18/11/2017
Reasons why Reiki for Animals is so important to me
I have always felt a close affinity with animals and my experience of Reiki for animals has deepened and strengthened this bond. In long years of illness, many animals have been my helpers, comforters and teachers, and continue to give me the strength and courage to keep going.
In 2008, I made acquaintance with Reiki through Linda Cowan, Reiki Master and Teacher in Fife, where I live. After completing the Reiki Two training, I was very pleased when Linda offered a workshop and certificate in Reiki for Animals. I took the course and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the visit to a Greyhound Rescue Centre for practical experience. It was so good to be able to offer Reiki to these noble creatures, who are bred for and obliged to serve the pleasure of human beings by racing. Many of these unfortunate dogs are discarded when their useful racing life is over, but some of the lucky ones end up at this Rescue Centre, where they are lovingly cared for and often rehomed by the proprietors. The dogs appeared to be appreciative of the Reiki offered, and one animal with behavioural problems was reported to be much calmer and more manageable afterwards.
I have always found animals to be receptive to Reiki, letting me know exactly how much they want and sometimes indicating where they want me to direct the energy. My own cat, Coco, who has been my friend and companion for twelve years, has had numerous health problems throughout his life. He has been literally soaked in Reiki, from myself and from many kind friends and supporters. A few years ago, Coco had to have a very serious ear operation, which was a desperately stressful time for both of us. He took over six months to recover, with various complications and needing to be hospitalised in the veterinary centre time and time again. I have no doubt that it was all the love, Reiki and prayers that pulled both of us through this awful time.
We can be thankful that today there is so much more recognition of the dignity of animals, and awareness of the rights of animals to have the conditions and environment that are suitable for them to lead normal lives according to their species. There is also a growing awareness of the urgent necessity to recognise and respect the invaluable contribution that animals make to the life of our planet, from the lowest life forms to the most highly evolved species. Many highly skilled and courageous people dedicate their lives to healing and protecting animals, and to researching their lives and environment. However, there remains that sector of humanity that continues to regard animals simply as ‘things’, or commodities, placed upon the earth for the use of humans. We hear of appalling acts of exploitation, cruelty and neglect, and ignorant arrogance, visited upon animals individually and collectively. For those of us who love and honour the animal realm, this causes us immense grief and sorrow, and often outrage with a sense of impotence to be able to do anything to help. I find comfort in being able to offer Reiki to suffering animals, or to situations such as habitat loss and degradation which inevitably cause distress and suffering to the creatures involved. Reiki can also be sent to the souls of animals that have passed on, that they may be healed and comforted in their non-material existence.
We are told that species are becoming extinct at an alarming rate, as a direct result of the activities of humans. Nothing could be more pressingly urgent in today’s world than to find ways to help animals and to educate people as to the significance of the animal realm. Without a doubt, if humanity cannot evolve to live in harmony with its fellow inhabitants of the earth, the future of humanity itself is doomed.
Reiki is a great and wonderful power that we can use to help and to bless our fellow creatures, and to enlighten the attitudes of all people in relationship to animals.
The Greyhound
Slender, streamlined body,
Streaking down the track,
A muzzle on her nose
And a number on her back.
Shouts and yelling from the crowd,
She puts forth all her strength,
Chasing but an instinct
As she speeds the race track’s length.
Panting tongue and a blur of legs,
Paws driving on the turf,
Maybe too intent to wonder
‘Is this really all I’m worth?’
Cheering for the winner,
Money changing hands,
But her pounding heart looks only
For one who understands.
Her racing days now over,
What will be her fate?
No longer will she rocket forth
From the race track gate.
In her kennel, waiting,
What will her future be?
The answer lies with all of us,
Folk like you and me.
Her owner cared about her,
She had served him very well,
Brought him in good money,
Riches, truth to tell.
And so he sadly brought her
To a Rescue Home,
Where she could live with other dogs,
Until her time had come.
But for the lucky greyhound
A happy day had come,
A lady fell in love with her
And arrived to take her home.
Her days now passing peacefully,
Sometimes her memory strays
To the noble creatures still at work
And racing all their days.
Trotting by her human friend
On her daily walk,
She thinks of her companions –
If only they could talk.
Some of them discarded,
As rubbish on the heap,
Meeting cruel and heartless end,
Their life snuffed out – so cheap.
What think they of us humans?
What say the angels high?
Kindness makes them happy,
And cruelty makes them cry.
Jacqueline Kemp
