Know What's In Your Heart

The time had finally come after 40 years of dreaming to finally find a horse of my own. Because of my work with rescues, it was no surprise when I got a call from Joey at Luv Shack Horse Rescue. She said she’d found my horse. He was being fostered not too far away and we set up a date to meet him. In the meantime, I received pictures of Butler, and of course fell instantly in love.

Prior to meeting him, I wanted to connect with him and offer distance Reiki. I settled in for a distance treatment and asked to connect with him. Nothing. I tried several times and didn’t once receive a spark of a connection. And then the questions and uncertainty crept in. Hmmm, was it me? If I couldn’t connect was this really meant to be? Was I doing something wrong?

Realizing I had put myself in a state of doubt and uncertainty I took a few minutes for a self-treatment, re-centered and cleared myself. When ready I tried again. Still nothing. Realizing for whatever reason it was not meant to happen I offered thanks for the experience and looked forward to meeting him in person the next day.

Meeting Butler was a wonderful experience that filled me with joy as well as a strange feeling of not wanting to hope too much in case it didn’t work out. However, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for days afterwards.

That night I again wanted to connect with Butler and offer Reiki. Thinking that meeting each other would change things I again settled into a quiet space and sent out the offer. The next thing I heard stopped me in my Reiki tracks and brought a lump to my throat. Butler, in his direct and wise manner which I’ve come to appreciate, simply let me know that if I was not willing to commit myself 100% then he wasn’t either. He wasn’t interested in another half-hearted relationship.

I couldn’t believe it. How did he know? Did he really understand my how much I wanted this, yet was afraid that something might happen to take it away? Right then and there the first of many personal lessons facilitated by Butler began. It didn’t take more than a split second to realize I was guarding my heart, just in case it didn’t work out, and to decided then and there to release it and move forward. Once I made the commitment, we entered into one of many Reiki sessions since that time.

Animals know what’s in your heart. They sense when your outside actions aren’t congruent with your inside thoughts and feelings. Why is this important when offering Reiki? Simply because we’re working in partnership with the animal, which means they must be comfortable with our state of mind, the feelings in our hearts, and our intentions.

Prior to connecting with an animal simply check yourself for emotions, feelings, thoughts, or physical discomforts that may not be conducive to a Reiki session. If they can be cleared and removed, simply do so. Here are a few suggestions to assist you:

• Imagine a white light (or whatever color feels right to you) entering through the top of your head, filling your body and washing away the “stuff” that is ready to leave.
  
  
• A brief meditation connecting you to the energies of the earth (a stable, nurturing foundation) and the sky (divine energies). This will help clear and ground you.
  
  
• Before entering the animals space deposit all that is troubling your mind and heart in a container (real or imaginary) outside the animal’s space. When you leave you can decide whether to pick these things back up or simply release them.
  
  
• Open your heart and share with the animal who you are at that moment – both the good and the bad. Let them understand you’re not projecting this onto them, yet want them to know what’s in your heart. Then let the animal decide if they want to proceed.

Animals are very forgiving. Likely, when you come to them from a place of love, honesty, and integrity you will be welcomed into their lives. And of course, if like me you discover personal issues you’d like to work on, Reiki is the perfect tool to help you heal and become whole.

Good Grief

Reiki works at very personal, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It’s common for my human clients to seek Reiki during times of grief or loss, whether that be a loved one, a job, or an abrupt change in life. It’s important to remember that animals feel grief and loss too.

Rose and Stella are two horses who arrived at Luv Shack feeling a great sense of loss and grief at the abrupt ending of their human companions life. Joey Ogburn, founder of Luv Shack Horse Rescue, instantly recognized what these two horses were experiencing and knew Reiki would help them find peace and comfort in transitioning to their new home.

Hungry and wary Rose and Stella watched me from a careful distance as I entered the arena where they were eating lunch. You could sense their gentle sweet spirits, as well as see their concern for each other as they settled into this new place. As I talked softly to them from a distance and opened my heart to listen I could feel the heaviness that was in their hearts. It brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes on this otherwise bright and sunny Arizona afternoon.

The Reiki shared with them that day was from a distance, and usually Rose was standing between me and Stella. Regardless I could feel the strength of three spirits connecting and the energy of Reiki filling the space between us. It was a session of understanding; releasing and experiencing peace at a very intimate level deep within our hearts. They continued to eat, move in close now and again for a sniff of my hands, and would occasionally stop and bask in the warmth of the sun as we shared Reiki that afternoon. When done, a definite feeling of calm and hope was shared by all.

Today, Rose and Stella are an intricate part of the herd. Enjoying the company of the other horses and the volunteers who eagerly care for them, they’ve made the transition from grief and concern to peace and harmony.

Reiki and Veterinary Care

Bubba had an earache, Twister had sand colic, Comet has bulging disks, Duchess had an inoperable blockage in her digestive system, Max has struggled keeping weight on, and Caje has a sprained ankle. These are just a few of the animals I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the past weeks. Their symptoms ranged from uncomfortable to life threatening. They were each treated in a variety of spaces from the comfort of a couch, to a stall, to an animal hospital.

When is the best time to give a sick or uncomfortable animal Reiki? Reiki will do no harm and is always a good option for a sick or injured animal. However, Reiki is never a substitute for proper care or veterinarian expertise.

If an animal needs the medical expertise of a veterinarian that is the first call that should be made. Then follow up with Reiki. It’s common for me to treat an animal at the veterinarian’s office or animal hospital, depending on the circumstance.

Fortunately each animal mentioned was seen by a veterinarian if needed before I was contacted for Reiki. How are they doing now?

Bubba’s ear cleared up and he’s back to his happy, carefree self. Twister began eating and pooping (very important with colic) and is back out with her buddies. She’s receiving continued check-ups from the vet and extra care from her owner to help move the sand out of her gut. Comet and his family are exploring options for his back. Duchess’ blockage dissolved and passed through her system and she was out of the hospital in a couple of days. Max is on a special diet to put weight on. And Caje is on house rest if we can keep him quiet.

While Reiki miracles happen every day, first-aid or critical care needs should be addressed first. Reiki can be given in conjunction with any treatment. If you, or your animal Reiki practitioner, practice distant healing it’s an excellent option and can be given immediately, even if you don’t have physical access to the animal.

What will your veterinarian say about Reiki? Some know what it is and some don’t. This may be an opportunity to introduce it to them. It’s common for me to meet the veterinarian in critical cases where ongoing Reiki is requested. Some are open to it, some aren’t. I’ve never been asked to leave by a veterinarian regardless of their personal beliefs.

So again, when is the best time to give an animal Reiki? It’s always a good time. Remember to keep the animal’s best interest in mind and seek proper medical help and advice when needed. Reiki will support any medical treatment, as well as work on the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the animal at the same time. It truly is a win-win for everyone!

Is Animal Reiki Safe for Reiki Practitioners?

As part of my Animal Reiki classes and shares I emphasize the importance of safety for both people and animals. When treating a person we don’t often consider such an issue as we are generally comfortable with the people we treat, as well as in a controlled environment such as a treatment room. However, treating an animal can be different.

The Animal Reiki students I work with, as well as those who participate in the monthly Animal Reiki Share, work with the animals at Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue. Most are accustomed to being around small pets such as dogs and cats. Coming face-to-face with a 1200 lb. horse can often be a little intimidating for the human. For some this even brings up fears and safety concerns.

At a recent Animal Reiki Share one of the human participants, I’ll call her Pam, had some experiences with horses in her past that left her feeling vulnerable and uncertain about being in close proximity to them. She worked up the courage to enter the large turnout where the herd was finishing up Sunday afternoon lunch. Things were fine until one of the grazing equines decided it was time to drag race around the turnout, stirring up a lot of action quickly. To Pam’s credit rather than calling it quits for the day, I watched her quickly and quietly go into a pen in the middle of the turnout and lock herself in. This allowed her to continue to work with the animals through the rail fencing while keeping her safe and out of harm’s way. It was an ingenious solution.

Here are some suggestions for safely engaging in Reiki treatments with animals:

• Respect your own personal boundaries. Acknowledge and work within your own personal limits, fears, and concerns about the animals and/or space within which you are working. Ignoring these and stuffing them inside doesn’t make them go away. You will carry this energy into the session with you. Animals will sense this, and you will likely also be distracted during the session because of them. This may also be the perfect opportunity for some personal Reiki work with yourself to address and overcome these things.
  
  
• Have the animal’s caregiver present if you’re uncomfortable with the animal. They can help calm and handle the animal if necessary.
  
  
• Keep a comfortable distance between you and the animal. Remember Reiki is just as effective from a distance, especially if safety is a concern.
  
  
• Working from outside the animals stall, kennel, tank, or other space is perfectly acceptable, especially if there are concerns about your personal safety.
  
  
• Never corner, chase, or otherwise pursue an animal in an attempt to offer Reiki. The animal may think this is a game and you are playing with them or they may become defensive and irritated.
  
  
• If working within a herd, pack, or flock, be aware at all times of the movement of other animals around you. One animal can set the rest into motion very quickly.
  
  
• Avoid approaching an animal in what may be seen as a dominant or confronting manner. Approaching head on, staring at them, firm or harsh eye contact, quick movements, or trying to make yourself bigger than them may be perceived as a threat. Talk softly, approach from the side, use soft eyes, keep your movements slow and steady, and always enter the animal’s space with respect.
  
  
• Never hesitate to move either you or the animal you are working with to a safer location, even during the session if necessary.
  
  
• Watch for signs of discomfort or fear in the animal and adjust or stop your Reiki treatment immediately.

Following these guidelines will keep Animal Reiki safe for animals and practitioners alike.

Fievel's First Round Up

Just like Fievel the mouse in An American Tale, Fievel the horse had a big adventure in the Wild West. At only a few weeks old he wandered into a cattle roundup without his Momma. Knowing he wouldn’t make it on his own he was taken in and eventually made his way to Luv Shack Horse Rescue. Despite being small, thin, and malnourished he has a strong spirit and is curious about the world around him.

Upon arriving at Luv Shack he is estimated to be only 3 – 4 weeks old. After settling Fievel into his new penthouse suite at the Luv Shack Hilton, and a thorough exam by the vet, I went over that evening to work with him.

Due to the unique circumstances of his age and condition I was reminded of several things as I worked with him. Special considerations should be kept in mind when sharing Reiki with animals who’ve recently experienced trauma, young or old. While this is no means a complete list of things to consider it is a start:

• Remember you’re there to work with the animal, not DO anything to them. It’s human nature to rush in to aid a helpless being. If the animal is safe, stop for a moment and consider whether your actions are based on doing something to the animal (picking it up, hugging it, petting it, etc.) or based on working with the animal in a manner that is comfortable and acceptable to them. Are your actions going to be more of a comfort for you than the animal?
  
  
• Respect the animal’s physical space. As much as we would love to scoop them up and cuddle them this often creates more fear than comfort. Be careful not to corner them. Always leave the animal room to move around, including moving away from you.
  
  
• Check your emotions at the door. No, I don’t mean to become unfeeling. Rather put your personal feelings and emotions aside and bring only positive, healthy, supportive energy into the animal’s space. And to a lesser degree keep your positive emotions in check. We can smother and overwhelm an animal easily with our emotions, both positive and negative.
  
  
• Be mindful of the length of time an animal is comfortable in receiving Reiki. Not all animals, are going to be open to receiving Reiki, despite our best intentions. If the animal moves away from you, refuses to connect, or lashes out in some way (snarl, nip/bite, kicking, stomping feet, etc.) stop immediately. These may be signs they do not wish to receive Reiki at that moment, or you may also consider changing your approach. Consider offering Reiki from several feet away. Or maybe a distant session would be more acceptable if you’re a Reiki II practitioner or higher. Lastly, this may not be what the animal wants. Thank them and leave them alone.
  
  
• As is often the case in a rescue facility, the newest arrival gets a lot of attention from attending to his physical needs to volunteers eager to great and comfort them. If there is a lot going on in the animal’s space consider waiting until a quiet time to offer Reiki. Your Reiki session will have a much greater impact when the animal is not overwhelmed with a lot of activity around them. And, you are less likely to become frustrated due to interruptions and distractions.

When I first arrived to work with Fievel there were just a couple of us and I was able to share some Reiki with him. He preferred short treatments, then we’d take a break and start a gain in a few minutes. Later as he needed to eat and volunteers came to greet and comfort him there was a lot more activity going on around him, sometimes with 4 – 5 people in his stall. I decided to stop offering Reiki and come back the next day when things would be quieter. Another option would have been to step back and offer Reiki to the situation as a whole.

The next day there were only the two of us, me and Fievel. I sat in his stall and let him come near me and move away as he desired. Like the night before he took the Reiki in small sessions and moved freely around his stall. Several times he moved and positioned his body near my hands where he wanted Reiki. The reward at the end of our time together was a soft nuzzle on the cheek. While the few moments of Reiki we shared the first night were good, going back at a quieter time was much more productive and rewarding for both of us.

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.

Reiki at 112

Let me just start out saying, it's HOT in Phoenix, AZ! And believe it or not even at temperatures above 110 degrees, there were some wonderful Reiki practitioners that came out to the monthly Animal Reiki share yesterday to work with the horses at Luv Shack Horse Rescue. The conditions that met us that day were a good reminder of being prepared for your environment and the importance of being able to stay present and focused when offering a treatment.

As we sat in the shade cooling off we talked about the difficulties of offering Reiki that day. The temperature, and resulting discomforts (sweat, blowing dust, hot breeze, sticky flies, etc.) made it difficult to focus for very long on Reiki. Each of us expressed that we were not at our best, and found it difficult at times to stay grounded and focused in the Reiki. Our conversation was a good reminder of the importance of being prepared for the environment you are going to be in, as well as knowing when you're personally not in the frame of mind to offer a Reiki treatment.

Here are a few things to consider when offering Reiki to animals if you will be outside or at a shelter/rescue.

• Dress appropriately for the weather.
  
  
• Bring plenty of fluids if working in the heat.
  
  
• Take whatever time you need to center and focus your own thoughts and intentions for offering Reiki. Depending on distractions around you, it may be necessary to do this even during a treatment if you lose your focus.
  
  
• Be honest and compassionate with yourself. While Reiki works under any circumstance, if you find you are distracted and not able to focus, stop. Do not push or force yourself. Forcing Reiki does not work for you or the animal you are working with.
  
  
• Do not endanger your own health. Extreme heat or cold can quickly take its toll.
  
  
• It may be more appropriate and effective to give several short sessions, rather than push through one long session.
  
  
• If possible find appropriate shelter, etc. that you can move the animal into to offer the treatment. (Shade, a warm building, protection from wind, shelter from rain/snow, etc.)
  
  
• Be aware of the environmental effects on the animal you are working with. If they are showing signs of discomfort or distraction you can either find a better space to work in or simply stop the treatment. If you are overheating or too cold, it's likely the animal is as well. And if the animal is not physically well they may be feeling the effects of the environment more than you. A Reiki Level II distance treatment may be a good option.
  
  
• If there are other animals nearby (i.e., in an open herd or pens/stalls/kennels) distractions from other animals are likely. In a herd a higher ranking member may come by, resulting in the animal you are working with to become agitated or walk away. In an open area another animal may become curious and disrupt your treatment. If the animals are in kennels, pens, or stalls, a nearby animal may disrupt the session. Simply be prepared for these events and if possible find an area to work where you will avoid these scenarios. I often have nearby animals gather close and partake of the Reiki all at the same time. You never know what wonderful experiences await you when working in an open area.

NOTE - A distance treatment is always a good option if you are a Reiki Level II or higher practitioner if the environment is not ideal for offering an in-person treatment.

By being aware of different possibilities you may encounter and preparing for them, you'll find your Reiki experiences are more rewarding and fulfilling for both you and the animal.