Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 - Cloud Object Storage · Many feel that animal lovers are supposed to...
Transcript of Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 - Cloud Object Storage · Many feel that animal lovers are supposed to...
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
1 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
Animal Reiki Class—Module Two
Hello, and welcome to Module Two! I hope you enjoyed your first two
exercises and are ready to explore further. In this module, we will be looking
more deeply at the ways our empathic connection during Reiki can affect the
animals we work with. We will also discuss distant animal Reiki, as well as
work with different types of animals. At the end of the module, you will find a
list of tools and references that can help you further build your skills with
animal Reiki. Let’s jump right in!
Meditation
You will find that it is really helpful to develop some type of regular
meditation practice to help you in your life and in your Reiki practice. While
this is true in general, I find it is especially true in animal Reiki. The easiest
way to connect with animals is through our meditative state and if we know
how to quickly and easily achieve this and maintain it, then we’re already well
on our way.
As I described in the last lesson, the first part of establishing a connection
during an animal Reiki session is opening your heart and settling into a state
of unconditional love. The HeartMath Institute refers to this state as
coherence and they have dedicated their organization to studying it and its
benefits. i This state connects us more deeply with our intuition and also with
other people and beings.
Our hearts are surrounded by highly charged energy fields. In fact, according
to HeartMath’s Director of Research, Rollin McCraty, “The heart generates the
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
2 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
largest electromagnetic field in the body. The electrical field as measured in an
electrocardiogram (ECG) is about 60 times greater in amplitude than the brain
waves recorded in an electroencephalogram (EEG).” ii
The research at HeartMath indicates that
being able to intentionally connect with the
heart and bring it into a state of coherence
may be a large contributing factor, if not the
contributing factor to the efficacy of healing
techniques such as Reiki. iii Being able to have
a practice that helps you shift into that state
more readily can only enhance your healing
abilities, which is where meditation can help
you a great deal. Of course, animals are always more ready to open up to
someone who is sincerely open-hearted and loving.
A meditation practice doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged on the floor
watching your breath unless that’s what you would like it to be. Breath
meditation is a very simple form of practice and is chosen by many for that
reason. However, others find it excruciatingly boring and tedious, at least at
first.
If you prefer to move, you can easily find a meditative practice that involves
movement, such as yoga, or even running or hiking. Some find a very
meditative state in baking, cleaning or gardening. The idea is to find a
calmness in your heart and your mind so that you can connect with what the
underlying states are there. Allow yourself to settle in and observe, non-
judgmentally, how your body, thoughts and emotions are in that moment.
“The research at HeartMath
seems to indicate that being
able to intentionally connect
with the heart and bring in
into a state of coherence may
be a large contributing factor,
if not the contributing factor
to healing techniques such as
Reiki.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
3 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
You might find this state while doing an activity you enjoy, while paying
attention to your breathing or while simply letting yourself daydream.
A practice I really like for increasing the awareness of the heart and mind was
developed by Dr. Rick Hanson. He calls it
“taking in the good” and it really helps to
develop that sense of warmth and love in our
hearts, so that we become familiar with it
and can readily call it back into our
experience. It becomes easier to radiate it
when we really have a visceral sense of what
it feels like to experience love, joy, and appreciation.
One part of Dr. Hanson’s practice is to notice how we feel when we recall a
joyful memory and allow that warm sensation to sink into our bodies for a
minute or so, really feeling it, or thinking about what it means to you. He
suggests returning to this practice regularly to help your brain and body
become more aware of the feeling. iv
Walks in nature (or around the block) can be a great way to release the
overactive thought processes of the day and is very meditative for some.
Whatever practice or combination of practices works well for you, begin
working with something that helps you return to your heart and find peace
often.
Our Empathic Connection
It is important to be connected to our hearts in love during an animal Reiki
session, just as it is during a session with a person. However, because animals
are so aware of energy and emotions, it is more important than ever that we
“It becomes easier to radiate it
when we really have a visceral
sense of what it feels like to
experience love, joy and
appreciation.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
4 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
develop this connection and that we are aware of our own emotional energy
during a session. Animals will pick up on every emotional signal from you and
from their environment, so we want to be in a state where we are only
vibrating loving and healing energy.
You have probably heard the saying that
animals can smell fear. I’m not sure if they
smell it, but they definitely sense it, along
with a great many other emotions. If love is
the energy coming from your heart, it will
calm their fear, sadness, or anger and it will
be healing to whatever their needs are. If
fear, anger, sadness, guilt or pity is the
energy coming from you, then this will only
upset them. It will detract from any healing
you would like to send.
I want to make a special note about guilt, pity
and their counterpart, self-righteous anger. It can be easy to get caught in
these emotional energies when working in a healing capacity and that is
especially true when working with animals. Some even have the mistaken
belief that it is their duty to feel guilty or angry for the condition of those who
suffer, or to feel pity for them. They mistake these things for compassion and
therefore believe it is part of healing. This is not only unhealthy for the person
offering healing, but also for the one receiving it.
When we relate to someone through the emotional energy of guilt, the healing
is no longer about them. It is about us. We feel we are responsible for their
“Our goal as a Reiki
practitioner is to hold space
for them to come into their
own healing power. We don’t
and can’t do it for them, we
can only be with them as their
system shifts into that state of
resonance. That is why it is so
important for us to be in
resonance first. That is how
we create the space for
them.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
5 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
path or their healing in some way. That disempowers them. Our goal as a Reiki
practitioner is to hold space for them to come into their own healing power.
We don’t and can’t do it for them, we can only be with them as their system
shifts into that state of resonance. That is why it is so important for us to be in
resonance first. That is how we create the space for them.
A similar situation occurs when we pity a client. This emotional energy and
thought process implies the belief that we don’t feel they are capable. Pity is
not the same as compassion. Compassion holds space for healing, with love
and understanding. Pity looks down at another’s misery from above while
shaking your head, feeling hopeless. While it is possible to offer help from
both guilt and pity, compassion is far more healing and empowering.
Self-righteous anger often springs up when we see animals we feel are abused
or that we think should be treated differently. This comes from our underlying
feelings of guilt and pity. Many feel that animal lovers are supposed to feel
angry in these situations--that we are heartless if we aren't angry. Yet anger is
not a healing state to be in. It can sometimes fuel the desire to help, so it can
be useful to a point. But anger more often fuels ego driven ideas, thoughts, and
actions. When we begin speaking, thinking and acting from the place that
another is wrong because they don't share our perspective, we are in
dangerous territory. This place is where all the harm in the world has come
from. We have to remember that there are many perspectives in this world
and we don't have to share or even understand all of them to have
compassion. Our anger gets in the way of healing, if we allow it to consume
our thoughts. It will never be an ally in our healing, though our minds may tell
us otherwise. It can only harm us and those we wish to help. No matter how
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
6 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
right we feel our cause is, we have to cope with our anger or we will
unintentionally cause harm, to yourself and to others--including the animals
you wish to help.
Holding loving energy in your heart while doing an animal Reiki session is the
most healing, kind and compassionate thing you can do. Love truly is a very
powerful and healing energy. That energy frequency radiating from your
heart allows the shift in the animal’s energy field that will create healing and
peace, and that will bring greater balance. Know that the animal you connect
with will readily receive the energy that is contained in your heart. Be open
and loving.
When you connect with an animal via Reiki, you can intentionally send them
images and emotional energy that may help
them on their healing journey. For example, if
you are working with an animal that is in the
late stages of an illness and will be
transitioning soon, or being euthanized, you
can send them loving energy and images of
peace. To do this, feel the energy of the
emotional state you wish to convey in your heart and project that to the
animal from your heart to theirs. You can do the same with an animal that is in
pain and needs help relaxing by sending images of deep relaxation. This helps
to remind them of these feelings in their own mind and body so they can more
easily shift.
You can also share why you are there, either in images, emotional energy,
telepathic/thought messages, or verbal communication. Animals understand
“When you connect with an
animal via Reiki, you can
intentionally send them
images and emotional energy
that may help them on their healing journey.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
7 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
the underlying meaning and intention in what you are saying, even when you
speak verbally and many animals are very good at understanding quite a bit of
our language. In this same way, you can share with them some information
that may help them feel better about their
care or their condition, such as helping them
understand that the medicine they receive is
to help them feel better, or that the
veterinarian is there to help them.
Remember that animals receive images very
well, so when you communicate with them,
try to incorporate images that show your
meaning and intention. Be open to receiving the same from them.
It’s important that you remember that each animal has their own goals,
purpose, and path in life, the same as you and I. Animals are spiritually
evolving creatures, just as we all are. They are sovereign beings, with souls
and a Higher Self. They are our co-creators and can serve as our mentors, if we
allow it, just as we can be theirs. We are part of the path of every animal that
we are in direct relationship with, and they are part of ours.
Distant Animal Reiki
Just as with people, Reiki works very well over great distances. In fact, some
animals seem to prefer distant Reiki, as they can relax in their own natural
environment without an additional person or the distractions of comings and
goings.
I have worked extensively with distant animal Reiki and the caretakers report
the same effects during distant sessions as are seen during an in-person
“It’s important that you
remember that each animal
has their own goals, purpose
and path in life, just as you
and I do. Animals are
spiritually evolving creatures,
just as we are.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
8 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
session. The animals invariably become very calm and sleepy, almost
trancelike. They may twitch during the session or seem to dream very deeply.
Without fail, the caretaker can tell when the session has started and when it
has ended, due to the reaction of the animal.
The caretakers also report that the animal
appears to have a significant reduction in
pain, anxiety and often behavioral issues
after the session. Many times, long term
anxiety and anxiety-related behavioral issues
have cleared up within 3 distant Reiki
sessions. There is no doubt it is effective. In
fact, it may be more effective with animals because they don’t have any
doubts, fears or blocks that prevent them from receiving it. They simply feel
the energy and go with it.
Sending distant Reiki to an animal is not very different than sending distant
Reiki to a person, with regard to the steps to take. The major difference is in
the way the energy feels during the connection. It is much more gentle and
peaceful with animal Reiki, even with a very distressed or sick animal.
To connect using Reiki at a distance, you may find it helpful to use a proxy. I
have a small stuffed beanbag cat that I use for this. I find that having
something to actually put my hands on is very helpful and gives my mind
something to focus on. Having a picture of the animal can be helpful, as well.
Often I will move my hands through the typical Reiki hand positions over the
proxy as I send Reiki via my eyes to the picture of the animal.
“There is no doubt it is
effective. In fact, it may be
more effective with animals
because they don’t have any
doubts, fears or blocks that
prevent them from receiving
it. They simply feel the energy
and go with it.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
9 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
I mentioned in lesson 1 that animals are often overwhelmed by the Reiki
symbols. For that reason, I rarely use them in an in-person session and never
with wild animals, unless at a great distance. However, I usually do use the
symbols when working distantly. It helps to strengthen the connection and I
have never had an adverse effect or reaction at a great distance. You can still
use Reiki without the symbols, even at a distance, and it works quite well. You
may wish to try it both ways and see which way works best for you and the
animals you work with.
If you are Level 2 or above, and are using the symbols, you can start with the
Cho Ku Rei over the proxy or picture (if you are using one), then use the Sei He
Ki, followed by the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. You can also simply imagine the
animal you are sending Reiki to and either draw the symbols in the air or
imagine them.
Just as with an in-person animal Reiki session, you will need to start with an
open heart and a loving heart connection. Clear and release any concerns that
you might be carrying and spend a few moments giving yourself Reiki.
Animals are so sensitive, they pick up on your emotional energy just as well
during a session done at a great distance as they do when the session is done
in person. They can still receive any images or signals that you wish to convey
to them and they will definitely still receive the loving, healing energy that
flows from your heart. They will also receive harmful emotional states, just as
if they were around you, so it is important to clear that with Reiki prior to
starting.
A great way to practice doing animal Reiki, especially distant animal Reiki, is
by volunteering your time. A great resource that is almost always looking for
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
10 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
volunteers is the Distant Healing Network, which has a special request section
for pets and for lost pets. This was one of the ways that I began working with
animal Reiki when I first became attuned to level 2, and it was a great
experience. It can really boost your confidence to work with animal Reiki
every day in that manner and to receive the feedback from those who request
healing for their pets. You won’t always receive feedback, but when you do, it
helps to affirm that the experience you are having is real and that you are
indeed helping.
Practice: Distant Reiki Session
Schedule a time to do a distant Reiki session for an animal. It can be your
own pet, a friend or relative’s pet, or a pet in a shelter or rescue where you
volunteer. Be sure you have permission from their caretaker to treat the
animal and that they are in agreement about the time and day you will be
sending the treatment. Explain to them what to expect during and after the
session, just as you would during an in-person session and offer an
opportunity for feedback afterwards. If you can, do more than one practice
session and treat more than one species of animal, so that you can
experience the differences in their energy. For example, horses tend to feel
very different from dogs or cats, even at a great difference.
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
11 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
Differences in Animals
Each individual animal will feel energetically different, just as each person
does. And each session will feel different, from one time to the next, even with
the same animal. And of course, there is a difference in physical anatomy
between species. Sometimes that difference is quite large, such as between a
snake and a horse. But even the energy will feel drastically different from
species to species. Breeds may even feel very different to you, in some cases.
Don’t worry too much about the differences in physical structure between
animals. As mentioned in the first lesson, you will be working with the
guidance of the animal in each case, as well
as your own intuition. If you have a general
understanding of the animals you intend to
work with, you will do fine, just as when you
work with humans. It is good to know where
their heart, stomach, spleen, liver, bladder,
and other primary organs are so that if their
caregiver mentions an issue in an area, you
know where to place your focus. If a
caregiver mentions an anatomy term that
you aren’t familiar with and you aren’t sure where to treat, or where it may be
too tender to touch, simply ask.
The main thing that you need to keep in mind with treating any animal is their
comfort and respect for their boundaries. For example, a large animal will not
want to be confined to an office or your arms during a session. Similarly, small
animals that typically live in a confined area, such as a tank or a cage, often
“The main thing that you need
to keep in mind with treating
any animal is their comfort
and respect for their
boundaries. In each situation,
allow the animal to be treated
in the environment it calls
“home,” wherever that may be.
They will be most comfortable
and best able to relax there.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
12 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
prefer being treated in their enclosure. Farm animals generally prefer to be
treated in the pasture or barn area that they are most comfortable in. In each
situation, allow the animal to be treated in the environment it calls “home,”
wherever that may be. They will be most
comfortable and best able to relax there. In
many cases, they will also be safest there.
Use your best judgment when placing your
hands on an animal or deciding where to
stand in relation to an animal. Get a feel for
their size, how they move, their mood and
temperament, their physical condition,
including any pain, and their emotional state.
Pay attention to their visual range and step
into their line of sight when you introduce yourself. Move gently and easily
with all animals. Some startle more easily than others, but all like gentle
energy.
As mentioned in the first lesson, never place your hands directly on an animal
at the start of a session, unless the animal has initiated the session and
positioned himself on your hands. Instead, start from a distance as the animal
becomes familiar with the energy and decides how he feels about the session
that day. Move closer only when and if the animal has made it clear that this is
welcome. Sessions can be done from far away or directly hands on, depending
upon the needs of the animal.
Never place your hands over the eyes, ears or mouth of an animal, as this feels
frightening and invasive to them. If they have an injury or illness that needs to
“Never place your hands over
the eyes, ears or mouth of an
animal, as this feels
frightening and invasive to
them. If they have an injury or
illness that needs to be treated
in one of these areas, treat
from a distance or from
several inches above the area
(only if that is comfortable to them).”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
13 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
Animals will give several
different signals when they
are finished with a Reiki
session, such as:
--Waking up and walking
away
--Pushing your hands away
with their paw or nose
--Becoming alert and
active
--Becoming restless or
nervous
--Becoming curious and
interactive when
previously sleeping
--Change in emotional
state
--No longer enjoying the session
SIGNS AN ANIMAL IS DONE WITH TREATMENT
be treated in one of these areas, treat from a
distance or from several inches above the area
(only if that is comfortable to them). If the animal
comes to you and positions one of these areas into
your hands, then that is acceptable, however, pay
attention for signals that she is finished and back
off at that point.
Animals will give several different signals when
they are finished with a Reiki session. Sometimes
they will simply get up from their Reiki nap and
leave, with no more than a stretch as they walk
away. Other times, they push your hands away
with their paws or nudge your hands with their
nose. They may also shift to being more active and
restless after being very relaxed during the
treatment, moving around more, acting curious
and alert. It is usually obvious when they are done,
but at times, you may have to simply pay attention
for a shift in their energy or emotional state. If you see any of these signs or
others that indicate the animal is finished, even if the session has only lasted a
few minutes, stop the treatment. Trust the animal to know what is best for
himself.
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
14 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
More about Animal Communication & Empathy
Over time, if you work with animals enough,
you may begin to “feel” the energy of a specific
species when they are near you. They each have
an energy signature, just as humans do. They
even communicate on an energetic and
empathic level very differently from each other.
Horses are typically very chatty and you may
even pick up word streams from them that are
similar to human language. Dogs project more
images and emotions in the energy
communication they send. Cats vibrate their
personalities and feelings very strongly and
send images and frequencies that radiate that, but they don’t usually send the
number of images that dogs do.
Reptiles, spiders, and many insects send mostly strong energy frequencies,
which occasionally hold images in their patterns. Butterflies and dragonflies
often radiate sensation and emotional energy, as well. Hive insects are very
strong frequency generators and send images well, though not in the same
way as mammals.
Birds are very interesting to connect with. They vibrate at different
frequencies, colors, and sounds, as you might expect. They do send images,
though differently than mammals. They frequently send emotional energy,
especially the emotional energy of love and bonding, comfort and joy, and
curiosity.
“Over time, if you work with
animals enough, you may
begin to “feel” the energy of a
specific species when they are
near you. They each have an
energy signature, just as
humans do. They even
communicate on an energetic
and empathic level very
differently from each other.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
15 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
Treating very large animals, such as those in a zoo, is something I have done
occasionally, both distantly and when visiting the zoo. It is an amazing thing to
connect with an animal that is large and powerful, or untamed. They are
deeply empathic and intelligent, incredibly connected to the Earth and their
instincts. All animals have their own personalities and needs, regardless of
size or species.
Remember that you may not pick up empathic or telepathic information from
animals during Reiki. Not all practitioners do. It doesn’t mean the Reiki isn’t
working or that you aren’t connected. Don’t allow worry about this to
interfere with your practice! You also may not pick up anything each time, or
pick up anything of any significance. This is why I encourage you not to make
animal communication the goal of your animal Reiki practice. Doing so can
really interfere with the session and lead to
feelings of disappointment and ego.
I mention the animal communication aspect
primarily so that you can be aware of energy
differences between animals, and to show that
while it can sometimes be a part of a session, it
is a minimal aspect of Reiki treatment. It’s
something that happens in the background of a
session, and while it may help you to
understand the richness of the energy of the
animal you are working with, it isn’t necessary to help them. Only the love in
your heart and Reiki are necessary for that. You may happen to receive this
“It can be tempting to believe
that if we are receiving
information from the animal,
that we are responsible for
their emotions and their path,
or that we have to become
involved in the outcome of
their care. But that is allowing
your ego to place you in the
role of living someone else’s
journey.”
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
16 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
type of connection, or not, but it doesn’t make Reiki work better if you do.
Reiki flows and helps, either way.
Additional Pointers
It’s really important that you remember to separate yourself and your own
needs, agendas and wishes from your animal client and the Reiki session. This
is particularly true if you begin to pick up a strong empathic connection to the
animals.
It can be tempting to believe that if we are receiving information from the
animal, that we are responsible for their emotions and their path, or that we
have to become involved in the outcome of their care. But that is allowing
your ego to place you in the role of living someone else’s journey. It is not
healthy for anyone, not to mention the impossibility of it. You will burn out
quickly, and probably find yourself ill in the process if you do this for long, so
keep an eye on it and keep it in check. Remember your role is simply to hold
the space for love, compassion and Reiki to flow. Nothing more. And yet, that
is doing so much.
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
17 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
One way to do this exercise might be to go to the local animal shelter and treat
one or two of the animals there as you walk through. Or you could go to a local
pet shop and discreetly treat the animals there as you visit. This was one way I
practiced in the beginning and it offered a wide variety of animals to treat,
including fish, reptiles of all types, spiders, rodents, birds, and a hermit crab!
The zoo is also an option, though this exercise is aimed mostly at pets and
tame animals.
In any of these scenarios, leave the animal in its enclosure! Don’t try to get in
with it or place your hands inside the glass or wires. You will only frighten and
endanger the animal, and possibly yourself. Remember, Reiki is not bound by
those things, but connects through the energy field of life that is everywhere.
Your intention to send Reiki and the love in your heart will connect you. You
will see the response in the animal right away if you watch. You won’t doubt it
is working.
Exercise: Treating Unfamiliar Animals, In-Person
For this exercise, you can choose a pet or domesticated animal to treat that
you don’t know or have a connection with. Offer Reiki for a few minutes, or
as long as feels comfortable to both of you. It can be a good idea to step
outside of your comfort zone a little bit and seek an animal that you may
not have thought of treating or that you feel slightly uneasy with, but that
isn’t necessary. I don’t suggest something you are terrified of! It will be too
hard for you to connect to that loving space in your heart if you are in fear.
Animal Reiki Class, Module 2 | Angie Webster
18 | P a g e © 2016, Angie Webster serenityenergyhealing.com
It’s especially important with caged animals to be certain that you are paying
attention to the signals and behavior from the animal. Only send Reiki if the
animal appears to be receptive and stop the moment they let you know they
are done, just as with any other animal.
If you already volunteer at a shelter, or you are a veterinarian, vet tech or
otherwise work with animals directly, it is fine to do this last exercise with an
animal you work with, as long as you have permission to treat the animal
hands-on.
Recommended Reading & References
Distant Healing Network, volunteer sign up page.
Animal Reiki: Using Energy to Heal the Animals in your Life by Kathleen
Prasad & Elizabeth Fulton
Elizabeth Fulton, The Top 5 Things Your Animal Wants You to Know!
i https://www.heartmath.org/support/faqs/research/ ii https://www.heartmath.org/articles-of-the-heart/science-of-the-heart/the-energetic-heart-is-unfolding/ iii
https://www.heartmath.org/research/research-library/energetics/electricity-of-touch/ iv http://www.rickhanson.net/take-in-the-good/
Photo credit: Pixabay.com