Welcome!

Animal Reiki Greetings to all!

The focus of this issue working with cats and Reiki. Cats are very sensitive energetically and quickly understand that Reiki will help them. Because they are so sensitive, cats usually prefer Reiki from a distance and always require treatments on their own terms. By keeping this approach in mind, practitioners will find that cats respond very well to treatments, love Reiki and appreciate the healing that is offered.

The first article is by a very talented and intuitive student of mine, Christy Johnston. Her loving and courageous words as her beloved cat nears his transition are truly moving and inspirational. The second article is by a dedicated volunteer and Reiki practitioner in New York, Diane Novak. Her story is from among her first experiences with Reiki, and reminds us all that you don't have to be an expert for Reiki to work! So Reiki I practitioners out there: keep up the wonderful work! The third article I have included is one of my own experiences working with ferals. It reminds us that ANY animal can open to and benefit from the healing power of Reiki! And finally, this month I have included a Reiki client for adoption. Please pass this information on and help us find the right home for Sinatra!

In this month's Readers Questions, I discuss the issue of animals who "don't like Reiki." More often than not, this is a result of the practitioner's approach, rather than the animal's unwillingness to accept Reiki healing. I hope the information I provide will bring new confidence and success in your own Reiki practice.

With Love and Reiki Blessings,
Kathleen

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Riding the Reiki Wave
As I start to write this on March 29th, my kitty, who was resting under my desk on a soft blanket in his bed, emerges, taking in a long drawn-out breath and giving a restricted cough. He is 14 and has a mass growing in his neck, which is now constricting his breathing. He will pass peacefully, I am confident, with the help of Reiki.

The Simple Reiki Graduate
In the last few years my husband I have been giving each other gift certificates for anniversaries and holidays for different things we have wanted through the year. Massage is always top on my list. I made an appointment for a massage with someone I had been going to for several years. Unfortunately, I came down with a horrible case of bronchitis and called to cancel my appointment. My wonderful masseuse Kathy said, "Come anyway; I want to try something on you that I just learned." I agreed hoping the massage would help my miserable cold. After about twenty minutes on the table, Kathy asked if she could do Reiki on me. I thought 'sure, whatever works'. I hadn't a clue what the word meant, but I trusted her.

Reiki and Feral Cats
One of the wonderful things about Reiki is that it can be given from a distance. Thus, it works well with any animal, whether tame, wild, or somewhere in between, as is sometimes the case when treating rescues. In addition, when the Reiki treatment is approached in a way that gives the animal choice, in my experience animals almost always choose to receive the healing that Reiki can offer.

Cat for Adoption!
Moody kitty looking for a Reiki home in which to heal...Are you the perfect person for Sinatra? He is long haired Maine Coon mix, and as you can see from his picture, big and very beautiful.

Sinatra is a 3 year old male cat who has been adopted and returned 3 times to the Berkeley shelter because he is temperamental. He is moody it seems. And in his less than pleasant moods, he may take a lunge at your feet as you walk around the house. He will need an adult household and preferably someone who doesn't mind his moodiness.

Please email Kathleen at info@animalreikisource.com if you would like to give Sinatra a loving home for life.

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Question: What do you do when your animals don't like Reiki?

Answer: This question is a common one. In my experience, many times the animal's attitude results from a defensiveness towards the practitioner, rather than a rejection of Reiki healing.

So to solve this problem, the practitioner must be willing to change her approach to be one that is comfortable to the animal. Of course, if the animal continues to say "no" to Reiki even after the approach has been changed, the practitioner must respect this and stop the treatment. But to help troubleshoot the situation, here are a couple of my golden rules:

First, let go of your desire to do a "hands-on" treatment. Remember to trust Reiki. Even if you are Level I, your intention will allow Reiki to heal the animal from outside a kennel or across the room. If the animal wants hands-on, he will make that very clear!

Second, let go of your desire to be "in control" of the treatment. Allow the animal to control how the treatment is given. This means that from the moment you set your mental attitude and intention, you should be focusing on "offering" rather than "giving" Reiki.

Then, just let Reiki begin flowing. Just focus on relaxing and being a clear channel for the energy. I think you will be surprised at the new acceptance you find!

In my Animal Reiki Workshops and teleclasses, I teach students many other strategies for encouraging animals "choose" Reiki. These are strategies the animals have taught me over the years. Success is all in the approach!

If you'd like to submit a question for our next issue, please e-mail Kathleen at info@animalreikisource.com

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Build our community of Reiki for animals while sharing your knowledge and expertise in Reiki for animals and encouraging and supporting others through your experiences.

Submission Guidelines/Editorial Policy
Articles should not exceed 1,500 words in length, and should reflect the theme of the issue. Pictures are encouraged! Please include a short bio including full name, Reiki level of practice, job title, and city/state of residence. Animal Reiki Source reserves the right to edit text as required. At present, this publication will appear monthly. Articles are due on the 15th of the month preceding publication. For example, articles for the January issue will be due December 15th.

Please send submissions to Kathleen at info@animalreikisource.com

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June 2005: Reiki for Birds and Small Animals
July 2005: Reiki for Shelter and Sanctuary Animals

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Level I Reikiat Brighthaven Sanctuary: May 28th - 29th, 2005, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. both days.

Animal Reiki Workshop: Strategies and Guidelines (Prerequisite: at least Level I Reiki): Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Level II Reiki Class at Brighthaven Sanctuary: July 2005, dates to be announced soon!

Evening teleclass (Prerequisite: at least Level 1 Reiki): Now Forming!
Topic: Practical Strategies and Guidelines for Animal Reiki Practitioners. If you are interested in this option, please contact Kathleen at info@animalreikisource.com

Note: All classes will be held in San Rafael, CA