When our animals are sick, it can be very difficult to stay positive. The more upset and emotional we become, the more it weighs upon our animals, as they are so sensitive to our inner states. Here are four ways to shift into the positive when life gets us down:

1. Look inward.

Through your own personal daily meditation practice, you will heal layer upon layer within yourself. As you shed these layers, like peeling an onion, you will uncover your bright and beautiful inner light. And, yes, there may be tears. 🙂 But they are good tears of healing and release. The more you can see the bright light in yourself, the more you can recognize it in someone else. You will begin to be able to see animals in a different way! This all starts within your own experience—only then can you share it with others.

2. See with your “Reiki eyes.”

In other words, see with your heart. See more deeply than the surface of things. Realize that the true essence of the animal is always perfect, no matter what physical issues may be faced.

3. Notice the silver lining.

In any situation, there is always a positive. Sometimes, while sitting with a very sick dog in a chaotic shelter setting, I would look up at the sky and admire the beauty of the clouds and be grateful to be alive and healthy enough to help someone else in that moment. Or when sitting with a hospice animal at BrightHaven, I would realize the blessings of love and peacefulness surrounding the animal—how wonderful they managed to come to BrightHaven for his or her final chapter in this life.

4. Find an affirmation as a mantra.

Pick a positive word and use that to focus your mind when it begins to turn toward fearful or emotional thinking. For example, if you are sharing Reiki with a fearful dog, try using the word “love.” If you are sharing Reiki with an animal who is in pain, try using the word “peace.” Bring your whole heart to this word and chant it to yourself each time your mind begins to focus on what is “wrong” in that moment.

The more that our energy releases fear and sadness, the more we can radiate love and compassion. This beautiful positivity radiates all around us and will help animals to remember their own self-healing power. Animals will be drawn to be with us even when they don’t feel well because they feel our positive energy. We can walk this journey of healing side by side. The most powerful healing gift we can give to them when they are facing illness is our clear sight: seeing them as they really are—as beautiful perfect bright lights!

Do you have any secrets for staying positive when your animal is sick?

Support yourself and the animals you love through our special Healing Support Package. This on-demand series of courses will give you practical tools for improving your life through meditation and with the presence of your animals.