One of the things the animals and I came to the States to do is set up a Retreat. I feel strongly about the power of animals to help ground us, and provide a mirror which reflects us back to ourselves, enabling us to see and understand ourselves more clearly. Just stroking an animal is a therapy in itself, as the wise souls who visit hospitals and hospices demonstrate. Horses are so good at this kind of work we have even given them their own acronym now, ERT (Equine Related Therapy).

Morgan horses in particular have always struck me in their powerful relationship with humans, often finding people even more important than their own species.

It's as if humans are their pet project and vocation in life. There is no doubt in my mind that one of the reasons the Shermandell horses were willing to brave the fears and unknown and come with me to America is because they want to be involved in the Retreat.

So what will the Retreat be? Since I'm still looking for it, that question cannot be answered exactly yet. But I envision a place where people can come, to make a space of peace inside themselves, and rediscover who they really are.

A place where at the very least they can honor themselves, and take a break from the hectic pace of their lives; perhaps also heal themselves, and reconnect with their life purpose. I think a particular weakness of women, for example, is to make a doormat of themselves in the service of others, to create their self worth through giving to other people. This place will be one where they can give to themselves, begin really to value themselves.

But needing peace and self-discovery is not gender-specific, and perhaps men are more confused about their life role in this millenium than at any other time in the past.

I envision the Retreat to be for anyone who is seeking: from the healing powers of tree, rock and water to something more specific. My own skills and experience in coaching and assisting the process of personal awareness are available at the service of anyone who is looking for answers (for more information about my experience and lifeskills visit www.YvonneStorkey.com linked to this site).

Through various circumstances, my search for the Retreat has turned into something of a quest, rather than a simple 'look and buy' exercise.

I have looked at properties in several States before finally concentrating on the Pacific West, specifically the warmer climate and topography of Northern California. The last 2 years since I sold my first place haven't yielded our new home and Retreat yet, but I know that there is more going on with this search than meets the eye, and when the time is right the place will appear.

If you know of a parcel of land, a couple of hundred acres, with year round creek, rolling hills and lots of trees, not necessarily with buildings on it yet, that could be a haven of peace for people, I'd be interested to hear of it. Namaste.