Contributed by Wendee Walker
My young horse Brioso used to stretch his neck and open his mouth in a silent scream. He had the clinical signs of excruciating pain and anxiety. My experienced veterinary team assured me this would pass. I made sure he had freedom, forage and friends, but that did little to calm his discomfort.
In my efforts to help him, I tried just about every available complementary modality. He was too tender and emotionally sensitive to tolerate even the most gentle massage, chiropractic, or body work. Finding the sacred space of Animal Reiki changed and healed us both in ways I could never have predicted.
So what is Reiki?
The word Reiki, (ray-key) translates from Japanese as, “Rei” meaning mystery or spirit, and “Ki” meaning energy. Most people are familiar with Reiki as a Japanese hands-on healing treatment for humans. While practicing the Animal Reiki Source Let Animals Lead® method, we create a meditative state of mind that sets us up for a mutually beneficial energy exchange with all living beings.
Reiki is gentle, does no harm, and heals on some level
The main difference between Reiki for humans and horses, is that animals don’t call up to schedule an appointment! Since it’s our idea to offer a Reiki treatment, the practitioner settles into meditation with the intent to remain playful, curious, and open to what the animal offers.
Reiki with Animals: A Do-No-Harm Practice
We invite the animal to share in the space with freedom to come and go. When I’m fully present, horses nap nearby, or reposition to show me where they’d like attention. Animals give instant feedback and that has taught me to stay present. We always close a treatment with gratitude for however the animal chose to participate that day.
Kathleen Prasad, founder of Animal Reiki Source, wrote, “By simply relaxing, being quiet, breathing and having a heartfelt intention to help another being, you create a sacred space. In this space, all things are possible.” Reiki is gentle, does no harm, and heals on some level. When we see with our non judgmental Reiki eyes, all animals respond.
Animal Reiki can be practiced sitting, standing, walking, or even while doing barn chores.
If you already meditate, you know some days are easier than others. That’s why it’s called practice. One aspect I love about Animal Reiki is that it can be practiced sitting, standing, walking, or even while doing barn chores. In my stable I call it mindful mucking or bucket scrubbing! Shelter Animal Reiki Association, SARA members practice while volunteering at veterinary offices, sanctuaries and animal shelters. As part of my training I practiced at Friends of the Asian Elephant in Thailand. Fearful dogs and cats are more likely to be adopted after experiencing Reiki. This video clip of before and after treatment is not only impressive but typical. Whether you are interested in learning Animal Reiki for your own horses, or for your work with rescues, I’m excited to guide you on this path.
In Let Animals Lead® Shoden Level 1 class, students receive attunement, the basics of Precepts, Pillars, and Ethics, in addition to self healing hand positions, and chair treatments for humans and animals.
In Reiki level 2 and 3, students receive attunement, and learn distance healing, as well as the Japanese symbols and mantras. All Let Animals Lead® students leave class with a manual, certificate, and the tools to practice heart-to-heart Reiki meditation with all living beings.
Reiki with Animals: A Do-No-Harm Practice
Wendee Walker invites you to a two-day outdoor, socially distanced class: Shoden and Animal Reiki: Level 1 of the Animal Reiki Source Let Animals Lead® Method
May 21 and 22 at Equitopia Center, Thornton, CA
(50% discount for Equitopia members)
