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It had been a busy day — with my monthly Healing Circle (which runs several hours) in the morning, and then a 20 mile round-trip visit to a canine Reiki client for a full session with him. My Reiki tasks completed, my husband and I went for a very late afternoon workout at our gym, something we try to fit in once each weekend.
It was on the way home from the gym, about one block from our home, that we noticed a stopped police car with lights flashing, and an SUV pulled over. Thinking a driver was being ticketed, we were ready to just pull around the scene, but suddenly I noticed the small body of a cat laying on its side in the middle of the road, obviously hit by a car, but still breathing.
Without giving it a second thought, I rolled down my window (my husband was driving) and at first, the police officer motioned us to just continue on and around, but I told him I was pulling up ahead. Quickly, I jumped out of the car and tried to decide what to do. The driver of the SUV was a young man who had not been able to stop in time to avoid hitting the cat and he had at least done the responsible, humane thing: stopped and called 911. However, the police officer appeared to have been a brand new cop and was standing there, a bit helplessly, not sure what to do. And it was clear that he would not touch the cat.
I quickly grabbed an old sweatshirt from my trunk and covered the cat with it. As I did so, the little one tried to move and cried out, but obviously was too injured to move anywhere. I gently held it as it lay and my husband and I told the officer that we were going to take the cat to the nearby emergency vet.
My heart was pounding and I knew that time was of the essence. The young driver and the cop had already been standing there for numerous minutes, so I lifted the cat as gently as possible and brought him onto my lap in the car. (The officer had told me to just open the trunk and lay the cat in there, but how horrible that would have been!) The cat was whimpering in pain, and I let the Reiki flow in, asking for the Highest Good of the broken, bruised body of the feline.
I was certain that the cat was too injured to survive, and knew that the Emergency vets would assess the situation and do the humane thing, not to let the cat suffer needlessly or extensively.
As I let the Reiki flow, the cat calmed under my touch and stopped crying. I spoke to him quietly, but it was heartwrenching for me. I trusted in Reiki to help me to help this sweet little creature.
My husband sped to the vet, as I tried my best not to be jostling the cat too much, as I was unable to be seat-belted in for that wild ride. And a wild ride it was! The cop gave us a police escort, lights flashing and sirens wailing. Though it just about a mile and half to the animal hospital and took but moments, it felt like one of the longest rides ever, with time standing still. (And the police officer had never been to the Emergency Vet before, probably since he was so new on the force and didn’t know exactly where we were headed.)
But at last we pulled right up front, and I rushed the kitty in. He looked up at me with such a meaningful gaze and I could see that there was blood on his tongue — I only hoped he understood that I was doing the best I could for him.
A veterinary assistant took him from me and whisked him to the back for the doctors to work on. The SUV driver had also, amazingly, followed us to the hospital and stayed for a few minutes. It is remarkable that this young man had enough compassion within him to see this through. I do believe that most young drivers in his situation would have never stopped and just kept going, leaving the injured cat in the street.
However, at some point, the young man did leave and we stayed with the officer to wait for a little while. The cat turned out to be a neutered male, obviously feral, and about 6 years old. He had a “cropped” ear, which is the sign that he was part of a “Trap, Neuter, Return” program for ferals, where cats have a small piece of their left ear removed or “tipped” to indicate that they have already been neutered.
The veterinary assistant informed us that though the doctors were working him, he appeared too far gone to survive, and that I should call back the next day to find out exactly what happened.
I left with a very heavy heart. The police officer thanked me for helping, and at least now he knows the location of the Emergency Vet if anything similar should happen. My husband comforted me, saying “You did all you could so don’t take it too hard.” But I often do take it hard with the animals, because that is just the way I am.
I called the hospital the next day to learn what I already knew in my heart, that the kitty had to be euthanized. The whole incident played out in my head a few times until I came to terms with it and I sent Reiki to the spirit of the cat.
Interestingly enough, we are not usually coming home from the gym as late as we did that day, and if the timing had been any different, I would not have come upon that scene. So perhaps I was meant to be there, and I do take some small comfort in that. Reiki does work in mysterious ways, and sometimes it is there to give a measure of compassion and relief to an animal that is preparing to make its journey to spirit.
Shinpiden means mystery teachings in the Japanese system of Reiki. This was the highest level of study for a student who had already achieved first Shoden (First Degree) and then Okuden (Second Degree.) Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, supposedly only brought sixteen qualified students to this level during his lifetime.
This level eventually was westernized by Hawayo Takata and it is believed she coined the term “Reiki Master” or “Reiki Master Teacher.” She trained twenty-two “Masters” during her lifetime.
Recently I had the pleasure of delving deeper into the classical Japanese background of Reiki by experiencing an intensive 3-day Shinpiden class with Frans Stiene of the International House of Reiki. It was a thought-provoking and extremely enlightening seminar as we learned theory, concepts and the “purity” of the origin of Reiki. For originally, Reiki was a path to spiritual exploration and enlightenment, not a healing modality. However, it was soon discovered that the lovely by-product of this spiritual practice was healing!
Today we know Reiki as a healing system and most study and train in it for that particular purpose. But to be a more effective healer, it can be helpful to really take a look at the spiritual practice side. Frans teaches what I consider “minimalist” or “bare-bones” Reiki. This embraces the basic concept of connecting the enlightened, peaceful aspect inside oneself to that within the Reiki client or recipient. It means perhaps just “being Reiki” and sharing the healing energy. It means first discovering that enlightened, compassionate part of yourself — and that’s where one’s spiritual evolution comes in.
Reiki is most effective when we just step back and trust that healing will flow in as it’s meant to, and that the recipient will receive exactly what she/he needs at this particular moment in time.
Though all these deep topics, Frans kept us engaged with his presentation which was also infused with his very joyful sense of humor. And when he taught us the Japanese method of “attunement” or “spiritual blessing” (which is used to awaken the student’s ability to connect with Reiki) it was like watching a sacred, graceful and profound choreography.
The entire three-day immersion into this lovely healing energy was quite an amazing experience, and I am still processing all that I learned. In the times to come, I will be integrating it into my own teaching curriculum.
I often refer to Reiki as a “journey” or a “path” and when I teach a Level I class, it is exciting for me to see brand-new students begin this enlightening part of their lives. We learn the Precepts, some meditations, some Japanese Reiki techniques, hands-on healing, self-healing practices — all the foundation tools for the study of this modality.
However, as each person moves forward in their own particular and unique path, it is up to the individual as to how many of the spiritual aspects of the system they will practice and embody. Going through the basics — the mechanics — does not assure a positive shift in one’s life unless one truly embraces the more spiritual and self-healing aspects of this system — and is open and welcoming to some personal evolution.
Now, can one’s healing treatment of another be effective without embracing deep spiritual aspects? My opinion is that yes, it absolutely can be effective. But woven into this entire tapestry of Reiki are the threads of one’s own personal healing, awakening and enlightenment.
For me, Reiki opened a glorious doorway — a doorway of illumination for me to walk through and connect to my my spiritual side — which brought much healing and peace. It was not an immediate “aha moment” but a steady, tranquil path that helped me heal from a tumultuous and painful period of my life.
There is sometimes debate over whether one can be a capable healer if their own life is not completely calm and joyful. There are many views on this, but I believe that if we wait until we are totally healed in every aspect (physical, mental/emotional and spiritual) we will be waiting forever. In this human plane of existence, as multi-dimensional beings, we will always carry a certain amount of conflict within us as part of our norm. However, minimizing this conflict, stress, discord, and stepping into a more positive framework of viewing life will certainly help us not just feel much better, but have an improved life experience and likely result in being better healers.
If you keep in mind that Reiki can be a magnificent journey for you personally, and if you are ready and willing to bring true healing and light into your own everyday reality, then Reiki will be a supportive and guiding companion along the way. Be patient, curious and open-minded — and you will walk through your own radiant doorway of illumination.
How long should I give Reiki? Exactly what can Reiki be used for? These are some of the common questions that I hear from newer students.
Reiki is a modality that certainly CAN work in miraculous ways. However, it is most likely to be effective when offered consistently and for a sustained period of time. Which means that if someone has a severe or prolonged condition, it would certainly be beneficial to give them a Reiki session each day or almost every day, even just a half hour long. Over time, there should be significant improvement. Of course, most people are looking for a quick fix, but patience and consistency of treatment is helpful.
Any Reiki is better than no Reiki. Five minutes of Reiki can often jumpstart the healing process within one’s physical being. I find that an hour session seems to be really powerful. In that time, a recipient can really relax into the energy and sometimes even lightly doze. During that time, significant healing can take place as the body begins to rebalance the energy flow. But if you only have the opportunity to give Reiki just for several minutes, absolutely do so!
Know that Reiki can be used for any condition or ailment. So if you are a Practitioner, move into the mindset of calling in Reiki energy as a wonderful and all-encompassing healing tool.
For yourself, remember to use it on small/simple injuries. My most recent accidental “banging of my knee” into the door frame (big ouch) would have certainly caused pain and swelling the next few days. Aside from the practical use of ice for an hour, I sent Reiki into my knee, using the Power Symbol. Happily, I never had any of the anticipated pain or swelling. It tingled a bit the next few days, but I was able to go to the gym for my regular workout the very next day, with absolutely no hint of a problem or pain. So don’t forget about yourself when these minor accidents happen. Use Reiki!
Also, at the first sign of a cold, call in the Reiki and do self-Reiki with one hand on your throat area and the other near your heart/chest area — this may ward of the onset of a full-fledged nasal or bronchial condition. If you can, have another Reiki practitioner give you a treatment. Any time I feel something like this coming on, I ask my husband, who is a Level I Practitioner, for a mini-session. This has been wonderfully successful several times, so I encourage you to try it. But it is most effective if you begin “preventative” treatment as soon as you feel any symptoms.
Bring the healing energy of Reiki into your everyday life — small miracles abound everywhere — and sometimes even big ones!
 Grady on a previous visit, all curled up on the sofa! The storm named Irene swept through Long Island with powerful winds and pelting rain. I was awakened at 4:30am by the sounds of no electricity, meaning the air conditioner and fans had turned off and the house was getting uncomfortably warm.
By 8:00 am, it was light out, if you could call it daylight, as we were enshrouded in a dark, ominous cloud. My own pets were all fine, as they are indoors, but I was concerned about my little semi-feral outdoor guy named Grady, a little kitty who showed up about a year ago in my yard.
He is a small, skinny kitty of grey and white coloring — his feet tiny little white “boots” and a symmetrical white “v” shape of fur on his chest. I had not seen him since the afternoon before the storm. And the side street where he often crosses to come to my property had become a temporary canal. But suddenly, there he was on my window sill, a bit soggy, but waiting for me to open the door.
He popped in, had his breakfast, and as is his custom, wanted to go out. Now, I’ve always honored his freedom and let him out when he so desires, and that has created a wonderful bond of trust between us. However, I was determined that I would not let him out during the very worst of this storm.
He went and stood on the sofa, forlornly gazing out the window, wondering how he might escape through this venue. Then he went to the back screen window and I watched carefully to make sure he didn’t start to scratch the screen with his extremely long claws. “Grady, you can’t go outside right now. It’s too dangerous for you.” He did not panic, but then plopped himself sternly down in front of the back door, where he always exits, his petite head gesturing up for me to open the door.
I had just received a warning text from my daughter, “Torrential downpour arriving within 30 minutes” because she still had power in her apartment and was watching the news coverage. That text message made me ever more determined to keep this grey and white feline safe indoors, even it meant that he was a captive for several hours.
“No, Grady, you need to stay inside for a few hours just today.” He stretched up, as long as he could make himself and placed his paws on the doorknob, trying to figure out how he could turn it to secure his release. “Grady, go lay down now. Go into your house and lay down.” There is a “house” at the bottom of the cat tree that stands in the dining room (which is where the back door is) which he occasionally will nap in.
He was not happy at the moment, and stood on his little rug — an old bathroom mat which has become a comfort spot for him, kneading it, and obviously trying to decide what to do.
“Grady, lay down and I will give you Reiki if you like.” I sat down several feet away on the floor, crosslegged, my hands on my lap to let the Reiki flow freely. He looked at me inquisitively, but somehow knowingly, and I think he picked up on a sense of what I was offering him. He slipped into the little house and curled up, eyeing me. “I promise I will let you out later,” I assured him.
I allowed myself to move into the stream of Reiki, and let it flow around me and out to Grady in the little house. Within a few minutes, he relaxed into the energy and his eyes closed peacefully. I sat in that position for perhaps just twenty minutes and the little feline was then fast asleep in a lovely Reiki slumber. I was hoping he would remain that way for at least until the torrential downpour has passed, but amazingly he slept very soundly for many hours. By the time he awoke, the worst of the storm has passed. I gave him a midday snack and then let him out, which I’m sure was a bit of a relief for him. But I was grateful to Reiki for helping me keep him safe to weather the storm.
When I first decided to learn Reiki, I had no plans on starting a practice and certainly no thoughts on becoming a teacher. Yet, here I am doing just that — and finding it to be extremely fulfilling. Days that I have clients/and or students are days that are filled with light, joy and satisfaction. Sometimes I am still amazed to find myself on this particular path — but so delighted to be doing something that I thoroughly enjoy.
I only began to learn Reiki for the purpose of self-healing. I had emerged from a place of hurt and darkness and I desperately needed healing in my life. I was seeking something that represented light and well-being — and joy. Reiki held the promise of all three. And it has certainly delivered in all those aspects.
My own healing metamorphosis was not an overnight sensation, and probably took several years. But in time, from such turbulence that was my life, a new bright Reiki butterfly was born, and I say that with a contented smile.
The energy brought healing, and also much enlightenment. And as I always say to my Level I students, Reiki is a journey, not just a “classroom” certification. It changes your life in a grand way — IF you are open to it. It always brings benefits, sometimes amazing ones and sometimes small but noticeable ones.
Often changes happen slowly but steadily, and you might not really see them until they have become somewhat cumulative. Then at some point, you have your moment of revelation — when you suddenly realize how dramatically your life has shifted for the better.
Many of my students take their first class for the exact same reason that I first studied the modality. They seek healing on any of several levels — physical, mental/emotional or spiritual — or all of the above. But they are seeking healing specifically for themselves. They may be interested in practicing on others, but mostly, they want to reap the benefits of improving their well being first. And that is what I, along with most teachers, encourage first anyway — practice self-healing consistently and you will get to the place of peacefulness and harmony. The place of not just feeling good, but of feeling good about yourself.
One of the most essential keys to an effective Animal Reiki session is to have the mindset of being truly open and flexible. Each session and each animal can be so completely different. With people Reiki, it is much more routine — a client shows up, lays down on the Reiki table and receives a session. Yes, there are variations, but that is basically the way it happens. With animals, working with each animal can be so different from the next and even with the same animal, subsequent sessions can widely vary.
So as a Practitioner, when you show up for a session with a particular animal — be open minded. Look around and assess the situation: use both your intuitive and practical senses to decide what is the best way to approach the animal and the best way to use the surrounding space, whether it be a home or a shelter. (And by the way, this assumes you are going to the animal’s place, as opposed to the animal coming to you. Animals are much more comfortable in their own environment and are far less stressed out than if they have to travel anywhere.)
Assess the situation: is there a room that you can be in with the animal and the animal’s person, apart from the rest of the house, such as bedroom. This way the animal has the freedom to roam throughout the room, but it will also be more conducive to checking out and accepting the healing energy that you are offering. If you allow the animal freedom of the entire apartment or house, there is obviously a greater chance of the animal disappearing before you can even offer the energy.
Are there other animals present? Perhaps they can be safely kept elsewhere so your can focus on the animal in need. Of course, if someone wants Reiki for their 4 cats, you can just sit with all of them and invite them all to take as much energy as they like. But otherwise, try to just be with that one animal and really focus.
One of my students recently wrote to me about the cat she is treating with Reiki (one of the client’s two felines.) For several sessions she confined the cat in a room with her and the cat came to really anticipate and be very accepting of Reiki. On a subsequent visit, for a variety of reasons, she decided to allow the cat to have full freedom of the apartment so she ended up following the cat from place to place where the cat would almost relax, but not quite in each place. There was also the distraction of the other cat in the household. So she decided that going forward, it would be better to remain in a separate room with the feline.
For a potentially aggressive or unfriendly dog, be sure to be ultra-respectful of the canine’s space because he/she may react in a territorial way. It is also possible to keep a dog on a long lead if the space is so huge and you would like to keep them a bit closer, assuming that the dog is friendly enough. This way they have the freedom to move back and come forward, at their choice. The leash can even be held by the owner and you can sit nearby. Using the leash may not be ideal, but is part of being flexible and using whatever technique will work for the particular situation.
As the Practitioner, you need to decide what you feel will work and then explain it to the animal’s person. If they have any objections to your suggestions, then of course, ask for their input and perhaps revise what you will do. But do remember, that for you, safety is always a primary concern as you do not want to get scratched, bitten, etc.
Make sure to do some self Reiki and/or distant Reiki when you are on your way to the animal’s home or the shelter, already calling in the flow of energy for the Highest Good of the animal and the situation. You will find that it all may go more smoothly if you energetically prepare ahead of time. And always trust that Reiki will be a healing benefit to any situation.
You have taken your First Degree class and learned all the Reiki basics — you leave class as a full-fledged “officially” certified Reiki Practitioner. You are feeling quite good about your accomplishment and might even be on an energy-high after your attunement. So you go home — and what’s next? How will you use your new-found ability? And will it make a truly positive change in your life?
Like any other new skill, you get better with practice, and hopefully your teacher has strongly encouraged you to practice, practice, practice! The most essential starting point is self-healing. You should make an effort to do some self-healing every day, as it helps you remain clear and balanced, and keeps your own energy flowing freely. So find some time every day in the morning, afternoon or evening — whatever works for you personally — to spend a little time doing Reiki for yourself.
Now, assuming that you are diligent with that, how should you expand your practice? Reach out to family members and friends. If they’re not too familiar with Reiki, explain it to them in an easy way to understand — don’t overwhelm them with details. Just let them know it is a relaxation and stress-reduction technique. And it is never harmful. Most are willing to try something that is calming and relaxing, at least once. But not everyone is open to Reiki, so be diplomatic and nonjudgmental toward those who have no interest in experiencing hands-on healing.
When I was a new Practitioner, I “forced” my husband to have numerous Reiki sessions because I needed someone to practice on, but I do say that in jest. He was more than willing to benefit from the many sessions I gave him and thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed in the energy. He even became a Level I Practitioner.
However, some of my friends were not really interested in a session, which took me aback, but not everyone is open minded. One time, a friend of mine called me to say she had pulled her back out and was having severe pain. She had a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon and I immediately volunteered to stop by in the morning and give her a Reiki session in her house, since she was in too much pain to drive. She reacted in such a close-minded way and it was obvious she was not even willing to try. However, I’m happy to say that most of my friends have had sessions from me and all have enjoyed and benefited from them.
Also, don’t be concerned if you do not yet own an actual Reiki table. Sessions can be effectively given on a chair, sofa — or even a bed. Just go with the flow.
Overall, the more you do Reiki, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Always remember to trust the wisdom of Reiki (the Universal Life Force Energy) to work for the recipient’s highest good. By doing sessions for others, you also receive the benefit of the energy flowing through you so you get a session when you give a session, and that is a wonderful outcome! First Degree Reiki is the start of an exciting and beautiful path, opening new doors and new awareness. I believe that most Practitioners will say that Reiki has brought much peace and enlightenment into their lives. I hope it will for you too.
Whenever you learn any new skill, the more you practice, the more comfortable and experienced you become. It is the same with Reiki — and a healing circle is excellent way to learn more about the energy and the benefits of this modality.
This group healing event is also sometimes called a Reiki share, because it often consists of practitioners taking turns giving each other mini-sessions. In addition, there are also people (non-practitioners) who can greatly benefit from the healing sessions who may attend. Or those who might be interested in finding out more about Reiki with the intent of becoming a Practitioner, but wish to first “test the waters” so to speak.
I attended many different versions of these local Circles over the years. Then I began my own, and I hold this event on a monthly basis, generally the third Saturday morning of each month.
It is a nice “meet and greet” — a way to connect and network with other Practitioners and like-minded individuals.
It is also a refreshing way to recharge or rejuvenate your own personal energetic balance. In Reiki, self-healing is so important, but what can be more relaxing than being energetically “worked on” by 2-4 other Reiki practitioners. Taking a turn on the table gives one a chance for peacefulness and a time to revitalize.
I enjoy facilitating my own Healing Circle (they are free, but I ask for a small donation which goes to charity.) The mix of energy in the room where we hold this event is very positive and uplifting. I always begin each Circle with a guided meditation to connect everyone together energetically and to help release any stress or concerns that people might still be holding on to from their week.
One of the attendees informed me that this was the first time she had attended such a gathering. She thought that we would hold hands in a circle and do some meditation. She was delightfully surprised that it was so much more than that — and so relaxing, empowering and re-energizing.
So if it resonates with you, find a Healing Circle in your own local area. This is especially helpful if you are a newer Practitioner because it will help you become more comfortable using this wonderful and radiant modality!
I do get numerous calls from clients right when their animals may be preparing to make their transitions. Reiki is a very gentle and peaceful modality and so is beneficial for supporting animals who are very ill and/or very old. These are animals who may be spending their final days, weeks or months with their loving human companions.
I do explain to my clients that Reiki will definitely benefit these animals and perhaps add additional quality of life and quantity of time, as well as whatever emotional healing is needed. Reiki will also help heal any family or human/animal situation.
I do believe that most people who contact me are — deep in their hearts — secretly hoping for a miracle (especially if their animal is not a senior.) I gently and tactfully guide them to understand that miracles, though of course possible, are not the norm.
I also encourage people to be sensitive and understanding of their animal’s life path. This may involve the very difficult task of letting their animal “move” on toward its spiritual journey, preparing themselves to say goodbye to their cherished and often long-term companion.
As I was recently having this life-path talk with one particular client regarding her elderly cat, she nodded knowingly, with tears welling in her eyes. She admitted that she had taken very drastic and demanding medical steps to keep a previous pet alive, simply because SHE could not bear to say farewell. In hindsight, she says that she learned a life lesson, and would make a different choice today and not repeat that dramatic, physically demanding and emotionally draining scenario for both her and her 4-legged companion.
But we all know it is so agonizingly painful to make end-of-life decisions regarding our pets. Reiki can often help infuse this time with a greater sense of peacefulness and ease.
Giving frequent and brief treatments to an animal at this stage may be the better way to go, if possible. If you are working with your own animal, it will be especially easy to offer regular sessions that are shorter. Of course, any Reiki is beneficial, and even one session can often provide significant results. As always, let the animal guide you with hands-off versus hands-on, as well as the actual length of the treatment. And remember to release the outcome — the wisdom of the energy will make sure that Reiki goes to where it needs to go for the highest good of the animal.
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