, as a way to stay safe and survive. Doom scrolling is easy, and the algorithm always gives you more of what grabbed your attention. Find an inspiring read instead. Take that to the bathroom with you rather than your phone. Put it next to your bed and let those positive messages follow you into sleep time and help you wake up with more inspiration.

Make time for Relationship: Diarise time to connect with yourself, whether it is journaling or doodling or just sitting staring into space while spending time outdoors. Start and end your day by having a quiet conversation with your beloved(s), listening deeply and paying undivided attention. Restore your relationship with nature and all the wonderous creatures we share the planet with. Notice the birds in the garden, the sound of the wind, the movement of the seasons.

Ready for a supported plan of action to feel better than okay? Renew You, our online Women's Group Health Coaching programme starts soon! Together with fellow health coach and collaborator Bontlefeela Kau-Molapo, we are super excited to offer busy professional women in their 40's & 50's a transformative 7-session group health coaching programme. Feel better than okay - renew your energy and purpose. Discover a clear path to confidence and vitality - even if you're busy and tired of trying things that don't work. Ready to join us? E-mail: liesl@mearaswhisper.co.za for more info. Limited spaces.

Mearas Whisper Health & Wellness

I am passionate about bringing hope and healing to people's lives especially through nature's wisdom. Having watched loved one's struggle with their physical wellness and mental health, I've dedicated my life to finding holistic solutions. Now, through health coaching and equine facilitated therapy, I guide women in their 40's & 50's from feeling stuck and disconnected to vibrant purpose with nature-inspired programmes.

A Complimentary Stress & Energy Breakthrough Coaching Session is yours, no strings attached! Book NOW for 40-Minutes that will give you empowered awareness, kickstart your energy, and deepen your purpose.

E-mail mearaswhisper@gmail.com Call/WhatsApp +27(0)833626057

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