Posts Tagged ‘horse’

An Unexpected Exchange

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010


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.

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I Heard Fiona Say No

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010


Fiona is a beautiful miniature horse recently taken in by Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue. She seemed a bit down as if something was bothering her, so on my regular visit I stopped by to offer her Reiki.

I make it a practice to ask permission of anyone I’m offering Reiki too. I made a connection with Fiona and asked. I didn’t seem to get a response, so asked again. This time I heard “No” in a quiet, timid way. Just to make sure, I shared with her what Reiki was and even offered a distance treatment. Again I heard a soft “No” and this time she turned and walked away. I thanked her for the connection and let her be. This does not happen very often so I found myself reflecting upon the situation, grateful that I had asked before assuming she wanted Reiki.

We easily recognize when a person does not want Reiki, they will speak to us or move away. While animals will do the same, sometimes we aren’t in tune with their response. Here are a few suggestions when working with animals.

  • Animals often have things done to them or forced on them. Reiki should not be one of those things. Allowing the animal freedom of choice will build a trusting partnership for healing.
  • Always ask permission. This can be done verbally, silently within your mind, through a heart connections, or however you wish to connect with the animal.

If they do not wish to participate in a Reiki session there are many signs they may give. You may simply receive through intuition a “No”. Body language is often the first and best indicator that an animal does not want a treatment. Here are just a few physical signs:

• Walking away
• Stomping feet
• Swishing Tail
• Growling
• Signs of irritation
• Pacing

If you receive such signals adjust how you are offering the Reiki (hands-on, hands-off, short distance, further distance, etc.) If the signs persist and you do not feel Reiki flowing simply thank the animal and do not force Reiki upon them.

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Energy Healing – No Experience Necessary

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

I believe we all have the ability to heal. It’s not a gift or an ability someone else gives us. We are born with this ability. Some of us are aware from a very early age that we have this innate gift, some of us find it later in life. Reiki is a beautiful system of working with this gift we all have, and when fully embraced will change your life forever. However, one does not need to know Reiki to heal with energy. A wonderful group of people, ranging in age from teenagers to adults, recently experienced just this.

Each month I host an Animal Reiki Share at a Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue. This is an opportunity for Reiki practitioners of all levels and experience to volunteer time working with the animals. While most attendees have a Reiki background the group is always open to anyone who wants to attend. From time to time people come just to see what Reiki and Energy Healing is all about. This month’s Animal Reiki share was unique because nobody attending this particular day had any previous Reiki experience. In fact, none had even ever received a Reiki treatment. Some had seen me work with the animals at the rescue and were curious about it, and others simply wanted to see what energy healing is all about.

We had a great discussion about what energy is, did an exercise to introduce everyone to what energy feels like, relaxed and grounded ourselves in a guided meditation, and worked directly with the horses.
These “first timers” to energy healing were an open-minded and adventurous group. At first it might have seemed a bit silly to be placing your hands near an animal trying to figure out if you or the animal were feeling anything, but each and everyone tried it. And I think across the board everyone had an experience of either feeling the energy or feeling a “connection” was made. Sometimes feeling the energy or connection was difficult to describe or put into words, but it was felt and experienced by each of them.

By the end of our afternoon each had experienced a connection with one or more animals and changes within the herd itself were noticed. The herd is comprised of horses and donkeys from yearlings on up, with a wide range of personalities. However, within a short time the entire herd settled down and mellowed out. The youngsters that don’t typically stand still for long eagerly stood and connected with the person working with them. The playful ones also relaxed and enjoyed the personal attention they were receiving. The shy and hesitant members came close, and some even directly approached one of us for attention.

When volunteers come to clean and feed, the typical routine is to feed and then clean. For whatever reason, that night they cleaned first and then fed. Typically they would have been meet with eager hungry horses wondering why they were not getting fed first. However, on this day each horse remained part of the calm energy of the herd and didn’t seem to notice the change in the routine.

The afternoon could be described as magical as each person experienced something new. For some, beliefs were challenged, uncertainty was felt, and some may have felt a little silly at first. But each worked past whatever doubts or discomfort they experienced and shared a magical moment connecting with a herd of horses. Now what could be more healing than that?

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A Horse, A Horse Trailer, and a Peppermint Candy

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

Smarty Who is now a retired racehorse from Turf Paradise here in Phoenix. She and her stable mate, Thinkin’ Bout Blake, had finished their racing careers and their owner was ready to send them down the road, most likely the slaughter road to Mexico. Fortunately their trainer couldn’t bear the thought of this and through a series of contacts these two Thoroughbreds found their way to Luv Shack Horse Rescue. And better yet, they’ve found a great place to rest and recover from their racing injuries in southern Arizona.

Everything from the human side had been planned and the pick up date was at hand. Thinkin’ Bout Blake loaded first into the trailer, ready to leave his racing career behind. However, Smarty Who was unsure and put up a fuss about loading. Now, Joey from Luv Shack has loaded many a wild horse, and after a few tries was afraid of Smarty Who hurting herself. So the decision was made to come back with a larger trailer that would be a better fit for this big, beautiful mare.

I was asked to send distance Reiki to Smarty Who to help her load into the trailer when they went back for her. She easily accepted my invitation and we had a good session. During my connection with her I explained what was happening, where she was going, and why we would like her to load up and go with Joey. As we neared the end of the session I kept getting the message that she wanted a treat. Not just any treat, but specifically a peppermint. I let her know I would pass her request on. When I told Joey about her request, she smiled and said that when they were trying to load her the trainer mentioned she liked candy. ;)

When the day came to go back and pick her up I had some extra time and asked to ride along. I wanted to meet this beautiful spirit in person. We arrived at the track and Smarty Who was brought out by her trainer. Her eyes were big and her head held high as she spotted the crowd of various people from the track that had gathered to load her into the trailer anyway they could. Not the optimal energy this already scared horse needed. As her nervous and wary energy met the forceful and “do whatever it takes” energy of the gathered “helpers” she of course began to resist. All the pushing, yelling, and arm waving that came at her from behind did anything but calm her. Standing off to the side I again offered Reiki to her and the entire situation at hand. It seemed to be the calm spot in this whirlwind of drama.

When Smarty Who finally loaded into the trailer I think she was grateful that the trailer door shut behind her. It safely separated her from that group of loud, pushy people. As the group finished patting each other on the back and final arrangements were being made to take her I went to the side of the trailer where I could see and talk to her. With peppermint in hand I told her what a brave horse she was and again re-affirmed that she was going to a wonderful place to heal. A place where she could simply relax and be a horse. The peppermint was gingerly nibbled from my hand and she eagerly smacked her lips together as she savored the treat. It was as if this was the reassurance she needed that all was going to be well.

The rest of the trip to her new home was peaceful and uneventful. We delivered both horses to a facility near Tucson where they waited a few hours to be picked up by their new owner. Smarty Who easily unloaded from our trailer and we were told smoothly loaded into the trailer of her new owner. I can sense the happiness and gratitude in her heart as she begins life anew.

I always find myself in a place of wonderment and thankfulness for the flexibility and adaptive nature of Reiki. Sometimes the situation is critical, like so many in the world of animal rescue, or simply an animal seeking peace, love or comfort. Regardless the energy always flows for the highest good of all. Whether my path with these animals is a few peaceful moments sharing Reiki or one that we walk together for a time, I’ve learned much from Reiki and the amazing animals I’m honored to work with. And in Smarty Who’s case, I’m thankful for peppermints!

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Lessons in Listening: A Mare, A Foal, And A Wild Yearling

Monday, April 5th, 2010

I’m always excited to be able to adapt Reiki to the situation, as well as the temperament and needs of the animal. When I listen to the animals, they tell me all I need to know.

I was called to Luv Shack Horse Rescue to work with a mare, Whisper, and a seven-day-old foal, Jersey Girl, that were found wandering in the desert and rescued. How long the Whisper had been on her own is not known, nor if she delivered Jersey Girl before or after she was turned loose.  Whisper was underweight, her hooves had grown so long they had started to curl, and she had an eye infection.  Jersey Girl had a low red blood cell count.

Both were wild-eyed and fearful. I started working outside their stall (two stalls opened up to create one large stall) and quickly felt an invitation to come in. Whisper was watchful and her eyes were large and wary. Jersey Girl ran behind her. I simply stood at a distance and started the Reiki flowing.

Within minutes, Jersey Girl was nuzzling me and nibbling on my clothes. Whisper kept a watchful eye but began to calm. A couple of times she stood between me and the foal, eventually relaxing enough to allow Jersey Girl close to me without too much concern. The whole time I simply filled the stall with love, safety and peace. Jersey became my shadow for the rest of the treatment. She allowed me to work on her in short spurts. Whisper allowed work from a distance at first, and eventually came over and leaned into my hands, soaking it all in.

Several volunteers tried to get close to the Jersey Girl (she’s so cute no one could resist), but Whisper wouldn’t allow it. Those watching were amazed that I stood among them, with the baby nuzzling me and following me around. It truly was a testament to the wonder of Reiki.

I also recently offered Reiki to wild yearling horse who came to Dreamchaser Horse Rescue from Fallon Feedlot in Nevada. He was very wild and distrustful.  In fact, the number sticker he got either at the feedlot or the auction was still on his rump. No one could get near enough to remove it. He’s was in a turnout, about the size of a round pen, with another horse; we hope the other horse will help calm him down.

As is common with work at rescues there were several volunteers around and enough activity that he was wary of it all. So I simply stood at the far end of the turnout and began my session. He was fidgety and anxious, and didn’t seem to trust what was going on. Of course, I let him know my intentions and that he was free to choose how much, if any, Reiki he wanted. I also surrounded us with love, safety and peace. He seemed to take a bit of energy here and there, but was more curious than anything. A couple of times he walked near me (within a foot or two), but didn’t stay close for too long. After about 10 minutes, I received the message he was done.

Every animal and circumstance is different.  Even the same animal may change preference from treatment to treatment.  Listening to them and watching their body language will help you determine their preference for a treatment.  Reiki is adaptable to any situation.

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The Lesson of One

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Last week at the Animal Reiki Share I host at Dreamchaser Horse Rescue we had a unique experience. Something we had not experienced before.

Its common when we go to the rescue to have several animals that need attention, as well as those that each individual is drawn to work with.  That day wasn’t any different as the Ranch Manager suggested several that may need some Reiki.  We split up to make sure each of them received attention.

As I approached Yogi, an off track Thoroughbred with crooked front legs and arthritis, I asked as I normally do to connect with him and offer Reiki.  Before I realized it I connected with an energy much larger than Yogi.  It felt to be the energy of the entire herd. Again, I sought to make an individual connection with Yogi and again found myself within the energy of the herd.

While in that connection there was an overall feeling of contentment and that all was okay within the herd and that they didn’t require any special attention.  Rather that attention was to be given to Susan Thompson, founder of Dreamchaser.

As I experienced this I “logically” thought that it must be my concern for Susan, who had knee replacement surgery one week prior, that was creeping into my Reiki with the animals.  I tried several times, even approaching different horses, with the same results.  Upon sharing my experience with the others we realized that each of us was experiencing something similar.

Even though the horses had not seen Susan since her surgery they were aware that she was the one that needed healing that day.  And of course….special attention she received!

It was a humbling experience, as well as a good reminder that we are all One.  It is possible to know, feel, or be affected by something that happens to another….regardless of whether what happens is good or bad.  And how appropriate that it was a herd of horses, who live as One whether in the wild or domestically, that reminded us of this.

Diana

Diana

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Farewell To Bravo

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

The first time you meet Bravo you can’t help but be in awe of his majestic physical presence.  A handsome paint that towers above you.  As you get to know him you quickly recognize the power, wisdom and depth of his soul.  Bravo was the alpha horse in the Luv Shack herd, and the best four-legged friend of Luv Shack’s founder Joey Ogburn.

I met Bravo the first time I volunteered Reiki at Luv Shack.  He was accustomed to new volunteers coming into his herd pretty regularly.  However, each was checked out either from a distance or an up close inspection.  I received the later.  A full sniffing from head to toe, particularly my hands.  It wasn’t long before I felt the weight of his majestic head resting in my hands.  The connection was deep and the energy exchange was wonderful.

Over the coming months Bravo and I shared everything from complete respect for each other’s space to full hands on Reiki.  With the wisdom of a leader there were times he knew when others in his herd needed attention, and there were times when he did.  Regardless, I was often greeted by the gate or he would stop by for a few moments while I was roaming amongst the herd.

One of the most memorable experiences I had with Bravo occurred somewhere around four weeks ago.  I think he watched me from the moment I stepped out of my car until I entered the paddock where the herd was.  He watched from a distance as I worked with several of the other horses.  Then he decided it was his turn and approached me.  The herd stepped back to create a path for him and I couldn’t help but picture the scene of royal subjects making way for the king.  It just made me grin.  When he reached me I gently talked to him as his head found its way to my hands and I rubbed his face, neck and body.  It was common for most of our Reiki time to be spent around his eyes and head and today wasn’t any different.  We spent a while in the energetic healing space of Reiki before the energy flow subsided.

I moved on and worked with several others in the herd.  Bravo followed me as I moved from horse to horse, but was keeping enough distance between us so that the horse I was working with was not threatened by his presence.  Then he began to follow me much closer and everyone else backed away.  It turned into a game.  I would turn my back and walk around the paddock and he followed close behind within a foot or so.  There were times I could feel his breath on my neck.  He matched me step for step.  When I sped up, so did he.  When I slowed he did too.  If I made a quick turn to the right or left, he never lost a step and fell in right behind.  I lost count of how many times we circled the paddock.  All the while I was laughing and seeing if I could shake him.  I never did.  I’m not sure which one of us was enjoying it more.

The last time I stopped he came right up behind me and put his nose on my back.  I could feel the warmth and moisture of his breath through my shirt.  It was clear he wanted more Reiki.  And so we entered into the rhythm and flow of another Reiki treatment.  This time when we finished he released a big “Reiki” sigh and I knew we had accomplished what he needed.  Rather than following me out he simply stood with his head lowered adrift in the afterglow of the treatment.  It was a peaceful sight.

Last Friday morning, in a freak accident, Bravo severed his Achilles tendon.  I was just heading to my morning shower when the thought crossed my mind that I should check my phone.  When I did there was a missed call from Joey and a text that read “Please come ASAP”.  I quickly dialed her up and was greeted by tears and a struggle to find words.  I simply told her I was on my way.  Not knowing which horse it was my heart sank as I approached the turnout at a neighbors and saw people gathered around Bravo and blood on his right hind leg.  I could see that Joey was in no position to talk about what had happened so I simply began Reiki flowing to not only Bravo, but all those gathered that morning.  When the vet had him prepared for the trip to the hospital he was loaded on the trailer.  I walked up to the window of the trailer and continued Reiki as they finished closing the trailer and gathered those who were going to the hospital.  Bravo and I shared some incredible final moments, and I had the feeling that this was his last ride.  However, I held out hope because you just never know.  Later that afternoon I learned that the damage was beyond repair and Joey made one of the hardest decisions of her life – to let him go.

Bravo taught me many things.  One of those being to step back and see the larger picture.  How each individual affects the whole, as we are all actually One.  Something very evident in a herd of horses if you stand back and observe.  He also showed by example that there is a big difference between being a leader and being a martyr.  There were times when others needed attention and times when he did.  And he honored that.  Bravo also knew when it was time to have fun and when it was time to be serious and stand your ground.  He was compassionate, wise, and someone everyone looked up to – equine or human.

Godspeed Bravo as you begin your new journey!

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