Life is an Art

 We at Oak Creek Apple Company  view wellness as a full and vibrant palette of opportunities to optimize all aspects of health- body, mind and spirit. Through our Wellness Workshops and Retreats we help you delve deeply into various principles and protocols which support and grow your knowledge base experientially.

One of our programs is called Life is an Art, where artmaking and spending time with the horses are used to explore inner landscapes that might otherwise be too difficult or confusing to navigate.  We came to realize that there were significant numbers of people who would love to participate in these dynamic workshops but found themselves limited by lack of funds, and that's how our charitable arm, 

Pearl's Promise, was born.  https://oakcreekapplecompany.com/pearls-promise 

The founder of Life is an Art and Pearl's Promise, Penny Pennell, says this:

Pearl’s Promise was named after the daughter of our town’s namesake, Sedona Schnebly. Tragically, little Pearl died in a horseback riding accident when she was just 5 years old, and I have always imagined that had she lived, little Pearl would have grown into a remarkable woman who would have helped shape her mother’s town with beauty and grace. It is my hope that through Life is an Art and Pearl’s Promise we can give voice to what might have been Pearl’s legacy here in Sedona.

Coming to Sedona in the fall of 1984, I fell in love with the quiet beauty and spiritual nature of this land.  Art and horses have always provided an expressive outlet for the spiritual dynamic around which my life revolves; meditative, metaphorical, and inspirational, and their therapeutic gifts have helped me through many challenges with an abundance of inspiration, grace and spirit. I like to push past the boundaries of the physical world and access unlimited treasures in the spirit waiting to be pulled into our lives. 

I have been fortunate to have been employed as an Activities Therapist in some of the nation’s leading behavioral healthcare facilities, and I now enjoy using the skills I’ve acquired to  help others find hope and purpose through art and equine therapy. I am passionate about facilitating these therapeutic activities  to help others explore their destiny and develop new skills for improving and navigating life. I lead groups and individual clients into deeper levels of awareness, mindfulness, relaxation, and behavior modification through the program I have developed called "Life is an Art" . My motto for Life is an Art is “give your soul a voice and your spirit wings”, and this is my hope for all who experience it.

Proceeds from the sale of our art and workshops go to support Pearl's Promise, the charitable arm of 

Life is an Art, which provides free and low-cost counseling and wellness services to those in need.

https://oakcreekapplecompany.com/workshops-and-retreats

 www.facebook.com/LifeIsAnArtSedona

Thank you for your support!

 Are you Extraordinary? 

February 2021

The truth is- Yes! The fact is- only as much as you allow.

What's the difference you might ask? The answer is this: Truth is not subject to facts but facts are subject to Truth. Your facts- what you allow and believe yourself to be- propel you forward from the current position of what you know, while your Truth (your blueprint) joyously beckons you from its forward position into the discovery of brilliant, new things about your Extraordinary-ness 

This is a wonderful journey. Truth is always for us, always equipping us for success. Facts are oftentimes fraught with negativity, uncertainty & doubt... causing us to waver, hesitate, or stumble. The mastery of bringing these two forces into harmony is accomplished through Wisdom.

Wisdom is always at the ready, waiting to be called upon to come to your aid at any given time, but the doorway of its entrance requests that you conform to Truth; Truth about your authentic self, your blueprint. Truth will ask you to accept it as the gift that it is, with gratitude; and to the extent that you are able to do this you will be drawn into the fulfillment of your extraordinary, beautiful purpose. We all have a purpose, and we all have the ability to realize our purpose by allowing Truth to align and design the facts we hold dear about ourselves and our environment. This is where the work comes in, and it is always done at a pace you can "afford" emotionally, because if you exceed the economy of the soul you can miss the wealth of the spirit; they work in tandem, with respect and in Love. 

Discovering your purpose is liberating, it brings freedom to your soul and peace to your spirit; it allows physical health to manifest and flourish because in it lies the synergy of all that you are right down to the cellular level..... even beyond, into the energetic foundations of your existence.

This is Life; our experience, our journey, our "school" in which we have an opportunity to learn to rise to the occasion and Love, not in theory with lip service but in sincerity and actionable Truth. Love is more than abstract words, it is a dynamic way of life filled with power to do extraordinary things. You are extraordinary!

The Energy of Communication 

November 2020

One of the greatest benefits of equine-assisted learning is its ability to produce eloquent metaphors, mirrors to the soul, illuminating foundational roots which form the basis of our beliefs. Metaphors bring substance and body to what lies within and give insight as to our true message of intent; they help us define the energy of our communication and the truth that is conveyed by our authentic self. We honor and value our horses as messengers of the soul in our practice because they model honest communication beautifully as they give of themselves deeply and intuitively in each session. 

In our interactions with horses we communicate using subtle energies that we may or may not even be unaware of. The study of these energies have given rise to a newly-emerging field called "Energy Psychology". EP is becoming more and more widely accepted now that scientific data and outcomes have been able to measure and document its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention. Energy psychology is a powerful resource in a wide variety of applications such as trauma, addictions, PTSD and phobias, but it is also beautifully effective as an everyday wellness protocol for anyone interested in increasing their overall levels of personal awareness. The results can be amazing.

 Recent review from one of our "Energy Healing with Horses" participants:                                                                                

“What a wonderful experience! Penny made me feel welcome the moment I arrived. We sat and talked, then meditated. When it was time to interact with the horses, she asked several thought-provoking questions. Really opened my eyes on some past traumas I had been carrying with me. It was neat to see how the horses picked up on all of that. This was a truly unique experience and a great way to just slow down and be in the moment. I felt lighter and more at peace with myself afterwards. Thank you Penny so much for everything, I'm glad we met and I thank you for taking the time to listen to me and help me work through some things. I had a great time! Very cathartic!”

Horses are prey animals, their survival depends upon their ability to read and interpret subtle energy and intent. In our sessions they instinctively measure if and how they should choose to become vulnerable with us. If we are willing, these sessions have the potential to elevate our overall awareness of the energy that lies within and bring healing to areas that need help; they help us learn how to live more authentic lives in a gentle and safe environment. If you'd like a hands-on introduction to our equine-assisted session options, please message us for appointment availability and introductory pricing, we'd love to have you! 

Authenticity

August 2020

Did you happen to catch the 2020 Kentucky Derby? It was called a massive upset when the horse called Authentic won, taking an early lead that was described by the announcer as having been " hard to get there". Authentic ran the race of his life; he gave his all and as a result took his rightful place in the coveted winner's circle. May we also.

What does it mean to be Authentic?

Authentic is defined as: “not false or copied; genuine; real”; as “representing one's true nature or beliefs; true to oneself or to the person identified.”  Authenticity carries within itself a sense of presence and confidence that is grounded in truth and in the acceptance of who you are at the core....the unedited version.... the version fraught with bumps, lumps and bruises collected along the way on the road of life in pursuit of Truth. It is the unexpected reward of allowing ourselves to be transformed by its driving force which is Love. We come to understand that in the end, Love is what makes you real. 

Skin horse, in the Velveteen Rabbit says:

“Real isn't how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” “Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. (- from the velveteen rabbit)

What is it about authenticity that makes it so vitally important to our success and fulfillment in life? How is it that being real radiates the power to touch our heart in such deep and profound ways? When we are in the company of those walking in authenticity we feel very much at home, inspired to let our hair down and just be ourselves. It is a quality that carries an almost noble if not regal posture, validating its holder as that of an honest and trustworthy person, with morals and integrity. It is the very nature of Love.

In the pursuit of authenticity, like in the run for the roses, we are required to give our all if we are to find our place in the winner's circle. Choosing to live authentically is well worth the price it will cost- those protective mechanisms we've constructed to minimize our vulnerability. Our tendency is to sometimes hide like a turtle in a shell in an attempt to minimize exposure to pain and rejection, but fear of rejection cripples the very thing we need most- the freedom to love and be loved.

It takes Courage. When we choose to live authentically we choose freedom, we allow Love to wrap itself around us and cast out fear; we allow ourselves to be "seen". The pursuit of authenticity is lifelong, and the hungrier we are for its reality and rewards the clearer the path will be to find it, because it wants to be found! It's like parents leaving beautifully decorated Easter eggs in places easily found by their children.

“To be authentic, we must cultivate the courage to be imperfect — and vulnerable. We have to believe that we are fundamentally worthy of love and acceptance, just as we are. I’ve learned that there is no better way to invite more grace, gratitude and joy into our lives than by mindfully practicing authenticity.”— Brené Brown

This is a sacred journey, and one that requires trust, so pleases choose wisely who you invite into the space. Look after yourself as if you were watching over your best friend, because that indeed is who you are, authentically.

If you'd like someone to help you align with these Truths, please give us a call or message us- we'd be honored to accompany you in your journey!