Animal Reiki - Peace for Animals in Hospice

Reiki is such a beautiful peaceful offering for an animal that is approaching the transition to spirit. Many of the animals I work with are at this end of life stage. And though one might perceive this as being emotionally challenging, it is actually surprisingly quite special to share the Reiki space with these beings.  And they have so many lessons to teach us -- and they are all filled with gratitude for the energetic and compassionate assistance we offer them.

The key is for us as Practitioner is to stay grounded and stable before, during and after a session. The more connected we are to the earth energy, remaining calm and balanced within our own energetic field, the smoother and more serene the session will be. If you let yourself get blown away by by sad emotions, you will not be able to remain in that "Reiki space” with your animal.

We want to establish a beautiful heart connection with our animal. And see the glorious, bright light of that animal’s soul, even though the body may be tired and worn. If you can be in that neutral space -- not distracted by sadness or pity -- then it will be easy to just "Be Reiki". And the energy will flow in a calm, yet very powerful way.

No, the dog won't become a puppy again; a cat suddenly won't have kitten energy, etc.  There will not likely be a magical recovery to complete well being. Remember, this is a hospice situation. However, some of the benefits can appear almost miraculous. For instance, one dog that I worked with who had cancer and could barely walk, did get up after the session and was able to get around with more ease and vitality, and less pain.  Reiki does create small miracles.  But yet, keep in mind that this is the end of the journey for this animal and he or she is probably completely accepting of this.  It is usually the animal's human who is not ready to bid their farewell -- after all, is anyone ever truly ready to say goodbye to a beloved pet?

All the hospice animals I have worked with in recent months have been so loving toward me, so open to the Reiki energy. It truly has been heartwarming experience -- the animals have this sixth sense of knowing that I am there with compassion and light for them.

Reiki often helps their transitions happen with far more peace and ease.  Sometimes the animals have simply passed on their own at the time of their choosing, in the arms of their beloved human. That is what happened with my own canine last year -- I am certain that all the Reiki he received helped him cross over exactly when he was ready. And he had uncannily waited until both my husband and myself were home with him... 

Yet, sometimes it is up to us (and our trusted veterinarian) to help out so as not to prolong any physical suffering...  Reiki can help with that too.

I have worked with some of the hospice cats at the rescue for which I volunteer and they were some of he most amazing creatures -- such wise souls who taught me about acceptance and love. Reiki would brig that glorious love from Universe to them and they would emanate with appreciation for the time I would spend with them. Their gratitude and acceptance would feel so clear and tangible.

In the case of pets, Reiki can bring light and emotional healing to the animal, the animal’a people and the entire situation of preparing to transition. If you have the opportunity to work with a hospice animal -- either yours or someone else's -- it can actually be a very fulfilling experience when you get beyond the sadness aspect. And you will be of such beautiful caring service to the animal...

Animal Reiki - Peaceful Space of Healing Possibilities

Reiki is such a beautiful peaceful offering for an animal that is approaching the transition to spirit. Many of the animals I work with are at this end of life stage. And though one might perceive this as being emotionally challenging, it is actually surprisingly quite special to share the Reiki space with these beings.  And they have so many lessons to teach us -- and they are all filled with gratitude for the energetic and compassionate assistance we offer them.

You don't have to push the energy, nor pull it, nor manipulate it in any way. You don't have to direct it or to transfer it.

For these are ways I have heard people talk about using Reiki for animals. With Reiki you do not have to actively do anything with the energy, except perhaps hold the space for it to flow.

It is essential to understand and remember that when we share the healing space with an animal, that we are doing just that -- sharing this lovely, open space of possibilities, allowing our animal to access his/her own innate healing ability by being in a state of beautiful expectancy with us. And by inviting our animal to join us in that sweet space, the possibilities at infinitely healing...

We need to ask our animal to become a partner in healing if he/she so chooses, letting them know that they can participate in the healing process however they would like. An animal can simply sit nearby and peacefully join us in a gentle meditative state. Or they can come up close and lay on your legs, or push their body into your hands, letting you know they welcome actual touch.

However, if an animal clearly indicates that he would prefer hands-off and just to be nearby or a little distance, accept this!  The Reiki will flow and give to the animal whatever they need at this point in time. You need to have supreme confidence in this, and let a session merely unfold in a serene way... Letting the animal guide you.

Actual touch is not necessary for effectiveness and though many Practitioners learn through their "people" Reiki training that touch can be a very important and pleasurable component of a Reiki session, such is not necessarily the case for our animal companions. This is especially in regard to shelter or rescued animals with a difficult past of abuse or neglect.

That is why it is so important to tune into your specific animal with your intuition and to establish a heart connection. For when you see with your heart, you are drawing upon a radiant wellspring of compassion. For it is often our busy, doubting mind that confuses and misleads us.  So let your mind and your ego gently, but absolutely step aside.

And be in that pure, clear space of allowing and welcoming the healing flow, setting aside strict preconceived notions of particular outcomes. When you tap into Reiki, have that deep and profound knowing that it will benefit your animal, by bringing in what is needed for that creature's most Highest and best Good.  Then relax, and simply BE in a peaceful, meditative space with your animal, and and be receptive to all miracles, whether large or small...