REIKI in the Peaceable Kingdom
© published in Holistic Health Networker May 15, 2009 by Sue Purdy
Many people are aware of Reiki and its benefits to humans, but may be unaware that pets and other animals benefit from Reiki as well. Reiki is “spiritually guided life force energy” so the practitioner never needs to be concerned over what exactly is causing an animal’s discomfort.
Animals respond very well to Reiki. They bask in its healing warmth. Just as with humans, that deep relaxation helps with the healing processes of body, mind, and spirit - targeting the source of their problems, not just the symptoms.
In addition to the care your veterinarian gives your animal companion Reiki sessions can promote health and well-being for your friend. Reiki can assist your animal with arthritis, other joint pain, chronic infections, anxiety, behavioral problems, post surgical recovery, grief, etc. And, when our companions are in their late stages of life, Reiki can provide relaxation and pain relief during their final days and make their transition a bit easier.
Some animals prefer not to be touched which is fine because Reiki is easily given from a distance. Cats and birds particularly prefer to sit a foot to three feet away from the practitioner. Dogs seem to prefer hands-on session. Some animals do a combination, wanting some touch and then curling up slightly away to take a "Reiki nap" while the energy flows. Each animal is unique in how she/he receives Reiki, but all I have worked on have responded positively to it.
I once assisted in giving Reiki to a young horse that was lame. He was fun to work with and was very receptive to the energy. The interesting part was all the other horses in the barn leaned in as close as they could to take in some of the energy. That follows across the board. If Reiki is flowing, any animal in the area will likely show up to receive the energy too.
One of my favorite things to do in nice weather is to sit outside and send Reiki out to any animal that might want to have it. Without fail, various kinds of birds and wildlife come in close. They get quiet and rest a bit. It is like the Peaceable Kingdom – for just a brief time they are all in harmony as Reiki energy flows amongst them.
While working with some rescued parrots recently, the human that now cares for them was concerned that all of the screeching and talking they were doing would keep me from giving her feather picking parrot a good session. I told her that I would offer Reiki to all of them and they would settle down. Sure enough within 2 minutes they were all quiet soaking up the soothing energy. They stayed that way until the energy quit flowing and then they resumed their chatter and talking. Our little friend is overcoming his feather-picking with the help of his veterinary care and Reiki.
It is satisfying working with animals that have had a loss or traumatic event. Reiki is able to help them find calm and balance. One cat I worked with was quite ill with vomiting and diarrhea and the veterinarian was stumped as to the cause so she concluded it was emotional. As I worked with this kitty I sensed he had experienced a recent loss. The human confirmed that kitty’s ‘brother ’ had been euthanized four months earlier. At that point, I knew Reiki would begin helping this little fellow move through his grief so that he could heal.
The largest animal I have encountered is a whale. We were on a whale watch cruise and as we would approach whales, I would send out Reiki. It was fascinating to see their responses to it. One whale in particular came up to the ship and sidled up to it. In itself, that is not unusual behavior except that the researchers on board had never seen this particular whale do this. He stayed alongside for quite a while and then rolled to his other side for a bit of time. After a bit the whale delighted nearby children by opening his eye and looking right at us. I felt the Reiki energy ebb and only then did he move off. I was in awe of this magnificent creature that could understand and accept the wonderful healing energy offered to him.
When my dog was recovering from double knee surgery to repair a congenital problem, Reiki helped reduce the amount of pain medications she needed. Her recovery moved along quickly and easily. She has become a real Reiki ‘hog’ and asks for it regularly. Many pets do seek it out if they know it is available to them.
Sessions for most animals only need to last 20 to 30 minutes although larger animals may take an hour or more. Reiki can be given to any animal regardless of age or size. Many people will learn Reiki just so that they can give it to their pets. Most Reiki practitioners will travel to an animal’s home to give a session since animals do better in familiar surroundings. Some practitioners work with rescue groups to help traumatized animals adjust to new surroundings. Reiki and animals just naturally go together regardless of how the connection is made.
© published in Holistic Health Networker May 15, 2009 by Sue Purdy
Many people are aware of Reiki and its benefits to humans, but may be unaware that pets and other animals benefit from Reiki as well. Reiki is “spiritually guided life force energy” so the practitioner never needs to be concerned over what exactly is causing an animal’s discomfort.
Animals respond very well to Reiki. They bask in its healing warmth. Just as with humans, that deep relaxation helps with the healing processes of body, mind, and spirit - targeting the source of their problems, not just the symptoms.
In addition to the care your veterinarian gives your animal companion Reiki sessions can promote health and well-being for your friend. Reiki can assist your animal with arthritis, other joint pain, chronic infections, anxiety, behavioral problems, post surgical recovery, grief, etc. And, when our companions are in their late stages of life, Reiki can provide relaxation and pain relief during their final days and make their transition a bit easier.
Some animals prefer not to be touched which is fine because Reiki is easily given from a distance. Cats and birds particularly prefer to sit a foot to three feet away from the practitioner. Dogs seem to prefer hands-on session. Some animals do a combination, wanting some touch and then curling up slightly away to take a "Reiki nap" while the energy flows. Each animal is unique in how she/he receives Reiki, but all I have worked on have responded positively to it.
I once assisted in giving Reiki to a young horse that was lame. He was fun to work with and was very receptive to the energy. The interesting part was all the other horses in the barn leaned in as close as they could to take in some of the energy. That follows across the board. If Reiki is flowing, any animal in the area will likely show up to receive the energy too.
One of my favorite things to do in nice weather is to sit outside and send Reiki out to any animal that might want to have it. Without fail, various kinds of birds and wildlife come in close. They get quiet and rest a bit. It is like the Peaceable Kingdom – for just a brief time they are all in harmony as Reiki energy flows amongst them.
While working with some rescued parrots recently, the human that now cares for them was concerned that all of the screeching and talking they were doing would keep me from giving her feather picking parrot a good session. I told her that I would offer Reiki to all of them and they would settle down. Sure enough within 2 minutes they were all quiet soaking up the soothing energy. They stayed that way until the energy quit flowing and then they resumed their chatter and talking. Our little friend is overcoming his feather-picking with the help of his veterinary care and Reiki.
It is satisfying working with animals that have had a loss or traumatic event. Reiki is able to help them find calm and balance. One cat I worked with was quite ill with vomiting and diarrhea and the veterinarian was stumped as to the cause so she concluded it was emotional. As I worked with this kitty I sensed he had experienced a recent loss. The human confirmed that kitty’s ‘brother ’ had been euthanized four months earlier. At that point, I knew Reiki would begin helping this little fellow move through his grief so that he could heal.
The largest animal I have encountered is a whale. We were on a whale watch cruise and as we would approach whales, I would send out Reiki. It was fascinating to see their responses to it. One whale in particular came up to the ship and sidled up to it. In itself, that is not unusual behavior except that the researchers on board had never seen this particular whale do this. He stayed alongside for quite a while and then rolled to his other side for a bit of time. After a bit the whale delighted nearby children by opening his eye and looking right at us. I felt the Reiki energy ebb and only then did he move off. I was in awe of this magnificent creature that could understand and accept the wonderful healing energy offered to him.
When my dog was recovering from double knee surgery to repair a congenital problem, Reiki helped reduce the amount of pain medications she needed. Her recovery moved along quickly and easily. She has become a real Reiki ‘hog’ and asks for it regularly. Many pets do seek it out if they know it is available to them.
Sessions for most animals only need to last 20 to 30 minutes although larger animals may take an hour or more. Reiki can be given to any animal regardless of age or size. Many people will learn Reiki just so that they can give it to their pets. Most Reiki practitioners will travel to an animal’s home to give a session since animals do better in familiar surroundings. Some practitioners work with rescue groups to help traumatized animals adjust to new surroundings. Reiki and animals just naturally go together regardless of how the connection is made.
Sue Purdy
Reiki Master/Teacher
259 North 6th Street, Suite 2
Columbia, PA 17512
717-201-3570
www.purdyreiki.com
Reiki Master/Teacher
259 North 6th Street, Suite 2
Columbia, PA 17512
717-201-3570
www.purdyreiki.com