A new layer of awareness – the biotensor and NEI

Sometimes, something comes along on your journey that feels like a natural addition to what you are already doing. Something that sparks your curiosity and invites you to explore, experience and look a little deeper.

Last weekend, I travelled to the Netherlands to attend a course on working with the biotensor. It was a new experience, but above all, an introduction to a way of working that brings together awareness, energy and listening to what may be happening beneath the surface.

It feels like a beautiful next step in my own personal development and in the way I want to support both people and horses.

But what exactly is a biotensor? And how does it relate to NEI and the work I do with horses?

What is a biotensor?

A biotensor is an instrument used to explore subtle movements and responses. It consists of a handle connected to a flexible metal wire, with a small ring at the end.

By holding the biotensor and asking specific questions, its movements are used to make certain responses visible.

Within energy-based approaches, it is believed that everything is made up of energy and that our bodies are constantly processing and exchanging information. Experiences and emotions can influence how we feel and how we respond to the world around us.

The biotensor is used to explore these subtle responses. For example, it can be used to investigate what might be supportive for a person or an animal, which themes may need attention, or where potential imbalances might be present.

What I find particularly interesting is the opportunity to look at information in a different way – information that may not always be immediately visible or easy to put into words.

It is important to remember that the movements of a biotensor are not an objective measurement or scientifically established confirmation of energetic information. I see it as a complementary tool that can invite further exploration and awareness.

NEI – When emotions and experiences continue to influence us

A method closely connected to working with the biotensor is NEI, which stands for Neuro Emotional Integration.

The basic principle of NEI is that experiences and emotions from our lives can continue to influence how we feel and behave in the present.

We all experience things throughout our lives. Sometimes these are major events, but often it is the smaller moments that leave a lasting impression. A situation in which we did not feel safe, experienced rejection, felt the need to adapt, or decided that it was better not to show certain emotions.

At the time, we find ways to cope. We adjust our behaviour, develop beliefs or learn to suppress certain feelings.

These responses may have served a purpose at the time. However, sometimes they continue to influence us unconsciously.

Perhaps you really want to do something, yet find yourself holding back. You know in your mind that you want to make a particular choice, but at the same time you feel resistance. Or you notice that certain situations trigger a much stronger emotional response than you would expect.

NEI explores the possible emotional connections behind these patterns.

Using a structured way of questioning and the biotensor, the method aims to explore which emotions, experiences or themes may be connected to a particular question or concern.

The intention is to create awareness and make room for a different way of relating to whatever may be holding us back.

Rather than having to relive or analyse every experience in detail, NEI offers another way of exploring what may still need attention.

NEI is a complementary approach. Scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, as well as the use of the biotensor, is currently limited. I believe it is important to approach this work with an open mind, while remaining thoughtful and critical.

What could this mean for my horses?

My first curiosity lies with my own horses.

Those who know me a little will understand how important their wellbeing is to me. I want to give them as much space as possible to simply be horses, to make their own choices and to express what they need.

I believe that caring for horses begins with learning to observe and listen. Their behaviour, body language, movement and all the little signals they give us.

I see the biotensor as a possible additional way of understanding my horses more deeply.

I am curious to explore whether it can help me investigate certain questions from a different perspective. For example, questions relating to their wellbeing, what might support them at a particular moment, or which themes may be worth exploring further.

For me, the horse itself will always remain the starting point. Their behaviour, physical signals and needs come first. The biotensor will never replace my own observations or the knowledge and expertise of a veterinarian or other equine professional.

I want to discover, practise and experience. And, at the same time, remain curious and critical about what I observe and the meaning I give to it.

The connection with coaching and systemic work with horses

Perhaps what interests me most is the potential this brings to my work at La Sonrisa.

In coaching and systemic work with horses, we often explore what lies beneath the surface.

Someone arrives with a question. Sometimes it is very specific; at other times, there is simply a feeling that something is going on, without knowing exactly what it is.

During a session, we create space to slow down, feel and explore.

Horses play a very special role in this process. They respond to what is happening in the moment. Sometimes their behaviour makes something visible that the participant has not yet been able to put into words.

A horse that keeps its distance. A horse that chooses to come closer. A change in posture, tension or movement.

These moments can touch something within us and invite us to explore further.

In systemic work, I try to remain as open as possible. Rather than immediately explaining or interpreting what happens, I want to leave room for whatever emerges.

And this is exactly where I see an interesting connection with working with the biotensor and NEI.

Where horses can reflect something through their behaviour and presence, the biotensor may offer an additional way to explore certain themes or possible emotional connections.

For example, recurring patterns, limiting beliefs, emotions connected to particular situations, or feelings that are difficult to put into words.

This combination can encourage us to look beyond the mind alone and pay attention to what we experience physically and emotionally as well.

Not to determine the answers for someone, but to open up new questions.

Not about knowing more, but learning to listen differently

One thing that is important to me is that this new way of working does not mean searching for even more answers or explanations.

Quite the opposite.

In previous blogs, I have written about the power of not knowing. About the space that opens up when we do not immediately need to understand or fix something.

That remains my foundation.

The biotensor is not an instrument that tells us exactly how things are. And horses do not provide ready-made answers either.

For me, it is about bringing together observation, experience, exploration and awareness. About remaining curious about what presents itself, without immediately jumping to conclusions.

I therefore see the biotensor not as a replacement for what I already do, but as an additional tool. Another way of exploring, learning and discovering what it may bring to my work.

A new dimension at La Sonrisa

Over the coming months, I will continue to deepen my knowledge and experience of working with the biotensor and NEI. Initially, my focus will be on exploring this in relation to my own horses, while also looking at the possibilities within coaching and systemic work with horses.

I am curious about what this combination might bring.

About what may become visible when we bring together different ways of observing and experiencing. About the connection between people, horses, the body, emotions and the wider systemic picture.

And perhaps most of all, I am curious about what my horses will teach me along the way.

Because ultimately, this is not about adding as many techniques or methods as possible.

It is about learning to tune in more deeply. About creating space for what wants to be seen, felt and heard.

Sometimes the value is not in finding a new answer, but in discovering a new way of listening.

A new tool. A new dimension. But always the same foundation: connection, awareness and the wisdom of the horse.