The Sentient Science
Course 1
Online Course
Understanding the physiology that shapes interaction between species
Understanding Connection Begins With Biology
Before behaviour, before training, before communication; there is physiology.
Much of what we see in animals is interpreted through behaviour in how they move, react, or respond.
But behaviour is only the surface.
Beneath it lies a complex biological system, constantly reading and responding to the environment, including you.
This course explores how your internal state shapes the way animals perceive and respond.
Through an accessible and structured approach, you will begin to understand how the nervous system, breath, grounding, and bioelectrical processes influence connection, behaviour, and safety between humans and animals.
Rather than focusing only on behaviour,
Sentient Science examines the biology that precedes it.
COURSE CURRICULUM
The course is structured into clear, progressive modules:
Modules:
Mammalian Intelligence
Human–Animal Connection
Central Nervous System: State and Survival
Central Nervous System: The Command Centre
Central Nervous System: Polyvagal Theory
The Science of Grounding
Electromagnetism
The Breath
The Theory of Co-Regulation
Why This Matters?
Animals are not only responding to what you do;
they are responding to what is happening within you.
Your nervous system, your breath, your internal state
are constantly being perceived and interpreted.
When you begin to understand this, interaction changes.
Not through force or technique
but through awareness and regulation.
Animals do not respond only to cues.
They respond to physiological state.
What You Will Begin to Understand
This course provides the foundation for understanding connection from a biological perspective.
As you move through the modules, you will begin to understand:
Why behaviour cannot be interpreted without understanding underlying state
How the nervous system continuously regulates and responds to the environment
The role of breath, grounding, and internal physiology in shaping interaction
How animals perceive and respond to subtle biological signals
Why safety, not control, is the foundation of effective interaction
You will begin to see that behaviour is not the starting point
but the outcome of deeper physiological processes.
What Makes This Course Different
Most equestrian and animal-interaction courses focus on training methods.
This is not a technique-based course.
Rather than focusing only on behaviour,
Sentient Science explores the biological communication that occurs before behaviour begins.
You will be introduced to key scientific principles including:
nervous system regulation
physiological safety
grounding and electrical processes
bioelectrical communication
This is where science meets real-world interaction.
Course Details
Format: Online
Access will be provided once registered and payment cleared.
Level: Foundational
You will be guided through:
A structured progression from theory to awareness
Clear explanations of complex concepts
Includes:
Prerecorded Lectures
Video demonstrations to support understanding
Practical reflections and exercises
6 – 8 hours of learning at your own pace
Life Time Access
Progression: Course 2: The Sentient Connection
No prerequisites
Recommended 16years+
Who is this Course For
Whether you work with animals professionally or simply share your life with them, this course offers a new lens through which to understand connection.
Horse owners and riders
Animal lovers seeking deeper understanding
Therapists, facilitators, and bodyworkers
Individuals interested in nervous system regulation
Those curious about connection beyond behaviour
Both sceptical and open-minded learners
Anyone interested in understanding the biological foundations of connection between humans and animals.
No prior scientific background is required. Basic handling nowledge of horses is an advantage on practicals.
What you will experience:
Understand the biological foundations of connection between humans and animals
Explore the role of breath, posture, and internal state in shaping interaction with animals
Learn practical ways to approach horses that support safety, calmness, and trust
Apply simple techniques that support more conscious and connected interaction with animals
Recognise how nervous system states influence animal perception and behaviour
Develop an awareness of how grounding and environmental contact influence physiological regulation
Begin recognising subtle signs of tension, regulation, and release in both humans and animals
Next Available Course Dates:
The Sentient Science (Online – Foundation) @ R550
Available by end April/soonest
No Prerequisite
The Sentient Connection – Application:
( Online and Practical ) @ R1250
30th May 2026 9am to 3/4pm
Bellevue Equestrian Centre in Pretoria.
Prerequisite Course 1
The Sentient Dance – Dancing with Tissue :
( Online and Practical ) @ R1250
31st May 2026 9am to 3/4pm
Bellevue Equestrian Centre in Pretoria.
Prerequisite course 1 & 2
Bundle packages:
Science and Connection Special:
Sentient Science PLUS Sentient Connection Online and Practical,
valued @ R1800, available for R1550.
Science, Connection and Dance Special:
Sentient Science PLUS The Sentient Connection PLUS The Sentient Dance including Online and Practical,
valued @ R3050 available for R2550.
ATTENTION ALL PREVIOUS COURSE PARTICIPANTS
Science, Connection and Dance Special:
Sentient Science: On the House in return for feedback R0,00
PLUS The Sentient Connection including Online and Practical valued @ R1250 for only R500
PLUS The Sentient Dance including Online and Practical valued @ R1250 for only R950
Special Package valued @ R3050 available for R 1450
This offer is only available for previous course participants.
(It is HIGHLY Recommended that the course pathway be followed!)
Courses 4-7 are in the process of being finalised.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”
Author Unknown
Please Take Note of the Following:
I am a qualified physiotherapist. I am not registered as a veterinary physiotherapist. Please note that no treatment techniques will be taught. Practices intensify your bond and spoil your animal in an educated way.
Who will be your Course Facilitator?
That would be me.
I am the founder of Authentic Awakening and the creator of Sentient Science framework.
My work explores the biological foundations of commection between humans and animals through the integration of physiology, neurosccieence and practical observation.
Like many, I began with questions, moments of confusion, challenge, and a sense that there was more happening in human-animal interaction than I could explain. Over time, through observation, learning, and experience, those moments began to form a clearer understanding of connection that is both grounded and deeply felt.
In this course, I don’t just teach concepts.
I guide you through a way of seeing, noticing, and experiencing interaction differently.
“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare
Your Place in The Sentient Pathway
Next: Practising Connection ( Course 2) → Learning to apply this biology in real interaction
Can’t afford these right now?
Please put me on a waiting list.
Think about doing online course 1 @ R550 for now.
Waiting List - Inform me of future courses