I’m so glad you’re here friends, because now more than ever the world needs the Let Animals Lead® community. This is because we dedicate our healing practice of Animal Reiki to the art of holding space for others.
Not just the symbols and mantras, but really all Reiki techniques, as I teach in the Let Animals Lead® method, help us deepen our ability to hold a healing space for animals (and people). But what does it mean, to hold space? I love this quote by Pema Chödrön, and to me it sheds important light on our method and purpose as Animal Reiki practitioners:
“The truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen – room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” —Pema Chödrön
Holding space, as we practice in the Let Animals Lead® method, means consciously being present, open and supportive as we share Reiki. We allow the animal, person, place or situation to just be in that moment. We accept whatever that moment gives, without judgement or ego. We allow it to be what it is, with peace, gratitude and while remembering that truly, “All is Well.”
We use our Animal Reiki meditation practice to cultivate our ability to bring our full attention HERE and NOW without the need to do or fix. In essence, we strive to be Reiki, and know that it is that state of pure presence that is our greatest healing power. We learn to listen (and let go of the words) and practice patience (and let go of the outcome).
Holding space for others means embracing this moment with open-hearted compassion in a way that brings peace. In doing so, we validate and honor the animal’s (or person’s) energy, experience, and healing journey (be it one of joy, suffering, etc.). Disconnection brings so much suffering, but the conscious witnessing we do with full and open-hearted attention reminds the soul that it is not alone, and in fact is innately connected to the universe. And so, in this space of gentle connection, the healing process (and of remembering our innate wholeness) can begin.
Holding space is not something unique to the Animal Reiki community, but our daily meditation practice, as well as our focus on embodying the Reiki precepts in all that we do, strengthens our grounding, positivity and courage to do so, especially in tough situations.
In addition, our animals already do this for us effortlessly, so when we find it difficult, they can lead the way forward, inspiring us to keep trying. We honor them when we can give this gift back 🙂
Has someone (human or animal) ever made a difference in your life by holding space for you? I’d love to hear about it!
Stay safe, be well and may the animals light your way,
