An Unexpected Exchange

Yesterday at the Animal Reiki Share we had a small group, which provides an opportunity to talk and share more within the group. Those attending were fairly new to energy healing and Reiki, and in the previous shares had been getting their "sea legs" or "Reiki legs" so to speak. Learning what energy felt like, how to connect with animals, and how to share the energy.

During our time with the horses at Luv Shack Horse Rescue, Christina experienced the energy being given back to her as she was sending it. The natural flow of give and take as the horse reciprocated in the energy exchange. Beverly also indicated she was experiencing the same. Is that possible?

Most definitely YES! If you've been close to animals yourself, you probably know how healing and giving they can be. They sense when you are down or not feeling well. Often simply spending time with an animal will lift your spirits and make you feel better. Numerous studies have been done reporting the positive effects animals have on depressed or sick people. Therapy animals are successfully used in many different programs in hospitals, psychiatric wards, hospice, and nursing homes just to name a few.

With this in mind, can you imagine the increased awareness of the animals healing energy when sharing Reiki with them?


I frequently hear comments like Christina and Beverly's from Animal Reiki Share attendees and Reiki students alike. Completely amazed at what they experience when working with the animals. It is commonly said at our Reiki Shares that often we leave having received just as much from the horses as we gave.

This type of experience often changes the way people think of Reiki in regards to animals. It removes doubt, fear that they will not be able to connect with the animal, and uncertainty of not being able to speak or communicate with the animal. Experiences like this instill confidence of what is possible within a Reiki session, expands one's heart and mind far beyond any limitations we may have placed on Reiki, and helps connect one to the Whole - the world and everything in and surrounding it.

Personally there are many times I'm working with an animal that I feel shifts and changes within me, which I'm certain are affects of the energy being shared by the animal I'm working with. I remember feeling the energy exchange for the first time and having tears of joy stream down my face as I basked in the energy and love of the moment. It's an experience that changed my Reiki practice forever. It deepened my experience and connection with the animals and helped me remove some very limiting beliefs I had about my Reiki practice.

I'm often asked by people why they aren't feeling this or how long it will take to experience this type of energy exchange. The only answer I can give is that when you are ready it will happen. This may happen the first time you share energy healing with an animal or it may be a while. (For me it was the later.) Continue practicing with faith, unconditional love, and most of all without placing restrictions on your Reiki practice. Then it will happen.

A Horse, A Horse Trailer, and a Peppermint Candy

Smarty Who is now a retired racehorse from Turf Paradise here in Phoenix. She and her stable mate, Thinkin' Bout Blake, had finished their racing careers and their owner was ready to send them down the road, most likely the slaughter road to Mexico. Fortunately their trainer couldn't bear the thought of this and through a series of contacts these two Thoroughbreds found their way to Luv Shack Horse Rescue. And better yet, they've found a great place to rest and recover from their racing injuries in southern Arizona.

Everything from the human side had been planned and the pick up date was at hand. Thinkin' Bout Blake loaded first into the trailer, ready to leave his racing career behind. However, Smarty Who was unsure and put up a fuss about loading. Now, Joey from Luv Shack has loaded many a wild horse, and after a few tries was afraid of Smarty Who hurting herself. So the decision was made to come back with a larger trailer that would be a better fit for this big, beautiful mare.

I was asked to send distance Reiki to Smarty Who to help her load into the trailer when they went back for her. She easily accepted my invitation and we had a good session. During my connection with her I explained what was happening, where she was going, and why we would like her to load up and go with Joey. As we neared the end of the session I kept getting the message that she wanted a treat. Not just any treat, but specifically a peppermint. I let her know I would pass her request on. When I told Joey about her request, she smiled and said that when they were trying to load her the trainer mentioned she liked candy. ;)

When the day came to go back and pick her up I had some extra time and asked to ride along. I wanted to meet this beautiful spirit in person. We arrived at the track and Smarty Who was brought out by her trainer. Her eyes were big and her head held high as she spotted the crowd of various people from the track that had gathered to load her into the trailer anyway they could. Not the optimal energy this already scared horse needed. As her nervous and wary energy met the forceful and "do whatever it takes" energy of the gathered "helpers" she of course began to resist. All the pushing, yelling, and arm waving that came at her from behind did anything but calm her. Standing off to the side I again offered Reiki to her and the entire situation at hand. It seemed to be the calm spot in this whirlwind of drama.

When Smarty Who finally loaded into the trailer I think she was grateful that the trailer door shut behind her. It safely separated her from that group of loud, pushy people. As the group finished patting each other on the back and final arrangements were being made to take her I went to the side of the trailer where I could see and talk to her. With peppermint in hand I told her what a brave horse she was and again re-affirmed that she was going to a wonderful place to heal. A place where she could simply relax and be a horse. The peppermint was gingerly nibbled from my hand and she eagerly smacked her lips together as she savored the treat. It was as if this was the reassurance she needed that all was going to be well.

The rest of the trip to her new home was peaceful and uneventful. We delivered both horses to a facility near Tucson where they waited a few hours to be picked up by their new owner. Smarty Who easily unloaded from our trailer and we were told smoothly loaded into the trailer of her new owner. I can sense the happiness and gratitude in her heart as she begins life anew.

I always find myself in a place of wonderment and thankfulness for the flexibility and adaptive nature of Reiki. Sometimes the situation is critical, like so many in the world of animal rescue, or simply an animal seeking peace, love or comfort. Regardless the energy always flows for the highest good of all. Whether my path with these animals is a few peaceful moments sharing Reiki or one that we walk together for a time, I've learned much from Reiki and the amazing animals I'm honored to work with. And in Smarty Who's case, I'm thankful for peppermints!

Healing With Valora

In my work with horse rescues I see many cases of severe abuse and neglect. Stories that leave one wondering how anyone could think it right to treat any living thing the way they do. This week I had the opportunity to work with a beautiful, resilient mare named Valora. Her story is now a well publicized case in Phoenix, Arizona. The short version is that her original owner, who was also neglectful in her physical, mental and emotional care, was losing her home, couldn't care for her, and gave her to a man. The man's intent was to load her in his trailer, shoot her, and take her to a meat rendering plant for money. The mare refused to load and the man proceeded to beat her. Neighbors saw what was happening and called the police. They eventually contacted Luv Shack Horse Rescue who eagerly took her in. Unfortunately Valora took the brunt of his beating and will lose her right eye, has a severe concussion, several skull fractures, many bruises, and 20+ stitches in various places on her body. She will likely need surgery to repair some of her injuries.

Joey Ogburn, Luv Shack's founder, asked me to come and work with her. The Reiki part of this story is beautiful. Valora is nothing short of amazing. She readily settled in to a Reiki treatment, actively absorbing the healing energy into her bruised and broken body. Several times she placed specific body areas in or near my hands and gave me a gentle nudge with her nose when she was ready for me to move to another area. Time stood still as her session ebbed and flowed, even while her physical needs were being attended to by those caring for her. It was clear Valora knew she still had something to accomplish in this life.

I realized after working with her and reading the comments on Luv Shack's Facebook page and the forums on the local TV stations covering the story, not only does she have much healing to do....but so do we. Much anger, disbelief, sadness, bewilderment, fear, and harsh judgment has been expressed in these outlets as well as personal conversations people have had as they hear of Valora's story. I too am as guilty as some.

Feeling and expressing emotions I believe to be part of the healing process. But how many of us get stuck there? How does our involvement in this affect the healing of Valora? How are the ripple effects, both positive and negative, affecting all living things on this planet?

It's then that I remember the Reiki Precepts. "Just for today...Do not anger, Do not worry, Be humble, Be honest in your work, Be compassionate to yourself and others." Because I believe in these principles and keep them with me daily they have become an anchor to love and peace when outside influences are pulling me in other directions.

Yes, I've been angry, thought bad things about the individuals who caused this animal harm, shed tears of sadness, and had moments where the inhumanity of it all has swept over me. Through all this I am grateful for the compass and point of reference the Reiki Precepts are in my life. They help me refocus, see how my actions effect the much larger picture, and work through any personal issues the situation brings up within me. I understand that may sound sanctimonious, but trust me, it isn't. I've found the past few days to be more challenging than not when it's come to working through my own personal experience with this situation.

And I've found it very healing and helpful to send Reiki to the entire situation. Allowing healing to happen for the highest and best good of all involved.

Thank you Valora for being the beautiful soul you are. For being so valiant as well as open to the new love that has come your way. While none of us would ever wish harm upon you or any other being, thank you for helping us learn and heal with you.

The Lesson of One

Last week at the Animal Reiki Share I host at Dreamchaser Horse Rescue we had a unique experience. Something we had not experienced before.

Its common when we go to the rescue to have several animals that need attention, as well as those that each individual is drawn to work with. That day wasn’t any different as the Ranch Manager suggested several that may need some Reiki. We split up to make sure each of them received attention.

As I approached Yogi, an off track Thoroughbred with crooked front legs and arthritis, I asked as I normally do to connect with him and offer Reiki. Before I realized it I connected with an energy much larger than Yogi. It felt to be the energy of the entire herd. Again, I sought to make an individual connection with Yogi and again found myself within the energy of the herd.

While in that connection there was an overall feeling of contentment and that all was okay within the herd and that they didn’t require any special attention. Rather that attention was to be given to Susan Thompson, founder of Dreamchaser.

As I experienced this I “logically” thought that it must be my concern for Susan, who had knee replacement surgery one week prior, that was creeping into my Reiki with the animals. I tried several times, even approaching different horses, with the same results. Upon sharing my experience with the others we realized that each of us was experiencing something similar.

Even though the horses had not seen Susan since her surgery they were aware that she was the one that needed healing that day. And of course….special attention she received!

It was a humbling experience, as well as a good reminder that we are all One. It is possible to know, feel, or be affected by something that happens to another….regardless of whether what happens is good or bad. And how appropriate that it was a herd of horses, who live as One whether in the wild or domestically, that reminded us of this.

Grace, Gratitude, & Peace

This morning as I was reflecting on the many things I have to be thankful for, my thoughts drifted to three amazing teachers I recently had the pleasure to learn from. What I learned from them will be with me forever.

I met these beautiful teachers on a dark, cool Arizona night. There is no way I would have ever been prepared for what I saw or experienced that night, or the days that followed. Alex, Daisy and Velvet had survived months of neglect. The kind of neglect and abuse that if they were human would have had the whole city in an uproar and the people who did it to them in jail immediately. However this evening all of them were safe and secure at Luv Shack Horse Rescue, under the vigilant care and love of Joey Ogburn . These were three of the six that had been rescued that day, and were the three in the most critical condition. Actually, they were beyond critical. The text message that called me to this scene had read, "I'm exhausted and have two skeletons that appear to be horses and a third that is trying to die. Can you come over?"

Each of these amazing horses has a story of their own. And on this evening their individual stories became part of a larger story. A story filled with unconditional love, acceptance, peace, calm, gratitude, and stillness. You see, over the coming days Alex, Velvet, and Daisy would each make the decision to leave and transition beyond this life. And in doing so share a lot of wisdom and love with those of us eager to make what time they had left the best it could be.










You knew that what they had endured the past several months was very unpleasant to say the least. And because each of their physical conditions had deteriorated so badly pain and discomfort was part of their day-to-day life. Yet, unbelievably, they did not harbor any anger, hatred or fear. They were filled with love, gratitude, peace, and calm.

I'd never worked with animals in such condition and was not sure what to expect. Unbelievably I encountered love, gratitude, peace and calm where I thought there might be anger, hatred or fear. Over the years I have experienced the amazing ability of animals to move beyond fear, abuse and neglect, and was amazed they were not holding any of these energies within them. Nor, did they want to go that place of feeling those negative energies. Rather, they wanted to live in the moment. The moments where they were surrounded with the care and unconditional love that fills a soul on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

While I had the incredible opportunity to connect and work with them through Reiki on many different levels, some of the most amazing moments to me were the grace, peace and calmness that each experienced and shared with their caretakers. They soaked in every bit of love and attention that was offered. Enjoyed the hugs, brushing, and soothing hands running across their heads, necks and backs. And each gently stood and soaked up our human tears when the emotions were overwhelming. And never once did you feel sorrow or sadness expressed by them, simply because they didn't feel it.

Each decided on her own time when she was ready to go. Alex left quickest, leaving the following morning. Joey said you could see the smile on her face and feel the gratitude in her heart as she closed her eyes for the last time. Velvet's body couldn't keep up with her spirit. She left the next day with grace, diginity, and a quiet stillness that all was well. Daisy hung on the longest and at one point we all thought she would pull through. Three days after her rescue the effects of her neglect were more than her body could bear and she was ready to go. Again there was that familiar feeling of peace, calm and gratitude as she laid down for the last time.

These three beautiful horses taught me lessons I couldn't have learned anywhere else or from anyone else. There was not time or space in their lives for anger, hate or fear. They put that behind them the moment the stepped off the trailer at the rescue. They had no need to keep reliving the past or carry the energy of abuse and neglect with them. Nor did they have a desire to put that energy on to anyone else. Each freely gave as much love to others as was given them. There was not judgment placed on "humans" as a whole due to what they had experienced. They were open to experiencing each person as an individual. And death was simply the next step to take. No fear, regret, or resistance.

I often think of them and continue to learn from them. There is much more that we shared over the days we had together, and I'm grateful to be able to share some of these things with you today.

Being Flexible

Raph is a 28 year old flea bitten gelding who is a favorite at Luv Shack Horse Rescue. He even likes to kiss! He has melanoma and has more good days than not. However, there are times he needs a little help.

I've worked on and off with Raph over the months. He is particular about receiving Reiki and openly communicates his desires. Sometimes we work together and other days we don't. A while ago, during my regular Reiki day at the ranch, he was having a down day and I was asked to work with him. He was standoffish so I made the rounds of the others and waited until last to see Raph. When it was his turn he made it known he wasn't interested. So I thanked him and moved off. I hadn't taken 10 steps when I felt a nudge from behind. I turned around to see Raph softly looking at me. He requested that I connect with him later for a distance treatment. Which I gladly did! It was a great session.

Last Monday was again one of my regular Reiki volunteer days and Raph had been taken out of the herd and was in "sick bay". He was not feeling good and having a difficult time pooping. And yes, I do realize this is the second poop post in a row. :) We had a nice long session and about half way through the session the tummy noises started up with a fury and lots of food and energy were moving around. I asked him if he would poop and he replied with a little impatience "Yes, but it takes time". I couldn't help but smile and love him for his direct way! We continued working and just as things were wrapping up he had a normal bowel movement - the first in a while. I couldn't have been happier!

Early the next morning, around 4:30 a.m., I was gently but firmly brought out of my sleep by Raph. He wanted another distance session. As soon as I connected I felt his discomfort. We worked for awhile and by the end of the session I could feel the fluid movement of his energy from head to tail. Much more natural flowing and free than yesterday. Amazing!

Later that morning I send Joey a text to let her know about our morning session and check on Raph. She said he was doing much better and going back out with the herd. Great news!

A couple days later I was at Luv Shack and standing with my back towards the herd. It was lunch time and everyone was focused on their pile of hay. I was talking with several people and one of them said "Look who's coming up to the gate." I turned and there was Raph quickly walking up to the gate to say "Hi". This was not a normal behavior for Raph and we knew he was coming to see me.

To me there is nothing more rewarding! It's in moments like these that my heart over flows with love and appreciation for Reiki and the animals I have the opportunity to meet and work with.

I learn something from each animal. Raph has taught me to be flexible. Some days we work together in a hands-on session, other days it will be a distance session, and there are times we won't work together at all. It is all about the animal and working with them for their highest and best good.

Bandit Knows Best

Last night I received a call from a good friend Georgia about her horse Bandit. (He is going through rehabilitation at Luv Shack Horse Rescue and she will adopt him when he's ready.) Seems he was down and wouldn't get up. She called a neighbor who helped him on his feet. They could tell he wasn't feeling well, but not sure what was going on. Joey, founder of Luv Shack was away from the ranch and heading back home. Knowing help was on the way she called and asked if I could help Bandit with some Reiki.

My first thought was to go over, as they are less than 5 minutes from me. I then realized that there would be people checking him over and lots of activity going on and distance Reiki may be the better way to support Bandit. And so I began....

Almost immediately Bandit let me know that he didn't feel good. Not knowing exactly why he was not feeling good I began doing a full body treatment for Bandit. Within several minutes I kept seeing in my minds eye his lower back, hips, buttocks, and thighs. Realizing this is where he wanted to be treated I began focusing on that area. I immediately felt an increase in the flow of Reiki as my hands heated up and the usual tingle became very strong. The Reiki continued to flow very strong for nearly 30 minutes, and then gently began to subside.

During this time I kept hearing the word 'achy' and sensed it was the word that described what he was feeling in that area. Near the end of the treatment he finally relaxed and his energy seemed to soften, with the edginess fading away. The session ended with a wonderful 'Thank You' from Bandit.

After the session ended I called Georgia to let her know. She indicated that the areas where I worked were the areas that Bandit did not want to be touched and seemed to be the most uncomfortable. Georgia also mentioned that achy seemed to describe what they were seeing as well, and finally Bandit had also relaxed and was not quite as edgy.

It was a wonderful reminder to allow the animal to direct where Reiki is most needed. Sometimes not knowing the exact circumstances frees me from any expectation and allows me and the animal to work together as partners in healing. I am thankful for the great reminder from Bandit to trust and allow that Reiki flows for the highest good.