Double 6 Ranch Helping Special Needs Kids with Free Horse Encounters

By Aurora Ferrer

Those of us lucky enough to have met a horse won't soon forget the encounter. Horses are special animals. They have shared life with humans for thousands of years. They have carried our loads, tilled our farms, pulled our wagons and given us the freedom to travel far beyond where our feet could take us. Those that know horses know that horses have a sixth sense. A balanced horse can read the subtleties about people that most humans miss. Horses have an innate understanding of the energy we (humans) emit. And they have a special gift of being able to touch a human's heart like no other being. When a horse thinks enough of you to breath you in, to want to "know" who you are, there is no greater communion between two souls.  

The folks at Double 6 Ranch know this first hand. They are real cowboys & cowgirls that have spent years learning the language of the horse and of his/her power to heal. Because of this, Double 6 Ranch opens their ranch and their hearts to special needs children, adults and their families for free. Many of these children would never have the opportunity to meet a horse let alone ride one if not for this program. 

Having a grown son that was born with life-threatening health challenges myself, I know what a gift it was to see someone put a smile on his face. As a parent you see your child need to undergo so many painful and difficult situations on a daily basis that to see them experience even a moment of pure joy is a prayer answered. And the Double 6 Ranch folks and horses don't stop there, they invite all the kids in the family to join in the experience. No one is left out. Everyone gets to feel special and gets a much needed rest from the daily challenges they face.

I could write about the special, meaningful work these folks are doing for days but I think the film clip and comments speak for themselves. Please take a few minutes to watch the clip and read some of the comments about their (child's) experience with the Double 6 Ranch Special Needs Program below.

About the film clip: "The folks at Double 6 Ranch open their ranch and their hearts to special needs children and their families. Double 6 Ranch offers Horse and Ranch encounters absolutely free. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...these pictures speak volumes. These pictures share hope, freedom, love. The expressions on the faces of the kids, the horses, the families and the staff are priceless. 

All I could think as I was making this clip was "I see angels...I see angels in the children, angels in the horses, angels in the staff". These pictures remind us that there truly are angels that walk among us...some on four legs.

Thank you Double 6 Ranch for all the good you guys put into the universe. You guys are making the world better one angel at a time." 


Here are just a few of the many posts and comments from families that have experienced the free special needs day horse and ranch encounter:

E.L. We brought a group of special needs children from Ft irwin down there and it was the best time, they loved every minute! I am thankful for all the people at double 6 ranch and their selflessness to provide such an opportunity to special needs children, especially since their isn't always a lot of opportunities for them and especially not free. Bless you all and I hope you all are able to help the special needs children for years.

J.D. ...I just say down in front of my computer just this passed week and wrote a letter to double 6 ranch to thank them for an amazing day. ... my autistic grandson and my three un autistic grandkids thoroughly enjoyed the day. ...I left with a soft spot in my heart for what the staff at double 6 do for these children. ...

E.H. We love the Double 6 Ranch and the overwhelmingly generous and kind people there. And I know the whole community who has benefited from their graciousness stands behind the Ranch.

C.F.L.  ...We were at your very first special needs day at the rach. My son who didn't speak to others much instantly became a chatter box to the volunteers when they put him on a horse. Every time we come back he gives you a hug which is just not something he does to everyone. He trusts you. You saw my daughter's love for horses and offered to teach her how to ride both western & english and would never ever accept any form of payment. You did this out of the kindness of your heart and you saw something special in her. You taught her discipline and hard work. You even had her looking up horse facts each week so when she came for her lesson she had to tell you what she learned. She fell in love with the special needs program and it has been on her heart over the years to come volunteer. 6 yrs later you just allowed her to have her senior photo shoot at your ranch and again never asked for anything in return. You and your ranch has been a blessing in our lives...

Post by Double 6 Ranch on Facebook from their latest special needs class: "We at the D6 would like to thank all the little Angels, and their Families for coming to our Special Needs program today,,, You give us the inspiration to keep doing this wonderful program. We also want to thank our great Staff and Volunteers,, Ty, Roger, Marcos, Scott, Rick, Duane, Marv, Ashley, Elsa, Edgar, Lester, Billie, Shar, and Jason. Once again, Thank you from the bottom of our Hearts..."




And the comments in response:
D.M. - mom: It was a wonderful experience and am grateful for everyone that was involved for my little ones. I look forward to it for the next couple months. Thank you! 

B.B - Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. My son had a great day. As we were leaving I got the biggest hug and Tyler said thank you mom for bringing me here today, it's the best. Those words were ment for all of you who give of your time to make my son's day. You are blessings to us and our families.

M.V. - Que dios les de muchos anos de vida para que sigan hasi q dios los vendiga siempre por querer a mi hijo edgar.

S.S. - This is truly an amazing gift to the children....they are so blessed to be able to participate in this, to be so free, and the smiles were abundant, we are so grateful to you Ty, and your staff, your truly amazing people and my kids are hooked.

It is inspiring to see the magic and healing that can happen when generous people and special horses get together to help others.  If your moved by their work please take a moment to follow them on their Facebook page and share their story. The more people that know about Double 6 Ranch's great work the better chance they have of continuing to do it. 

Double 6 Ranch https://www.facebook.com/Double6Ranch

Reviews of fb page link https://www.facebook.com/Double6Ranch/reviews

Thank you for visiting. Wishing you Peace today and everyday.

Website: http://manakeepers.com
Shop: http://shopmanakeepers.blogspot.com
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Blog: http://manakeepers.blogspot.com

POI

About PaaMano Eskrima Workshops

By Aurora Ferrer

Punong Guro Roland Ferrer created and founded this style in 1992.  PaaMano Eskrima literally translated means "Hand Foot Skirmish".  The system is an interpretation of many Martial Arts Systems, Concepts and Techniques. Its foundation was created to support a learning progression from novice to expert.  The implements used are: single stick (solo baston), double stick (doble baston), stick/sword and knife (espada y daga), daga (knife), empty hand (hands, feet, elbows, knees, head), sayaw (dance &: forms).  Our system was created to honor the Warrior and Artist Ancestors of the Philippines. PaaMano Eskrima is as practical as it is beautiful. Master Ferrer has worked with Law Enforcement on hand to hand combat as well as advanced baton training. He also teaches workshops and seminars to Master Instructors and Filipino Martial Arts enthusiasts from all over the World.

Roland Ferrer offers one, two and three day workshops in PaaMano Eskrima. He offers a variety of workshops from beginning to master instructor levels. He teaches these workshops internationally. PaaMano Eskrima Intensives are offered locally in Southern California twice a year. He also offers instructor intensives, instructor training and affiliate school programs with classes held onsite or via Skype.

Youtube Clip - About PaaMano Eskrima

PaaMano Eskrima Group at the filming of our DVD, 13 Angles of Attack ~ Honoring the Warrior Ancestors. This soon to be released DVD shares the 13 Basic Angles of Attacks, Block, Checks and Counters of our system. We have included extra footage to share some of the beauty, culture and Heroes of the Philippines.

In this clip, Punong Guro Ferrer and Mr. Jeff Nelson share some of the practical applications of his PaaMano Eskrima System at the Filipino Arts & Culture (FPAC) Festival in San Pedro, CA. Roland says, "It's always an honor to share the Filipino Martial Arts and culture. I hope in a small way we (PaaMano Eskrima and Performing Arts) can inspire future generations to learn more about the Filipino culture and martial arts." 

PaaMano Eskrima Workshops, Instructor Intensives & Affiliate Programs Seminars / Workshops



Seminars / Workshops

General Information: All workshops are available to be taught onsite at your school or martial arts club. All workshops will be blocked for a minimum 2 hours of training per discipline.



Single Stick - Solo Baston (Levels 1 - 6)

Double Stick - Doble Baston (Levels 1 - 6)

Bladed - Labaha (Level  1 - 6)

Empty Hand - PaaMano (Levels 1 - 6)

Dances/Forms - Sayaw (Levels 1 -6)

For any questions or to reserve a workshop date, please contact PG Ferrer at PaaManoEskrima@gmail.com 

Punong Guro Roland Ferrer's Organizations

PaaMano Eskrima & Performing Arts

PaaMano Youtube Channel 

PaaMano Eskrima Facebook

Roland's Martial Flow

Kadan Martial Arts 

Salamat po for visiting.




Collection of Empowering Songs for Women

Life can be challenging especially when we feel we are all alone in the struggle. This special song collection celebrating women is to remind us that we are not alone. It is to remind us that we are powerful, courageous, creative and resilient. We hope you'll find songs that inspire you, relate to you, speak to you or that make you get up and dance. If there is an inspiring song that lifts your spirits please share it with us in the comments so other women can enjoy it too. We hope you'll visit often and share this post with the women that you love. 

(We apologize for the commercials on many of the videos but we wanted to honor the artist's work so we tried to use the song's official link whenever possible.) 

"Break the Chains" VDay Global Celebration

VDAY is birthed from One Billion Rising, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. VDAY is an opportunity for women and those that love them to stand together, celebrate women and girls and at the same time demand an end to the violence against women and girls worldwide. VDAY has a vision of bringing the world together through song and dance in hopes of strengthening the feminine and raising awareness to her plight. Far too many females of all ages worldwide fall victim to abuse, violence and neglect. But we are many and together we can find the strength, courage and compassion to find our voice and open our arms wide enough to embrace the world. This song makes us get up and dance in communion with our sisters of every age, ethnicity and religion...sisters will you rise!?

Annie Lenox - Women Are Doing It For Themselves

Annie Lenox - Women are doing it for themselves live at the Make Poverty History Concert Series in 2005. The joy and passion in her execution of this song are infectious. One can't help but want to get up and dance with her as we sing along. Check out this link for more info about, Annie Lennox, the  women's rights advocate: "Join us in fighting for women’s rights. There’s still much to do"

Colbie Caillat - "Try"

Colbie Caillat unveils the face of true beauty. The Grammy award winning artist was 

not happy about being photoshopped. We applaud her for her authenticity, courage and her talent. In her song "Try", her message is simple yet powerful beyond measure...

Wait a second,

Why, should you care, what they think of you

When you're all alone, by yourself, do you like you?

Do you like you?

You don't have to try so hard

You don't have to, give it all away

You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up

You don't have to change a single thing 

Colbie and an ensemble of beautiful women show us that we are beautiful without any extra fuss. They show us that our beauty radiates from within once we learn to love ourselves as the imperfectly-perfect beings that we are. 

Alicia Keys - Superwoman 

In this beautiful song Alicia Keys celebrates the work and struggle of everyday women. She reminds us that we are all Superwomen! "A Superwoman is a woman who has incredible dreams, incredible ambitions, all the things she wants to do, but she also knows how to take care of herself." 

~ Alicia Keys

Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All

This was written by songwriters Michael Masser and Linda Creed. Linda Creed was recovering from breast cancer when they wrote the song in 1977. Originally recorded by George Benson, his version went to #24 in the US. In 1985, the song was revived by Whitney Houston, and on May 17, 1986, it went to #1 for three weeks. While the song's lyrics are inspired, Whitney Houston's version gave the song not only new life but new meaning. 

Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire

"Before making this record, in some ways I felt like a lion locked in a cage. I felt like a girl misunderstood that no one really knew, I felt like it was time to stop making excuses for any part of my life that I wanted to change. Once I made that choice I became a Girl on Fire, the lion broke free!!" ~ Alicia Keys

Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces

This song celebrates every young women's right of passage. It shares the yearning for independence, adventure and the courage it takes to act upon those yearnings. Dixie Chicks invite young women to embrace the adventure of discovery and reminds those a bit more mature to rediscover it.

Shaggy - Strength Of A Woman 

Strength Of A Woman is one of our favorites songs and music videos in this collection. Shaggy's lyrics are a celebration of all that is woman, strength, courage, kindness, love. The women featured in his video are awe inspiring! They represent the unparalleled spirit that is WOMAN. Extraordinary lyrics and video; a must watch! 

India Arie - Strength, Courage & Wisdom

"Strength, Courage and Wisdom", shares an uplifting and inspiring view of what can happen when we face our challenges head on. India asks us to have faith and to hold on because only in doing so will we discover how amazing we truly are. We LOVE India! From the very beginning of her career she's been all about empowering women and inspiring faith. 

Helen Reddy - I Am Woman

Helen Reddy began performing at the age of four in her native Australia; by the early 60s she had her own television series. Between 1971 and 1978, Reddy hit the Top 40 fourteen times with singles, including the number ones "Delta Dawn," "Angie Baby," and "I Am Woman." "I Am Woman" became an anthem for the Women's Movement in the 1970's. Her lyrics are timeless and still pertinent and poignant in 2017. This song helped inspire a generation of women and continues to inspire new generations.

India Arie - India's Song

"India's Song" is an elegantly simple melody fill with powerful affirmations about being an authentic woman. India's lyrics ask us to see the beauty in ourselves and to accept ourselves for the queens that we are. She reminds us that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and that being yourself is the most powerful way to experience it. 

Jamie O'Neal - 'Somebody's Hero'

'Somebody's Hero' is the anthem for every mother who tries to do it all. "She's somebody's hero / A hero to her baby with a skinned-up knee / A little kiss is all she needs," Jamie sings of the heroine, who proves just as nurturing to the woman who taught her how to be a great mom: "She's somebody's hero / A hero to her mother in a rocking' chair / She runs a brush through her silver hair." 

Tracy Chapman - Woman's Work

Woman's Work is a simple song with a simple message, a woman's work is never done. The video clip has some incredible pictures of women's work in different cultures and eras. And take a moment to check out Tracy Chapman's official website, it's beautiful: http://www.tracychapman.com

Katy Perry - Firework

This inspirational song was released in 2010. Katy Perry calls the song her "epitaph." In  Entertainment Weekly in 2013 she said: "Its message has been really profound. I still love singing the song because it's not cheesy but it does its job. I feel like that song has legs."
On  MTV News she said that this is her favorite song on Teenage Dream. "People are coming back and almost adopting it as their own anthem, and it's hard, I think, to write an anthem that's not cheesy," she explained. "And I hope that this could be something in that category. I hope this could be one of those things where it's like, 'Yeah, I want to put my fist up and feel proud and feel strong.'
But I also don't want to be cheesy," she added. "It's a fine line, and I think 'Firework' ... would be like the opus or my one song — if I had to pick a song to play — 'cause it has a great beat. But it also has a fantastic message."

Aretha Franklin - Respect  

Multiple Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin is the epitome of strength and resilience! This amazing woman became a mother at the age of 15 and had her second child two years later. After a brief hiatus she returned to performing and went on to define Soul and R&B for decades.  In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Franklin won her 18th Grammy Award in 2008, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy history. 

Martina McBride - This One's For The Girls

"This One's For The Girls" lyrics are a salute to women of various ages (early teens, middle twenties and approaching middle age) dealing with the struggles of different phases of life - starting high school and facing new pressures, coping with uncertainty about a career, and reaching middle age - and tells them "You're beautiful the way you are."

Olivia Newton-John - 'Phenomenal Woman'

Olivia was well into her 50s when she recorded 'Phenomenal Woman,' which makes the song all the more meaningful. Singing, "It's the fire in my eyes / And the flash of my teeth / The swing of my waist /The joy in my feet," just beautiful. ' Olivia is cancer survivor and included this song on her 'Stronger Than Before' album, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. 'Phenomenal Women' poem by Dr. Maya Angelou

Pink - F**kin' Perfect

Pink sings this song for those of us that have felt like we don't fit in, have felt misunderstood or wrongly judged. Pink holds nothing back lyrically or visually from her video. She doesn't sugarcoat the pain or the self-destructive actions that come from it. Pink's song then gives us hope that through embracing our imperfections and falling in love with our "ugly" bits we will unlock our hidden talents. Thank you Pink for having the courage to be real and encouraging others to do the same. 

Wild Beasts - Alpha Female

The UK band, Wild Beasts’ single, “Alpha Female” combined with the powerful images of the girls' skate scene in Bangalore, India is inspiring and powerful. The song and video transcend the limiting stereotypes historically imposed on females and invite us to celebrate the Alpha Female residing within us all. 

Director Sasha Rainbow was inspired to follow and shoot India’s first professional female skater Atita Verghese and collectives like Girl Skate India and the Holystoked Skate Crew. “In places like Afghanistan, Cambodia, and India, skating has not been solidified as a male sport and therefore has had a massive cultural impact, teaching values about self-empowerment through skateboarding,” she explains. “Because of the current political climate in the west and attitudes of intolerance and sexism across the world, I wanted to create a video that celebrates everyone who takes the risk to be themselves. The girls that I worked with are an inspiration,” she says. “I wanted to commemorate this incredible moment in India and show how massive cultural change can start with just one person.” excerpt from Dazzed. 

Wild Beasts singer Hayden Thorpe explains, the song is “a tale of showing yourself, of pushing off the earth to gather momentum, of leaning into resistance and meeting it with bravery and composure. Don’t we all seek the exhilaration of showing ourselves to the world? And when we do show ourselves isn’t it obvious how much we are made of an exquisite clutter of strengths and fragilities undefinable by gender?” excerpt from Dazzed. 

Follow Wild Beasts:
Facebook: http://po.st/WildBeastsFB 
Twitter: http://po.st/WildBeastsTW 
Instagram: http://po.st/WildBeastsIN

Thank you for honoring the feminine. 

You can find more information about Aurora's Women's Empowerment Organization at:

Website Women's Empowerment: http://www.empowerment.ws/home.html
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmpowermentWS?ref=hl
Website Kadan Martial Arts: http://kadanmartialarts.com
Poetry Musings Blog: http://speakyourart.blogspot.com


POI

www.empowerment.ws

http://empowermentws.blogspot.com

Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment Basic I Six Week Course

The Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment Basic I Six Week Course is a unique women’s self-defense & empowerment program that views the mind, body, emotions and spirit as equally important components to develop for personal growth and physical safety. 

Most of us were never taught how to use our bodies effectively to protect ourselves and/or our loved ones. Many of us think that due to our age, physical limitations or fitness level we can't learn to defend ourselves, but nothing is further from the truth. Regardless of our perceived limitations each one of us has the ability to learn how to be more physically self-reliant, effective and confident. There is an important paradigm shift in consciousness that happens when we realize that we are more powerful, resourceful and resilient than we thought. 


Our program's goal is to help each participant find a deeper level of authenticity, a better understanding of her true power and the genuine confidence that can only come through self-actualization. 

Integration is key. 
What sets this program apart from other "women's self-defense programs" is that we believe that to create lasting and applicable change we must address the whole of the person: mind, emotions, and spirit, not just the body. What sets this program apart from other "women's empowerment programs" is that we bring connection and practical application to the physical element of personal power. 

This Six Week Course addresses the body through learning simple/effective self-defense techniques, sensory and proprioception exercises, as well as some light Pilates and stretches. The mind and emotions are addressed through lecture points, campfire talk, workbook exercises and journal work. The spirit is addressed by the individual, in her own unique way, throughout the course. 

This course is open to women 18 years and older. Younger students may participate only in conjunction with a female parent or guardian over the age of 18 years.  The program accommodates for any fitness level or physical limitation(s). 

El Show de Mabel Katz - El Poder del Femenino con Aurora Ferrer 

Interview on Spanish television of Aurora Ferrer on the Mabel Katz Show talking about the power of the feminine and how women can use martial arts to further develop self-confidence and independence. Si se puede! Yes we can! 

Course Outline Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment Basic I  

"Who am I and Who do I see?"

4/20/15 - 7:00-8:30PM
Week One: Uncovering our subconscious drives and embracing our underlying personality traits. 
 Workbook/Campfire 
          -Review Course Syllabus, "Campfire" Group & Homework
          -Week One Exercise: Myers Briggs Type Personality Test

 4/27/15  - 7-8:30PM    
Week Two: Love and gratitude are the answers, no matter the question; focusing on the positive.
Workbook/Campfire
          -Review: Myers Briggs Type Personality Test
          -Week Two Exercise: "Daily Love Test" by Leo Buscaglia

5/4/15  - 7-8:30PM
Week Three: Embracing our cracks; finding strength in our flaws.
Workbook/Campfire
          -Review: "Daily Love Test" by Leo Buscaglia
          -Week Three Exercise: "The Cracked Pot" 

5/11/15  - 7-8:30PM
Week Four: Awakening deeper authenticity; learning to let our light shine.
Workbook/Campfire
          -Review: "The Cracked Pot"
          -Week Four Exercise: "Our Deepest Fear" by Marianne Williamson

 5/18/15  - 7-8:30PM     
Week Five: Taking control of our personal stories; being the authors of our lives.
Workbook/Campfire
          -Review "Our Deepest Fear" by Marianne Williamson
          -Week Five Exercise: "Write Your Own Life" by Chicken Soup for the Soul 

5/25/15 (Closed in honor of Memorial Day. Thank you to the men and women that paid the ultimate
              price in service of our country, and to their families.)

6/1/15  7-9PM

Week Six: Putting what we've learned into practice; honoring the power of the feminine. 
Workbook/Campfire
          -Review "Write Your Own Life" by Chicken Soup for the Soul 
          -Week Six Exercise: "Action Plan" by Aurora Ferrer
          -Graduation Tea, Board Break (optional) and Completion Certificates 

Course Materials: Provided on first day of classes. 

Class Take-Home Materials:
  ~ Empowerment Basic 1 Workbook
  ~ Basic Self-Defense Techniques and Skills
  ~ Home Workout & Practice
  ~ 6 Week Home Campfire Exercises
  ~ Lecture Points & Notes
  ~ Empowering Quotes
  ~ Empowerment Journal
  ~ Wood Board

In-Class Materials:
  ~ Kicking Shields
  ~ Hand Boxing Mitts
  ~ Focus Paddles

What to bring: Water, yoga mat and a positive can do attitude.

What to wear: Please wear comfortable clothing that doesn't constrict movement.

Space is extremely limited so pre-registration is a must to ensure your place in this course. 
Pre-register by emailing ManaKeeper@gmail.com or join our Facebook Event and state you are attending https://www.facebook.com/events/476418729194058/

Cost:
Paid in full - one payment of $136.00 
(Payment must be received prior to or on first class meeting)

Paid per class - weekly payment of $25.00 total of $150.00
(Only valid with commitment to complete the 6 week course. Continuity is essential for the optimum class experience, for yourself and for the other students.)

We have no make-up classes or refunds for missed days but if you are unable to attend a class you can keep current through completing the course materials for that class at home.

Material Fee  - $10.00 - (Material Fee waived for returning students)

Location:
Kadan Martial Arts Studio
11741 Valley View, Suite G
Cypress, CA 90630
(one mile from the 22 FWY & 405 FWY Exit)

Thank you for honoring the feminine and thank you for visiting. Wishing you peace.

You can find more information about Aurora Ferrer and Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment at:
About Aurora Ferrer: http://empowermentws.blogspot.com/p/about-aurora.html

Website: Women's Empowerment: http://www.empowerment.ws/home.html
Facebook Page: Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowermentWS?ref=hl
Website: Kadan Martial Arts and Development Center: http://kadanmartialarts.com
Poetry Musings Blog: http://speakyourart.blogspot.com


POI