Newsletter Article

By Diana Gogan

I am always excited to be able to adapt Reiki to the situation, as well as the temperament and needs of the animal. I'm finally learning to put more trust in my intuition about what is best for the animal and to stop feeling inadequate because I don't have a lot of animal Reiki experience. When I listen to the animals, they tell me all I need to know.

This became apparent to me recently when I worked with a mare and a seven-day-old foal that were found wandering in the desert and rescued. How long the mare had been on her own is not known, nor if she delivered her baby before or after she was turned loose. Mom was underweight, her hooves had grown so long they had started to curl, and she had an eye infection. Baby was in good condition.

I was called the same day they were rescued. 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. Mom was watchful and her eyes were large, with the whites showing. Baby, of course, ran behind her. I simply stood at a distance and started the Reiki flowing.

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

Mom's energy was really interesting. It was as if her energy had kicked into survival mode, just like our physical bodies do when threatened and only life-sustaining areas and activities are nourished. I particularly noticed this at her base chakra. So I simply worked on allowing her energy to resume flow in and around her. We had several interruptions as volunteers came to see the newcomers, so the session wasn't peaceful, but it was effective. By the time I left, her energy was, for the most part, flowing freely. In some areas it seemed hesitant, and I plan to follow up with her in another session soon.

It was interesting that several volunteers tried to get close to the baby (she's so cute no one could resist), but Mom 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, a horse who came to the rescue from Fallon Feedlot in Nevada. He had been headed to slaughter and was wild since he arrived in Arizona. In fact, the number sticker he got either at the feedlot or the auction is still on his rump. No one can get near enough to remove it. He's in a turnout, about the size of a round pen, with another horse; we hope the other horse will help calm him down.

As before, when I offered Reiki, 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 got the message he was done. The thought occurred to me that he may be open to distance Reiki, so I plan to do just that.

In light of these experiences, the truth is I'm still working on my listening skills. Feelings of not knowing enough or wondering if I'm doing it "right" still creep in from time to time, but I'm happy to report this happens much less frequently than in the past.

An interesting side note: As of this writing, it's around 110 here in Phoenix. Both of these sessions occurred during the afternoon, during the hottest part of the day. However, once I get started, the heat seems to disappear (and I could say the same for the flies). It's nice that it happens.

About the Author:  Diana Gogan is a Reiki master teacher in Phoenix. She has an active Reiki practice for people and animals, and also volunteers her services at numerous animal shelters and rescues. In addition, she hosts two monthly Reiki shares, one for people and one for animals. Diana is doing what she loves-working with others, human and animal alike, to help create joy-filled lives for all.

She can be reached through her website www.vibrant-expressions.com or at Diana@Vibrant-Expressions.com.

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